Embo
Well-Known Member
I didn't post in weekend plans because I didn't really want anyone to know in case it was a disaster! Last time I went SJ I fell off in one class and was eliminated in the second due to refusals... so some demons to battle for me!
I've been working really hard at home to try to be confident with jumping. Due to a string of issues in the past and losing all my riding confidence with my last horse, it's been an uphill struggle. With a lifelong dream to event, you've got to be able to jump a course!
Tuesday was spent having a jump lesson with coach Jo, which went really well. I've reached a stage that I can start at 70cm and actually feel happy about it! By the end of the session I was jumping an 80cm spread (second half of a double) so I was feeling happy I'd done enough to prepare.
The rest of the week was usual dressage lesson followed by some test practice and hacking.
My times were 10:57 for dressage and 11:34 for jumping, so our start wasn't too early! Test was BE91, which Bowser knows like the back of his hand (hoof?) by now, and I know it too having seen him and Jo perform it many times! Knowing exactly where I was going really helped. He warmed up sweetly, the sun was beating down on us so I let him (me!) have plenty of walk breaks.
The test itself was really good for us. He was very obedient and quite forward considering I had no whip or spurs! I think he prefers being on grass
had a couple of small mistakes, some accidental medium trot for our diagonals and final CL, but a good halt and I was beaming! Really pleased.
Back to the trailer to put B's boots on (I decided to do the lot in my jump saddle as I didn't want to faff with tack changes!) and I quickly ran over to the ring to learn the course! Mad dash back to get on warm up. Now it was raining and we didn't have studs - so a tentative warm up as it was on a slope. B was feeling good and no sign of nerves from me (what the heck is happening!?).
Now or never. Into the ring, the judge announced us and told us we could start (no bell). A quick circle and off we went! Over 1... then it's a slight blur until we were over 5 and I looked up and saw Jo at the side of the ring grinning at me, and I couldn't help grinning back! 6 was downhill into a double, I tried to steady him but he was taking me so I let him find his own pace (which he did, putting in 3 strides through the middle instead of 2). Next thing I know we were over the final fence and that was that! HUGE pats for Bowser for a lovely clear round!
At this point I really didn't care about my score or placings, I was over the moon that I had managed to do it. And so proud of B for looking after me like he does. He can behave like such a prat at times but when it comes to the job, he really knuckles down and gets on with it. I just love him.
A quick wash down and strip off (the sun had come out again and I was now baking inside my jacket). Some grass for B and I called my OH to let him know how it all went. Jo had gone to the loo and came back. She had checked the scores whilst she was by the secretaries tent.
And would you believe it, because I certainly didn't... we had only gone and WON! Dressage was 34.75 (with some lovely comments) and a clear round, we had won by 0.5 penalties! I am honestly staggered and so chuffed. I was so happy before, but this really was the icing on the cake. Hard work and dedication really does pay off.
Next outing is BD on the 21st, but I'm keen to get some jumping in the diary now
Sadly there was no photographer on the day, so no pics
which I'm quite sad about. But at least I have a lovely red rosette which is taking pride of place on the mantel
I've been working really hard at home to try to be confident with jumping. Due to a string of issues in the past and losing all my riding confidence with my last horse, it's been an uphill struggle. With a lifelong dream to event, you've got to be able to jump a course!
Tuesday was spent having a jump lesson with coach Jo, which went really well. I've reached a stage that I can start at 70cm and actually feel happy about it! By the end of the session I was jumping an 80cm spread (second half of a double) so I was feeling happy I'd done enough to prepare.
The rest of the week was usual dressage lesson followed by some test practice and hacking.
My times were 10:57 for dressage and 11:34 for jumping, so our start wasn't too early! Test was BE91, which Bowser knows like the back of his hand (hoof?) by now, and I know it too having seen him and Jo perform it many times! Knowing exactly where I was going really helped. He warmed up sweetly, the sun was beating down on us so I let him (me!) have plenty of walk breaks.
The test itself was really good for us. He was very obedient and quite forward considering I had no whip or spurs! I think he prefers being on grass
had a couple of small mistakes, some accidental medium trot for our diagonals and final CL, but a good halt and I was beaming! Really pleased. Back to the trailer to put B's boots on (I decided to do the lot in my jump saddle as I didn't want to faff with tack changes!) and I quickly ran over to the ring to learn the course! Mad dash back to get on warm up. Now it was raining and we didn't have studs - so a tentative warm up as it was on a slope. B was feeling good and no sign of nerves from me (what the heck is happening!?).
Now or never. Into the ring, the judge announced us and told us we could start (no bell). A quick circle and off we went! Over 1... then it's a slight blur until we were over 5 and I looked up and saw Jo at the side of the ring grinning at me, and I couldn't help grinning back! 6 was downhill into a double, I tried to steady him but he was taking me so I let him find his own pace (which he did, putting in 3 strides through the middle instead of 2). Next thing I know we were over the final fence and that was that! HUGE pats for Bowser for a lovely clear round!
At this point I really didn't care about my score or placings, I was over the moon that I had managed to do it. And so proud of B for looking after me like he does. He can behave like such a prat at times but when it comes to the job, he really knuckles down and gets on with it. I just love him.
A quick wash down and strip off (the sun had come out again and I was now baking inside my jacket). Some grass for B and I called my OH to let him know how it all went. Jo had gone to the loo and came back. She had checked the scores whilst she was by the secretaries tent.
And would you believe it, because I certainly didn't... we had only gone and WON! Dressage was 34.75 (with some lovely comments) and a clear round, we had won by 0.5 penalties! I am honestly staggered and so chuffed. I was so happy before, but this really was the icing on the cake. Hard work and dedication really does pay off.
Next outing is BD on the 21st, but I'm keen to get some jumping in the diary now
Sadly there was no photographer on the day, so no pics
which I'm quite sad about. But at least I have a lovely red rosette which is taking pride of place on the mantel 
)
