Girlracer
Well-Known Member
Last Sunday we ventured off to Swalcliffe for the unaffiliated event run and organised by Horse-Events, and what a great day it was. It was run really professionally and really was no different to being at a BE event, the weather was beautiful and there was both a shop and an excellent burger van.
So all the important things covered, on to the competition. We entered the 80cm, whilst I like to say that our trip to Tack Farm was our first ODE, really I would say this was our first 'real' attempt.
Those who read my last few posts will know that I have been battling some what with my confidence, particularly XC since my accident at the beginning of the year and for those that have followed me a little longer will understand how much this day meant to me.
King has really turned a corner with his flat work now at home, only 8 weeks ago he struggled to relax into an outline for even a second even at home never mind out and about, but he is really starting to realise that he can now relax and work with me rather than against me. Swalcliffe was his second every dressage test, the first attempt being at Tack Farm last month, where our percentage score wouldn't have looked out of place in eventing penalties. So frankly anything was an improvement! And I'm pleased to report that whilst he did tense up and 'gawp' that he tried very hard and really started to settle down through the test. I had some lovely comments from the judge, who was very kind and complimentary and it wasn't an embarrassing score at 44. I think a few more outings and he will find this phase easy, he just needs to relax.
A long gap meant I could head off to walk the XC, a few blisters later and I was on board ready to show jump.
Eventing warm ups are exciting places don't you know? I nearly fell off, spent most my time more or less out of control, and tried to avoid the children on ponies. We went away, ate a chip, and returned to enter the ring. I'm pleased to report that we had a very calm and confident round for 4 faults. I was really pleased with him as he can be a bit... forward... over fences and a bit 'gung-ho' but he kept a lid on it, listened and was a pleasure.
Video for those that would like to see -
https://www.facebook.com/cassey.watson/videos/vb.100003468353211/783238411801763/?type=3&theater
No time to waste, we headed back and got changed had a little pop over a few logs then got summoned to the start box.
Now I have no shame in admitting at this stage I once again considered a switch to dressage, or just riding in general as it's far too stressful. And then we were off...
King I think wondered what the heck was going on and was a little over awed by well... the fence judges mostly. He did get a little reminder after fence 3 that actually it might be nice if we went forward and stopped concentrating on everyone else and maybe focussed on what we were doing. By fence 6 we were flying along, we unfortunately had to circle at fence 8 as it was a turn out of the water to a little boat and well, we aren't great at turning, particularly not at speed just yet.
But quite frankly when it comes to the scary things, ditches, water, flowers that sort of thing they don't come much bolder... in fact once he had finished checking out the fence judges all he did was look for the next fence and there's no better feeling, especially when you've had your confidence knocked by a stopper for the past 5 years.
And a video -
https://www.facebook.com/cassey.watson/videos/vb.100003468353211/783238411801763/?type=3&theater
So mostly I just feel so lucky that I'm able to continue riding him, he is literally everything I would ever want in a horse, and not the ready made package either and it's so rewarding seeing him go from strength to strength and find a job. Fingers crossed we can continue as we are and have lot's of success in the future.
So all the important things covered, on to the competition. We entered the 80cm, whilst I like to say that our trip to Tack Farm was our first ODE, really I would say this was our first 'real' attempt.
Those who read my last few posts will know that I have been battling some what with my confidence, particularly XC since my accident at the beginning of the year and for those that have followed me a little longer will understand how much this day meant to me.
King has really turned a corner with his flat work now at home, only 8 weeks ago he struggled to relax into an outline for even a second even at home never mind out and about, but he is really starting to realise that he can now relax and work with me rather than against me. Swalcliffe was his second every dressage test, the first attempt being at Tack Farm last month, where our percentage score wouldn't have looked out of place in eventing penalties. So frankly anything was an improvement! And I'm pleased to report that whilst he did tense up and 'gawp' that he tried very hard and really started to settle down through the test. I had some lovely comments from the judge, who was very kind and complimentary and it wasn't an embarrassing score at 44. I think a few more outings and he will find this phase easy, he just needs to relax.
A long gap meant I could head off to walk the XC, a few blisters later and I was on board ready to show jump.
Eventing warm ups are exciting places don't you know? I nearly fell off, spent most my time more or less out of control, and tried to avoid the children on ponies. We went away, ate a chip, and returned to enter the ring. I'm pleased to report that we had a very calm and confident round for 4 faults. I was really pleased with him as he can be a bit... forward... over fences and a bit 'gung-ho' but he kept a lid on it, listened and was a pleasure.
Video for those that would like to see -
https://www.facebook.com/cassey.watson/videos/vb.100003468353211/783238411801763/?type=3&theater
No time to waste, we headed back and got changed had a little pop over a few logs then got summoned to the start box.
Now I have no shame in admitting at this stage I once again considered a switch to dressage, or just riding in general as it's far too stressful. And then we were off...
King I think wondered what the heck was going on and was a little over awed by well... the fence judges mostly. He did get a little reminder after fence 3 that actually it might be nice if we went forward and stopped concentrating on everyone else and maybe focussed on what we were doing. By fence 6 we were flying along, we unfortunately had to circle at fence 8 as it was a turn out of the water to a little boat and well, we aren't great at turning, particularly not at speed just yet.
But quite frankly when it comes to the scary things, ditches, water, flowers that sort of thing they don't come much bolder... in fact once he had finished checking out the fence judges all he did was look for the next fence and there's no better feeling, especially when you've had your confidence knocked by a stopper for the past 5 years.
And a video -
https://www.facebook.com/cassey.watson/videos/vb.100003468353211/783238411801763/?type=3&theater
So mostly I just feel so lucky that I'm able to continue riding him, he is literally everything I would ever want in a horse, and not the ready made package either and it's so rewarding seeing him go from strength to strength and find a job. Fingers crossed we can continue as we are and have lot's of success in the future.
