Hattikins
Well-Known Member
Well firstly she wasn't really a baggage but it just kinda suits her! 
In fact I was super impressed with her! Did a pretty poor dressage - nothing dire with it, just rough round the edges for our first Novice test and consequently scored 38 which was disappointing but a completely fair mark. Very pleased however that she warmed up beautifully so I know the potential is there and I can recreate her home work at competitions, just need to carry it into the arena - still work in progress but promising. No explosions at all either YAY! not even an inkling that she might
Cue 3 hour wait until SJing, as PNplus-ers obviously had to wait for all the PNs to jump first. Nice course, slightly sticky take offs and landings but Hatts jumped really very well - very clean and seemed really happy. So a nice clear round there
Quick change of tack and straight off to the XC telling myself
1. I must use an agricultural rein aid if she even entertains the idea of taking a hold out of the start box
2. I must quietly check her 10 strides out to give her the best possible approach to each fence
3. I must go inside the optimum time, but must not become a headless chicken in pursuit of it!!
4. I must enjoy it!!
and I can honestly say I can tick each of those 4 points on my checklist (very rarely is that true!) - she was an absolute dream! Went to take a hold before fence one and I held her head - she questioned my action for a split second, then agreed with me and we cruised round in a lovely rhythm, pushing her on between fences and then checking in plenty of time that she was with me before fences - worked a complete treat! So a lovely clear, inside the optimum time (which i kept in mind but didn't push for) and a very thrilled Hattikins who most certainly enjoyed it, as did the Hattie monster too!
So great day - I doubt anywhere near a placing as dressage was so incredibly poor for the section, but Im so happy to take away a double clear in preparation for SofE Novice
Few piccies from today: (please excuse lower leg - definitely needs a bit of securing!)
Can offer a couple of scotch eggs, half a cup of cold tea and ginger biscuits if anyone's interested!
In fact I was super impressed with her! Did a pretty poor dressage - nothing dire with it, just rough round the edges for our first Novice test and consequently scored 38 which was disappointing but a completely fair mark. Very pleased however that she warmed up beautifully so I know the potential is there and I can recreate her home work at competitions, just need to carry it into the arena - still work in progress but promising. No explosions at all either YAY! not even an inkling that she might Cue 3 hour wait until SJing, as PNplus-ers obviously had to wait for all the PNs to jump first. Nice course, slightly sticky take offs and landings but Hatts jumped really very well - very clean and seemed really happy. So a nice clear round there
Quick change of tack and straight off to the XC telling myself
1. I must use an agricultural rein aid if she even entertains the idea of taking a hold out of the start box
2. I must quietly check her 10 strides out to give her the best possible approach to each fence
3. I must go inside the optimum time, but must not become a headless chicken in pursuit of it!!
4. I must enjoy it!!
and I can honestly say I can tick each of those 4 points on my checklist (very rarely is that true!) - she was an absolute dream! Went to take a hold before fence one and I held her head - she questioned my action for a split second, then agreed with me and we cruised round in a lovely rhythm, pushing her on between fences and then checking in plenty of time that she was with me before fences - worked a complete treat! So a lovely clear, inside the optimum time (which i kept in mind but didn't push for) and a very thrilled Hattikins who most certainly enjoyed it, as did the Hattie monster too!
So great day - I doubt anywhere near a placing as dressage was so incredibly poor for the section, but Im so happy to take away a double clear in preparation for SofE Novice
Few piccies from today: (please excuse lower leg - definitely needs a bit of securing!)
Can offer a couple of scotch eggs, half a cup of cold tea and ginger biscuits if anyone's interested!
