Massive huge update!

Pigeon

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Busy few days! So firstly. The little Pipkin.

Had a lesson on thursday with no stirrups. Try 45 minutes of riding a thoroughbred who has vertical shoulders and is three inches taller at the hindquarters than the withers - if that doesn't give you a six pack I don't know what will! It was really good though, working on letting my legs hang, and engaging my core to prevent loss of rhythm (a.k.a, tried to stop him p***ing off across the arena). I've never really gone without stirrups and it was quite shocking how hard it is! Definitely recommend it though, highlights any rider flaws ;)

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And then on Saturday we went to a BD, which is new and terrifying for us. Also, Novice 37. What is up with that test? It's basically an elementary. (two halt salutes, rein back, 10m circles, give and retake in what is essentially counter canter) It was so insanely hot, the test was so long and complicated and the standard of competitors so good, that I nearly got off and went home. ;)

However, the little Pip was absolutely amazing, and really pulled it out the bag. He really tried for me, which if I'm honest has probably only happened once or twice ;) We had some silly mistakes on my part (totally lost in the long arena) but he was so calm! Which is really all I want (maybe it needs to be about 30 degrees for him to be sane) so I was completely thrilled with his behaviour, and not expecting a great mark because of the getting lost thing...

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And then this!!! 3rd place! Out of 15!!!! Absolutely shocked haha.

Also this class was a Qualifier, but I honestly don't know what that means? I read the page, I think it means I need to enter a certain number of qualifiers and get certain percentages but I honestly am none the wiser. Not to mention I don't even know what I'm attempting to qualify for :p

And some pics. Love this guy!

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And...

Another HUGELY MASSIVELY EXCITING thing!

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;)
 
Well done in the Novice! That's a fab result. Qualifier means you can collect the points and if you get enough you can enter a Regional final. There's a handbook on the BD website about it - I had to read it a few times to get it mind you ;)

And who is the gorgeous new one?! I love the markings.
 
Very pleased for you.

I also have a horse a fair amount higher at the back lol. I have an ideal Suzannah and still struggle with no stirrups lol
 
Looks fab did you do 45 mins without stirrups?? You crazy lady �� but sounds like it did good. Congrats on the qual even if you don't quite know what it's for haha ! He's lovely and certainly doesn't look bum high in those pics
 
I love it that you have no idea what you may have qualified for and what a qualifier is :)

He looks stunning! Very handsome boy.

Spotty bottom looks very nice too!

What a nice update. x
 
45 minutes without stirrups?!!! You are super woman! I was working without stirrups this week and was exhausted; I was sure I had been at it for at least 20 minutes because I was tired...looked at the watch, a measly 6 minutes had done me in.

Well done! You are trying to qualify for the regionals. You need a certain amount of points, each score over a certain percentage gives you certain points regardless of placings, you need some points from qualifiers (more difficult tests) and the rest can be from non-qualifiers. Then again the entire system is about to be changed to something so complicated no one seems to understand it despite BD running seminars on it so I am not sure there is any point to getting to grips with how it works now.
 
Wow, he looks fab well done! Bet you're glad you affiliated!

Last month I had 4, hour long lunge lessons in a week.....it killed me but I had killer abs at the end of it! Your post has prompted me to do a session without stirrups...might do one tonight!

The new one looks lovely, looking forward to updates!
 
Thanks guys :) Yes so glad I finally went out and did affiliated! Was SO scared to try :p

Tiarella yes!! So weird! He was pretty popular I think!

Haha Booboos I am sort of getting my head around it. I found a table, it says minimum score 65, so do points from lower scores not count? I find it complicated enough already! I read the article on the changes in BD magazine and it went totally over my head ;)

Charlie that's so funny! It's actually where my mum grew up, bet you have some shared acquaintances haha!

Bit more info on new boy here;

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?707665-Another-update
 
No, lower scores do not generate points. It's a nightmare and about to. Get worse. Over at the BD forum even the BD officials are getting stroppy because they can't answer questions about it. It will be a very interesting year!
 
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