Wdn't be fair to post about Spencer R's 'n L first dressage outing but

H

henryhorn

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I wish she would hurry up and tell everyone how she did!!!!
All I will say is I'm off to Ireland later this year to find some more like her...
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She has just gone out and said I can report on today..
We set off at 7.30am only to find our narrow lane blocked by parked cars, feeling guilty as we know the culprits well, we had to wake them and ask them to let us out, I bet they don't park there again...
Layla travelled fine, arrived and unloaded and she had about twenty mins to work her in, she seemed excited but very obedient never the less. The Grange is a super venue, good car park, indoor working in, massive indoor to compete in overlooked by 200 seats in tiers and an indoor cafe serving food all day.
They went into the main arena, Layla ha a spook at one of the ads on the wall (funny, never glanced at any of the white ones this was green). The first test was quiet but lacked impulsion, and was a bit wobbly, but no leaps etc and she got 59.9 %, putting her in 2nd place ex 16 entries. we were delighted, and they were determined to do better in the next test, this time Layla had a real leap into the arena before the start when some silly people ran down the wooden slope and crashed onto the barriers right next to the ring, but she instantly switched off from them and concentrated when asked)
Much nicer test, better canter (Layla tends to be overbent ) and it was incredible to think she had only been with us 12 weeks and backed 14...
She got 62.7 in that one, and again came 2nd ex 16...
We talked with someone afterwards who writes for lots of judges, and she said any other judge would have given 65% at prelim.. The judge was fair but very few comments and virtually nothing nice, I do wish they would at least give you some sort of well done, as for those without a rosette it must feel awful to get low marks, little explanation and no praise at all!
SR will no doubt post the test later in the week, we can't tell you what a pleasure that mare is, she loads, travels, stands tied up, works in quietly, and concentrates totally when asked to.. We just aren't used to that happening!!!
Two seconds first time out is incredible, and hopefully if she jumps as well as she schools eventing will be a joy this year.
No, I'm not kidding, we are going to see if we can find another Baron de Chantepie horse later this year, if only to bring on to sell.. You just don't find horses like Layla very often I'm afraid.
 
wow, bet you're thrilled!!!
i was going to try and come along too, but Squeak has lost shoes, and farrier isn't coming till tomorrow (he better be anyway)

really well done!!

i hope i'm not in any of your sections next season!!!!!
 
Ther's nothing like a good mare - what a clever girl, bet you could have strangled those idiots crashing around, woudl have infuriated me.
 
That is so good to hear, C is a talent jockey and L a stunning horse. I'm sure you will all enjoy L so much. Quite understand you must be delighted she was so good and easy to do, when you have had a few more difficult ones to deal with boy do you appreciate the "easier" ones. Onwards and upwards.
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What super news, I am thrilled for both you and Caz, after last years disappointments Layla is really turning into a little star.

I am excited for you guys this season, Ive been there having difficult horses who dont stand still and bang and crash around etc, winston is a real pleasure to do also at events and just switches into competition mode when required.

Unfortunately......for me that is, young snoop I feel isnt gonna be so relaxed as Layla lol OH WHAT FUN!

I quite fancy coming to ireland horse shopping too
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so let me know when you are thinking of going.

Did you take any pictures?? would love to see how shes looking.

Vxx
 
Sounds like a very positive day!!
I cant wait to get back out competing, my parents are refusing to take me anywhere however which makes it a tad tricky!!
 
I videod both tests so hopefully C will post at least one later this week, I was actually nervous myself as I knew what high hopes she had for this horse..so
I stayed well away and just filmed, a friend came with us to help.
Now all we need to do is sort out her jumping, we have two lessons booked with Claire Rushworth later this month, never met her but she is a BSJA coach so should be good. Then it's finding a XC course open and dry enopugh to play round.
 
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