_jetset_
Well-Known Member
Ok, well it is technically her third one having done one HC in April and another HC in June (both of which got low 50%s)
This was her first one for a score
This morning I had a major stress about the tests because I just couldn't remember them
This, coupled with a few other things, made me a bit nervous about the day, but I made myself get there with plenty of time and even remembered some money for the gorgeous cake they sell at the venue.
The first test was N38... I have never ridden through this test before, and was struggling to remember where to canter
Han warmed up really nicely, was powering through from behind and felt nice and loose in her jaw
However, when we went into the arena there were a few puddles and she took an instant dislike to them
The first bit of the test went nicely (7s and 6s) but then I forgot to canter at F, and only realised (after panic) at K
I got myself in a bit of a fluster, which was not helped by Han thinking she was being ever so clever and doing walk to canter transitions (we have been working on these at home quite a bit) when I wanted the trot, walk, trot movement
Oh, and did I mention my complere inability to do a 15m circle (there are 4 in the test!!!)
I was not surprised when we came away with 58.8% but hey ho! I ummed and ahhed about doing the elementary, but thought what the hell and after a yummy sausage sandwich and piece of cake I tacked up an hour before my time and did a lot of walking in the warm up to get her to relax again.
She felt fantastic in the elementary warm up, a bit more relaxed through the back. I did some travers and gentle half pass because it really helps me get her up in the shoulder and listening to me (I have started these in my lessons) and she just made me grin because she felt, and looked, really nice
It came the time for the test, and I have to admit that sometimes I feel a bit intimidated by all the huge moving warmbloods on my little carthorse
Bless her, she will never move like them, but we went in with our heads held high today because I was really enjoying riding her, and that is what is most important
She did a lovely test! There were a few sticky bits that I know I have to work on, for example her medium trot got a 7 in the Novice, and a 6 in the Elementary (we need more consistency in that) and we had some wobbly moments but I came out feeling really pleased with her.
Can you imagine my shock and the size of my smile when I discovered she had been given 64.4something%???
I never expected this kind of mark today, especially after the Novice, but it has made me feel more positive about taking her out at elementary now, whereas before I wondered whether I was nuts
I don't know whether she was placed because I came away before the class had finished.
This morning I had a major stress about the tests because I just couldn't remember them
The first test was N38... I have never ridden through this test before, and was struggling to remember where to canter
The first bit of the test went nicely (7s and 6s) but then I forgot to canter at F, and only realised (after panic) at K
I was not surprised when we came away with 58.8% but hey ho! I ummed and ahhed about doing the elementary, but thought what the hell and after a yummy sausage sandwich and piece of cake I tacked up an hour before my time and did a lot of walking in the warm up to get her to relax again.
She felt fantastic in the elementary warm up, a bit more relaxed through the back. I did some travers and gentle half pass because it really helps me get her up in the shoulder and listening to me (I have started these in my lessons) and she just made me grin because she felt, and looked, really nice
It came the time for the test, and I have to admit that sometimes I feel a bit intimidated by all the huge moving warmbloods on my little carthorse
She did a lovely test! There were a few sticky bits that I know I have to work on, for example her medium trot got a 7 in the Novice, and a 6 in the Elementary (we need more consistency in that) and we had some wobbly moments but I came out feeling really pleased with her.
Can you imagine my shock and the size of my smile when I discovered she had been given 64.4something%???
I don't know whether she was placed because I came away before the class had finished.
