Thelwell_Girl
Well-Known Member
Well, today had been eventful...
Was on Bonnie in the morning session, practicing the test and warmup (doing Prelim 10, BD 2002). It did not go very well
I really struggled with Bonnie (I think shes getting naughtier! 
), struggled getting her going forward, and our canter circles (and any bending at all) were abysmal. Cue lots of shouting from instructor, and staying behind an extra 10 minutes to run through it on B.
Safe to say, I was worried!
Then, the instrutor, L, came up and said that the YM and her had thought that i could do the test on Dawi. I wasnt fully decided untill the last minute, when we had to start grooming. L had ridden Dawi in the staff dressage test, and did well, so I thought that he would be a better option than Bonnie.
I was rushed, so had about 8/9 minutes to warm up. Obv not ideal! I struggled getting him into a consistent canter, but his ridiculously bouncy trot cheered me up. Then... I was called over...
So, out I go, into the pouring rain, in my short sleeved shirt stolen from my dad, velvet hat cover and one bouncy horse. We trotted around for what seemed like ages, before the horn sounded for me to enter the dressage arena we had marked out. I think I did the first half ok, trot up the centre line was a tad diagonal and wobbly, but we got there! Then, halfway through my test I lost the plot completely Cue the YM sticking her head out of the car to tell me where to go, then another of the instructors ended up calling my test.
Have to say though, Dawi's free walk is AMAZING! He really stretches down, seeking the contact, looking gorgeous, his head was almost on the floor! (not ideal I know, but its a start
) and It felt amazing, with some watching instructors saying how good it was from the sidelines 
After the last canter circle, we trotted round, then up the centre line again. We did a good trot-halt transition, and actually managed to stop at G, which a lot of other people didnt.
Did my salute, HUGE grin, and proceeded to burst into tears I was just so happy id actually done it, and come out alive!
Then, another free walk around the dressage boards, snivelling happily all the way, exited at A and back to the semi-indoor to walk Dawi off.
~
While it was nowhere near the best test, I DID IT! And I didnt fall off and die! We did have some VERY interesting and excited canters down the long diagonal, but I stayed on and enjoyed it
L had been very kind and plaited him up properly, so he looked fab, and I didnt look too shabby in my shirt, tie and velvet hat cover.
As I undid his plaits, balancing precariously on a bucket (Dawi's 15.2 and I am not!) I couldnt help thinking I was a very lucky teenager to be able to ride such lovely horses, and be at such a lovely yard!
So well done everyone (16 of us riders in total!) and I await my scores! (Friday)
While it would be lovely to get a rosette, I know I tried hard, and Dawi did wonderfully. I think I might get most improved/hardest trier though!
TG xxx
P.S. The YM said that the photographer will be happy to take any pictures, so Ill try and get a really smart one of me on B
Was on Bonnie in the morning session, practicing the test and warmup (doing Prelim 10, BD 2002). It did not go very well
I really struggled with Bonnie (I think shes getting naughtier! ), struggled getting her going forward, and our canter circles (and any bending at all) were abysmal. Cue lots of shouting from instructor, and staying behind an extra 10 minutes to run through it on B. Safe to say, I was worried!
Then, the instrutor, L, came up and said that the YM and her had thought that i could do the test on Dawi. I wasnt fully decided untill the last minute, when we had to start grooming. L had ridden Dawi in the staff dressage test, and did well, so I thought that he would be a better option than Bonnie.
I was rushed, so had about 8/9 minutes to warm up. Obv not ideal! I struggled getting him into a consistent canter, but his ridiculously bouncy trot cheered me up. Then... I was called over...
So, out I go, into the pouring rain, in my short sleeved shirt stolen from my dad, velvet hat cover and one bouncy horse. We trotted around for what seemed like ages, before the horn sounded for me to enter the dressage arena we had marked out. I think I did the first half ok, trot up the centre line was a tad diagonal and wobbly, but we got there! Then, halfway through my test I lost the plot completely
Cue the YM sticking her head out of the car to tell me where to go, then another of the instructors ended up calling my test.Have to say though, Dawi's free walk is AMAZING! He really stretches down, seeking the contact, looking gorgeous, his head was almost on the floor! (not ideal I know, but its a start
) and It felt amazing, with some watching instructors saying how good it was from the sidelines After the last canter circle, we trotted round, then up the centre line again. We did a good trot-halt transition, and actually managed to stop at G, which a lot of other people didnt.
Did my salute, HUGE grin, and proceeded to burst into tears
I was just so happy id actually done it, and come out alive!Then, another free walk around the dressage boards, snivelling happily all the way, exited at A and back to the semi-indoor to walk Dawi off.
~
While it was nowhere near the best test, I DID IT! And I didnt fall off and die! We did have some VERY interesting and excited canters down the long diagonal, but I stayed on and enjoyed it
L had been very kind and plaited him up properly, so he looked fab, and I didnt look too shabby in my shirt, tie and velvet hat cover.
As I undid his plaits, balancing precariously on a bucket (Dawi's 15.2 and I am not!) I couldnt help thinking I was a very lucky teenager to be able to ride such lovely horses, and be at such a lovely yard!
So well done everyone (16 of us riders in total!) and I await my scores! (Friday
)While it would be lovely to get a rosette, I know I tried hard, and Dawi did wonderfully. I think I might get most improved/hardest trier though!
TG xxx
P.S. The YM said that the photographer will be happy to take any pictures, so Ill try and get a really smart one of me on B
Having said that, I could sit to trot when I was younger, but it took me 3 years to learn to sit to canter 
