milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
Oh my word, I've been looking forward to this day for such a long time. We haven't taken Millie out to a show since September 2013, since in October 2013 she bust a splint bone and then in Feb 2014 boogered a check ligament.
A thus-far uninjured front leg came up in the field the other day, so after some caution and a second opinion, plus the purchase of ice vibe boots, I concluded that we just had to crack on before more of the wheels started to fall off
The day started off badly, as we were on fumes in the lorry and in my haste to leave work early I had forgotten to pack my purse, so it was on a wing and a prayer that we continued our journey to Summerhouse. The traffic was awful so we were 30 mins late, which equated to about a 15 minute warm up by the time Millie was tacked up and I was kind of dressed. I felt that Millie was a bit flat but as she was in season, I was just pleased to have her cooperation. And as we haven't been to a party for *so* long, I was also happy that she was not wild beyond reason and pulling my arms out.
We steered round Medium 69 sweetly enough for 65%. I thought that she had been obedient but a bit behind my leg, soft *enough* but not really any sparkle, to be expected after a long journey and without a break to relax before we had to start work.
We had a short break and I let her stand on the lorry to eat some hay and chill.
Tack back on for Medium 75, which has always been my downfall -it's a busy test and requires the horse to be really on the aids. When I've ridden it before, I've just piloted around the test in a blur hoping for the best, but at home I've found that we've come on a step in the training, and I now have enough time in the test to think, and prepare movements rather than just whang round the arena!
I went for a short, focussed warm up to get Millie in front of my leg and switched on. There were some very smart horses so I was beginning to feel daunted, but I was first to go after a withdrawal in the class so pulled my socks up and got on with it. Cantered up the centre line, halt, salute, look at judge, realise who it is, heart sinks.. it was Lady Inchcape, who has been fair but rather blunt when I've ridden for her before
Anyway, I've paid my money so I'm just going to do my best, right? Can always cry over the test sheet with a glass of wine later. Needn't have worried, Millie was with me all the way round, and I was fully conscious throughout!
A few little wobbles with the left canter half pass, and she went a bit fussy in her mouth for the rein back, but otherwise tried her little socks off.
[video=youtube;9xX60Z4JVvg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xX60Z4JVvg[/video]
I may have actually squeaked quite a bit on picking up the score sheet - 72% with a good scattering of 8s and a 9! Comment from Lady I 'pleasure to judge'. I am on cloud 9
I THINK we've qualified for regionals in one go with 7 points in the qualifier and 3 in the non qualifier for Med restricted. Will phone the office to check, but I am thinking perhaps we will go this time
Some pics
Back in the field
Standing like a lame donkey as she's waiting to mug me for my apple core!
I've got a new curb on order and if that suits then we will get a proper bradoon, but I'm really happy that she's gone so well in the double as it's the first time we've used it at a show.
In other news, Kira is looking more like the sports cob she should be, and has started leaping little jumps which is great fun.
Armas is doing lots of walk hacking and bits in the school to start rebuilding the topline he lost during his holiday. 3-horse days are a struggle with work on top, but who needs to watch TV, sleep, etc
A thus-far uninjured front leg came up in the field the other day, so after some caution and a second opinion, plus the purchase of ice vibe boots, I concluded that we just had to crack on before more of the wheels started to fall off
The day started off badly, as we were on fumes in the lorry and in my haste to leave work early I had forgotten to pack my purse, so it was on a wing and a prayer that we continued our journey to Summerhouse. The traffic was awful so we were 30 mins late, which equated to about a 15 minute warm up by the time Millie was tacked up and I was kind of dressed. I felt that Millie was a bit flat but as she was in season, I was just pleased to have her cooperation. And as we haven't been to a party for *so* long, I was also happy that she was not wild beyond reason and pulling my arms out.
We steered round Medium 69 sweetly enough for 65%. I thought that she had been obedient but a bit behind my leg, soft *enough* but not really any sparkle, to be expected after a long journey and without a break to relax before we had to start work.
We had a short break and I let her stand on the lorry to eat some hay and chill.
Tack back on for Medium 75, which has always been my downfall -it's a busy test and requires the horse to be really on the aids. When I've ridden it before, I've just piloted around the test in a blur hoping for the best, but at home I've found that we've come on a step in the training, and I now have enough time in the test to think, and prepare movements rather than just whang round the arena!
I went for a short, focussed warm up to get Millie in front of my leg and switched on. There were some very smart horses so I was beginning to feel daunted, but I was first to go after a withdrawal in the class so pulled my socks up and got on with it. Cantered up the centre line, halt, salute, look at judge, realise who it is, heart sinks.. it was Lady Inchcape, who has been fair but rather blunt when I've ridden for her before
Anyway, I've paid my money so I'm just going to do my best, right? Can always cry over the test sheet with a glass of wine later. Needn't have worried, Millie was with me all the way round, and I was fully conscious throughout!
A few little wobbles with the left canter half pass, and she went a bit fussy in her mouth for the rein back, but otherwise tried her little socks off.
[video=youtube;9xX60Z4JVvg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xX60Z4JVvg[/video]
I may have actually squeaked quite a bit on picking up the score sheet - 72% with a good scattering of 8s and a 9! Comment from Lady I 'pleasure to judge'. I am on cloud 9
I THINK we've qualified for regionals in one go with 7 points in the qualifier and 3 in the non qualifier for Med restricted. Will phone the office to check, but I am thinking perhaps we will go this time
Some pics
Back in the field
Standing like a lame donkey as she's waiting to mug me for my apple core!
I've got a new curb on order and if that suits then we will get a proper bradoon, but I'm really happy that she's gone so well in the double as it's the first time we've used it at a show.
In other news, Kira is looking more like the sports cob she should be, and has started leaping little jumps which is great fun.
Armas is doing lots of walk hacking and bits in the school to start rebuilding the topline he lost during his holiday. 3-horse days are a struggle with work on top, but who needs to watch TV, sleep, etc
