So, I think Monty's Advanced debut deserves a post of its own!

[star]

Took my little man to Pachesham yesterday to have a go at Adv102. This is something we have been working towards for a long time. The first time I did a Medium on him I thought I'd reached his limits then I managed to crack the changes so we did an Advanced Medium and I said I'd be happy if he got over 60%. Roll on 9mths and he cracked 70%. So having sorted the tempi changes I thought nothing to lose by giving an Advanced a go and most excitingly it meant I got to wear a tailcoat - a lifelong ambition! I said I would be absolutely ecstatic with over 60% but secretly was hoping for over 62% to qualify us to ride at PSG. Well, he only went and smashed that with 63.97%!!!! So, that is us qualified for PSG which is just the most exciting thing ever - I think I might just have to retire once we manage that! Never ever dreamed I would actually get to this level, let alone on this horse. He has the biggest heart but he's really not built for this stuff! He even got a 7.5 for his entry and a 7 for his 3 time changes amongst some other 7's. He only missed one change when I didn't quite get him back from a very bold extended canter. He really is my horse of a lifetime!

As a little treat we went and skipped round Tweseldown BE100 today. He did a 29.5 dressage, one down SJ when he got a bit keen and made most of the XC feel so easy. He wasn't even sweaty or puffed at the end! Just a shame they stuck a left corner after a 90degree right turn - total nemesis jump - he ran past first time, no probs 2nd time. Silly boy. Totally forgive him for anything right now though!

There are more piccies on my Facebook page - Nicola Holehouse Eventing if anyone interested.

 

[GermanyJo]

He is such a dude 😀

 

[Pinkvboots]

He looks great well done

 

[chillipup]

Congratulations to you both S, well done. Loving the tailcoat, suits you

 

[HeresHoping]

Oh, oh, oh, this has made my eyes leak just a little bit and I'm only your stalker! Way to go Monty. Way to go you both.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Well done! Excellent result in qualifying

 

[McFluff]

Well done. He looks lovely.

 

[JennBags]

I was stalking you on fb yesterday, saw how well you'd done! Those pesky left corners at Tweseldown though :lol:

Can't wait to hear your PSG debut report

 

[only_me]

That's brilliant! Fantastic achievement and looking forward to the PSG report

 

[nikicb]

Ok, I have to confess, a few weeks ago I said to Sara in our lesson that you are my inspiration with a rather non traditional dressage horse. Massive well done. You have a wonderful relationship and it is always a pleasure to read your posts. x

 

[star]

I was stalking you on fb yesterday, saw how well you'd done! Those pesky left corners at Tweseldown though :lol:

Can't wait to hear your PSG debut report

He's such a little ******! I knew it would be a problem. Left corners on straight lines are bad enough, let alone after a right turn! He doesn't even try, just skips round. Jumped it fine 2nd time. Can't be angry with him though. Just have to have a look at tailcoat piccies and am happy happy happy!

 

[star]

Ok, I have to confess, a few weeks ago I said to Sara in our lesson that you are my inspiration with a rather non traditional dressage horse. Massive well done. You have a wonderful relationship and it is always a pleasure to read your posts. x

Was lovely for the judge to comment what great partners we were. He tries his little heart out for me. Am blessed to have him! Every time I think I might have upped the difficulty too far he comes up with the answers!

 

[star]

Oh, oh, oh, this has made my eyes leak just a little bit and I'm only your stalker! Way to go Monty. Way to go you both.

my eyes might have leaked a bit too!

 

[rachk89]

Very well done. I can't view the pictures as not on Facebook but watched the test on YouTube. It was very good for a first attempt you should be proud of yourself and your horse.

 

[star]

Video here for anyone interested:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6KthdhLgBk&feature=youtu.be

 

[Walrus]

Fantastic, what a superstar horse!

 

[rotters13]

That's amazing! Very many congratulations - you must be very proud.

 

[Vodkagirly]

Fantastic, I've loved following your progress. Shows what hard work and good instruction can achieve.

 

[PorkChop]

Wow, that is fantastic - what a horse, and what a partnership you are - just brilliant

 

[Bernster]

Just the most amazing combo. I don't even know what half those terms mean as I'm no dressage girl, but I think what you've done is pretty awesome!

 

[Trakehner92]

Very well done to you both and very well deserved!

 

[LouisCat]

Huge well done to you and Monty It just shows what hard work can do

 

[Horsemad12]

Fantastic, can't wait to read your PSG report
As someone who doesn't know much about dressage, what do you need to crack to do that?

 

[Crackerz]

Well done! I love how relaxed he looks through it in the video

 

[monte1]

fantastic, well done, what a lovely report and great acheivement

 

[Tash88]

How amazing, I am so pleased for you both. A testament to correct and sympathetic training I think!

 

[AdorableAlice]

Fabulous pictures, onwards and upwards to PSG.

 

[Lanky Loll]

Brilliant gives me hope for my unconventional one

 

[star]

Fantastic, can't wait to read your PSG report
As someone who doesn't know much about dressage, what do you need to crack to do that?

We need to be able to do a line of 5 three and four time changes, half pirouettes in canter in both directions, half a canter zig zag and just generally a more Advanced outline and way of going. Lots to work on!

 

[Bernster]

We need to be able to do a line of 5 three and four time changes, half pirouettes in canter in both directions, half a canter zig zag and just generally a more Advanced outline and way of going. Lots to work on!

Oh easy peasy then ���� ! I was thinking what you need is a bloody good horse, a determined and talented rider, and a whole heap of blood sweat and tears. Am I wrong?!