Our first proper BD!

[miss_c]

'Proper' because we did one this time last year on a ticket, but since then have only done unaffiliateds. We've taken the plunge and registered, so yesterday was our first outing!

We went to Home Farm near Cheltenham and firstly WOW, what a wonderful venue! Miles better than anything we have in Bristol. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful, including a fellow competitors mother who offered to take off Genie's bandages for me as my support crew was still on her way - thank you somebody's mother if you read this! It was very much appreciated!

Genie used to find dressage really difficult, and our tests were known as 'express' tests as we finished them so quickly. Thanks to a brilliant trainer both of us have improved no end over the last year and I felt that it really showed yesterday. She warmed up well and the wonderful trendybraincell arrived to take some photos of the end of our warmup...

We then went into their lovely indoor arena for our test (Prelim 13). I was very pleased with how Genie went, yes she went overbent and on the forehand but we were expecting that and it's something that is improving. She did what I asked when I asked which is an enormous improvement on how she used to be!

Anyhow, we won it with 63.7%!!! I was over the moon and Genie got lots of pats (which she hated, she's not a cuddly horse...).

An ENORMOUS thank you to trendybraincell for driving all that way to support us and be our personal paparazzi! You know how much it is appreciated but I'll keep on telling you!!!

And just to show you what Genie used to be like....

(Yes, it was us who squished that board in the background)

Thank you for reading!

 

[applestroodle]

She is gorgeous!!! Very well done!!

 

[OneInAMillion]

WOW what a difference big well done to both of you, it is always amazing the difference a trainer can make!

 

[MardyMare]

Well done - gosh what an improvement - all your hard work and perserverance has paid off and what a fab score You both look very smart

 

[I See Clover]

Well done!

 

[Lolo]

That improvement is amazing- Genie is the HHO horse I'd like to ride the most, she looks like a absolute blast Glad she's feeling better too!

(can I also say you look like you've lost lots of weight, which makes me very jealous- I'm trying to do so and failing!)

 

[DaisyDoll]

Wow! Love the canter pics- she really steps right under herself doesn't she!

 

[monkeybum13]

I'm annoyed I couldn't make it, sounds like you had a great day. Genie is looking fabulous, roll on Cricklands

Great photos from trendybraincell as usual

 

[Tr0uble]

Lovely pics!

Can I just point out that the school letters you can see in the back groundnaremmostly of "C"! Pointless fact, bit thought it was amusing with your name!

 

[Festive_Felicitations]

Well done! She looks great in the pics a major transformation from the 'old' ones even her tail looks more dressage divaish
Though I do think you should have scored bonus marks for bending the board in one of the 'old' pics

Odd question - does she go grey/pale down the inside of her legs or have they been clipped?

 

[luckyhorseshoe]

Since i've been on HHO i've seen various posts from you and just wanted 2 say what a transformation...well done. You should be so proud of yourself, she looks lovely plus to win at your 1st BD is brilliant!!

 

[Mince Pie]

That improvement is amazing- Genie is the HHO horse I'd like to ride the most, she looks like a absolute blast Glad she's feeling better too!

(can I also say you look like you've lost lots of weight)

I thought that too

She looks fab - look at that hindleg!

 

[sam-b]

She looks cracking - well done!

 

[rara007]

Great result- well done

 

[nikkimariet]

Looking fab Well done!!

Super hind leg!

 

[CAH7]

Fantastic! Well done, great result and lovely pics.

 

[Tiffany]

I've always secretly admired Genie, she looks such a fun, willing horse. Well done to both of you.

Out of interest what height is she?

 

[miss_c]

Thanks everyone!

Lolo - she's feeling VERY well! And thank you!

Felicity_09 - her legs are clipped out, but they change colour naturally! She's a bit weird like that bless her!

Tiffany - she's soooo much fun and I wouldn't be without her. To answer your question she's 15hh.

 

[jenbleep]

Wow super photos, well done! She has lovely paces, just look at that hindeg in the canter

FAB

 

[Baileysno1]

Lovely pictures well done

 

[rowy]

Well done!! She looks so good! Super hind leg in the canter!

 

[SirenaXVI]

Lovely pictures, you both look fab - really well done!

 

[measles]

WHAT a difference! Very well done for making such an improvement and it's clear from the pics that you ride extremely nicely

 

[star]

wow - she has come on so much! well done! super piccies!

 

[overdraft]

You both look brilliant ... well done ...result!! Who's your trainer?

 

[miss_c]

Thank you!!!!

Overdraft - my trainer is Matt Jenkins, he comes from where he's based in Oxfordshire to teach me on his day off. He works for one of the pros. To top it off he's one of my bet friends!

 

[Kenzo]

Well done lass, your both looking fine fine fine, keep up the good work and all the best for your future BD events!

 

[SW3]

well done! (and wow the surface Home Farm looks nice) so where's next for you?

 

[MillionDollar]

Looks fab, well done

I take it you're gonna be proper Dressage divas now seeing as you've clipped off the feathers

 

[overdraft]

You're lucky to have Matt!! He's obviously very good and it's lovely that you get to train with a friend. You and your lovely wee horse are looking fabulous. V excited for you.