jester_ben
Well-Known Member
The last time I wrote a report was back in 2012...I just feel I need to write about today!
Eventing has been something I have always wanted to do, yet never had the chance to really do it (par the one day events at a riding school; not to offend theses horses, as all have helped with experiences! BUT it's a bit different on your own), until the last couple of months. Today was my first ever proper event...and the horse's too. I've had the ride on this lovely horse for just over 6 months (who has mostly hunted previously) and he keeps growing in attitude and ability.
SO. This morning started at 4.30am..something I definitely haven't done for a while..off to the yard to finish off plaiting/final touches/generally running around like a headless chicken and on the box. I wasn't on my own; friend came with her horse for their first event of the season, which helped with the nerves!
We arrived in good time, enough to walk the cross country course. Aston's xc seemed friendly, and not too complicated. Then to tack up for some stressage. Bay one coped very well with the warm up, calm as anything and generally felt good. Once into the dressage ring, I felt slightly rushed; soon as I passed the judges, competitor still walking up the side, the bell rang! Que confused "Is that for me?!". So definitely bits to work on but overall happy with him. It's quite a distracting arena with many other arenas working and horses walking on the side but not a problem. 28.8.
Onto the show jumping. I wouldn't say this is his forte but once again proved me wrong with a lovely clear round with no issues. I know it was 80cm but still, loads of things could have gone wrong i.e. he could have found it quite boring and played skittles instead or that ferocious looking wall could have eaten us. Not today!!
Then the cross country. This is were it felt "proper". They had a start box, ekk!! Again, Mr Cool was awesome, and jumped everything without too much encouragement. Walking around the course, I did wonder how I was going to fit in the course within the optimum time but then I felt it rode quite fast! Sadly, I did get some time faults...my fault really as he slowed up when I asked. This timing malarkey is quite confusing! Might need to invest in a big watch..I was in the top 20 though, so not all bad aha!
But I really couldn't ask anymore of him. Throughout the day, he had been such a dream; I have no other words. I cannot wait to see how he does with other events now and possibly move up to 90 next time. For sure however, I have the bug! I really am over the moon, and feels like my dream is coming true. Touch wood!
Crossed fingers for everyone for the up and coming season and thank you for reading :thumbup:
Eventing has been something I have always wanted to do, yet never had the chance to really do it (par the one day events at a riding school; not to offend theses horses, as all have helped with experiences! BUT it's a bit different on your own), until the last couple of months. Today was my first ever proper event...and the horse's too. I've had the ride on this lovely horse for just over 6 months (who has mostly hunted previously) and he keeps growing in attitude and ability.
SO. This morning started at 4.30am..something I definitely haven't done for a while..off to the yard to finish off plaiting/final touches/generally running around like a headless chicken and on the box. I wasn't on my own; friend came with her horse for their first event of the season, which helped with the nerves!
We arrived in good time, enough to walk the cross country course. Aston's xc seemed friendly, and not too complicated. Then to tack up for some stressage. Bay one coped very well with the warm up, calm as anything and generally felt good. Once into the dressage ring, I felt slightly rushed; soon as I passed the judges, competitor still walking up the side, the bell rang! Que confused "Is that for me?!". So definitely bits to work on but overall happy with him. It's quite a distracting arena with many other arenas working and horses walking on the side but not a problem. 28.8.
Onto the show jumping. I wouldn't say this is his forte but once again proved me wrong with a lovely clear round with no issues. I know it was 80cm but still, loads of things could have gone wrong i.e. he could have found it quite boring and played skittles instead or that ferocious looking wall could have eaten us. Not today!!
Then the cross country. This is were it felt "proper". They had a start box, ekk!! Again, Mr Cool was awesome, and jumped everything without too much encouragement. Walking around the course, I did wonder how I was going to fit in the course within the optimum time but then I felt it rode quite fast! Sadly, I did get some time faults...my fault really as he slowed up when I asked. This timing malarkey is quite confusing! Might need to invest in a big watch..I was in the top 20 though, so not all bad aha!
But I really couldn't ask anymore of him. Throughout the day, he had been such a dream; I have no other words. I cannot wait to see how he does with other events now and possibly move up to 90 next time. For sure however, I have the bug! I really am over the moon, and feels like my dream is coming true. Touch wood!
Crossed fingers for everyone for the up and coming season and thank you for reading :thumbup:
