Folara
Well-Known Member
Well I have not posted for such a long time as really there has been nothing to report.
For those of you who remember - Gen was having some 'issues' and so we decided to go back to basics and not compete till we were happier (and he was as well).
So off to BRC on Friday. Mike seemed pretty chilled but I was a bag of nerves - I might not be the rider but I am a terrible stress head.
Needed to leave at about 9am so got up and turned Gen out for a couple of hours before hand to keep him chilled out. Luckily although his field resembles a swamp just for once he DIDNT roll. I had bathed the day before but was prepared to give him a quick wash if needed.
Got there with plenty of time and thanks to my friend Lin we didnt get lost. Gen was still chilled (
phew).
Gen hates the entrance to the indoor school there and I had to grab him and drag him in - but once in he settled so we disappeared and left Mike to it - Gen is better without his 'mummy' around.
First test - Novice 25 - a bit tense looking and perhaps not flowing as forward as we would have liked. The halt at the end was more like a screech to a halt! He was ok tho and not spooking or getting too 'hot'.
Second test - Novice 27 - much better. He was flowing forward and moving really nicely. His canter work was much better than I have seen it for a while - especially at a competition. He didnt look tense at all and Mike was really pleased with his attitude etc.
Results: 2nd in the first class with 65.something% and got £14.00 prize money. Judge was good and some very fair comments.
2nd in the second class with 67.something% and another £14.00. Again judge was good but did say she thought Gen got a bit strong in trot. Trouble is his 'big' trot is very powerful and I guess she thought he was being strong although Mike said he never got heavy.
We were slightly deflated as the second class was the qualifier and were beaten by 1 mark. Mike added up the scores again just to be certain. Also up on the board the other person was down as Training but they had obviously got that wrong.
So all in all an excellent day - just the fact Gen was much happier looking and far more settled in his work. Fingers crossed he keeps it up now.
For those of you who remember - Gen was having some 'issues' and so we decided to go back to basics and not compete till we were happier (and he was as well).
So off to BRC on Friday. Mike seemed pretty chilled but I was a bag of nerves - I might not be the rider but I am a terrible stress head.
Needed to leave at about 9am so got up and turned Gen out for a couple of hours before hand to keep him chilled out. Luckily although his field resembles a swamp just for once he DIDNT roll. I had bathed the day before but was prepared to give him a quick wash if needed.
Got there with plenty of time and thanks to my friend Lin we didnt get lost. Gen was still chilled (
Gen hates the entrance to the indoor school there and I had to grab him and drag him in - but once in he settled so we disappeared and left Mike to it - Gen is better without his 'mummy' around.
First test - Novice 25 - a bit tense looking and perhaps not flowing as forward as we would have liked. The halt at the end was more like a screech to a halt! He was ok tho and not spooking or getting too 'hot'.
Second test - Novice 27 - much better. He was flowing forward and moving really nicely. His canter work was much better than I have seen it for a while - especially at a competition. He didnt look tense at all and Mike was really pleased with his attitude etc.
Results: 2nd in the first class with 65.something% and got £14.00 prize money. Judge was good and some very fair comments.
2nd in the second class with 67.something% and another £14.00. Again judge was good but did say she thought Gen got a bit strong in trot. Trouble is his 'big' trot is very powerful and I guess she thought he was being strong although Mike said he never got heavy.
We were slightly deflated as the second class was the qualifier and were beaten by 1 mark. Mike added up the scores again just to be certain. Also up on the board the other person was down as Training but they had obviously got that wrong.
So all in all an excellent day - just the fact Gen was much happier looking and far more settled in his work. Fingers crossed he keeps it up now.
