Review of BD exeter today

[shadowboy]

Well, firstly the warm up area was loke a duck pond and shadow was disgusting by the time we actually did our test. We were supposed to start at 8.20 (first one to go) and the woman who ran the day wasnt even there to open up til 8am! we had arrived at half seven- so not a good start!
We did the Prelim 17 (long arena) and Novice 22(long arena) and the prelim went ok got an 8 and a seven withthe rest being a mix of 6's and 5's. So he went ok, but was soooooooo tense he was going to burst. This was commented on A LOT in the test. However we got 65% and came second. The Novice well, that went to pot! he was fed up of waiting by 10.30 and was in a foul temper. We ended up with 54.85% due to an outburst twice- which the judge politely wrote down as "disobedience". So a very mixed day. Shame the prelim results are not recorded!. I do have one question, how to you relax a tense horse at a competition? is it just a matter of going more and more? (this was our secon affiliated/first long arena test) or are there techniques to get him to stretch out and relax his neck?

 

[Santa_Claus]

hmmm can understannd duck pond effect given the weather we have had last few days but suprised the spillers were there late normally thet are very good. i normally arrive early when the first class and not been locked out once.

well done with the tests though yes shame no points for prelim but in a way its a good thing.

When it comes to relaxation lots of walking and stretching work at the beginning of your work in. If there is room (which there isn't at Exeter) lunge first before you get on.

It will improve the more you do though and the more events you go to. Fleur used to be almost leathal at competitions but now even with very limited outings will work in and compete calmly (well relatively anyway

hee hee )

 

[Law]

Well done you two! Give shadow a pat from me and tell him Mr D says hello!
Had a new field mate today- will PM you now!

 

[Dutch]

Hi

I think it is so disappointing when your times are really early

, and also badly prepared surfaces are enough to ruin anyones chances.

You did really well for ride positively forward regardless of any problems! Everyone has good and bad days, I think it is a matter of competing a lot to gain experience yes. Everyone has to go through it all before they become good!