Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Plans?
Wow, aren't I the complete and total slacker for not posting here in the last several months! Bad me! I may not post every day during 2014, but this is my pledge to do better.
So how did 2013 end? Not half bad I suppose.
Shirley competed at the "Very Not Scary" mini trial in September at Beginner Novice. We had a couple stops on cross country but all in all, she was a superstar! She got braver and braver as the round went on. She did a FANTASTIC job in show jumping, even saved my butt once. And her dressage was not at all half bad for where we were.
Both girls competed at the Encore OTTB Show at Majestic Farm in October. Shirley did the Beginner Novice CT -- decent dressage given we had 15 minutes total to not only tack up but warm up (yep, arrived LATE), with a clean albeit FAST Show Jumping. Spider did a Training Level dressage test with Anita (scored close to 65% if I remember correctly) and a couple VERY nice jumper rounds with Ella later in the day. Overall the day was HORRIBLE weather-wise, but they both settled and we're VERY proud of them.
Anita and Ella have continued to work on Spider's education and she's doing wonderfully. Still a bit of a diva, but she's schooling first level with Anita and doing wonderfully over fences with Ella.
Shirley and I have continued to build our partnership and our respective educations. We've continued our monthly lessons with Emily Abbate (though no lessons through the winter), and have started picking up jumping lessons from Rob at Celebration Farm. She's coming along fantastically and I'm really looking forward to this show season. I think she's on the verge of being quite the show horse. For me, I'm just trying to keep up with her... getting in better shape to give her the kind of rides she deserves, staying positive and patient, and giving our time my best.
As for plans... well, we all know what they say about the best laid plans, right? Sometimes I think that's even more true with horses. That said, we're looking to get a couple lessons/clinic day with Dorothy Crowell in April (as a get to know you session before scheduling my WINNING prize weekend at her farm in Kentucky)... possibly a Nad Noon XC clinic in early June... and we've put down a deposit on a Jimmy Wofford clinic later in June. As for shows, the only one I know of at the moment is IEA's Leg Up Horse Trials in July. There is so much on the calendar to choose from though, I'm sure our summer will fill quickly ... or as quickly as the bank account will allow.
Other current plans include attending Jimmy Wofford's sessions at Equine Affaire on April 10th and going to Rolex for the first time in a few years at the end of April. I'll be down there Thursday-Saturday and will be working the Vet Box sometime on Saturday. I'm extremely excited to be able to volunteer in the vet box. I'll be announcing this year (so far) at Greater Dayton (May 17-18), IEA (May 31-June 1) and Hunter's Run (August 9-10). And of course Serenity Valley will be hosting 2 shows again this year: Saturday June 28th and Saturday, October 4th. Both will consist of DLSC dressage classes, Combined Test classes from ground pole through Preliminary level, Jumper classes from 2' and up, all 3 Prix Caprilli classes, and 2 Gambler's Choice payback classes. Stay tuned to the website for a complete class list and information for the June show to be posted soon!
Yep, it's a busy season... but there's still room for more.
Speaking of which, part of the reason the season isn't all planned out yet is because of the farm. I have an INCREDIBLE opportunity to purchase a farm that seems to be tailor made for me: more land, more stalls (which means more company/boarders), riding ring and a nice but smaller house. I'm really trying to make this deal work out. We have a contingent agreement in place, just need to sell the current farm and have the new place appraised. With any luck, come spring if not sooner, Serenity Valley Farm will be relocating!
2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse. Sounds appropriate to me!
Sunday, August 25, 2013
"Don't Come in Last"
This post is a slight diversion from normal farm stuff. Today I participated in the Lake Loramie Triathlon (canoe/bike/run). Have a few thoughts that I wanted to write down.
This was my second triathlon. Due to a planned vacation, I ended up doing this one solo. I'm still waiting for the official results but there's no doubt that I came in last in the solo division... in fact, due to the staggered start, there's a very real possibility that I came in last for the entire event. If not last, then 3rd to last.
I'm competitive. I always have been. So don't take this next comment wrong because I enjoy doing well and love to win. But honestly? I am PERFECTLY FINE coming in last. I actually thought about this the entire race. Within the first 20 minutes, a female team passed me on the lake and the person in the back had a t-shirt on that said "Don't Come In Last". I hated that t-shirt and was really glad I didn't see it the rest of the race. I understand the sentiment, but when you're doing something difficult... actually TRYING something that is hard... why is it so bad to come in last? At least you're trying. And DOING! Better to come in last doing something... than to never try at all, right? After seeing the t-shirt, during the lake portion about the last turn before heading to the take-out, a friend of the people in the canoe next to me told her friends "you're not last!!" I'd be thrilled if folks cheered me on... even if I was last!
Here are a few other observations and thoughts:
- 2.5 miles alone in a kayak is longer than 2.5 miles in a canoe with a friend. Especially on a lake and not going downstream in a river.
- 15 miles on a bike is definitely longer than 12 miles.
- Running after biking sucks! I could barely walk when I got off the bike, much less run!
- There are a bunch of triathlon participants at this race and at the one I did last month that remind me of eventers. So many people wished me well and cheered me on even though they didn't know me from the next person. Definitely reminds me of the "have a good ride" you hear so often at horse trials and 3-Days. Maybe it's the triathlon aspect.
- Having a triathlon next to a lake is a great idea. After I finished, I gathered my stuff and then went and took a dip in the lake. It was awesome! Good thing I took a change of clothes.
- Biggest mistake of the race? Not taking sunscreen! OOPS!!
Had a great time... thought I'm not entirely sure I was thinking that at various times during the race. Next one is September 29th.
Friday, August 16, 2013
October Show Details
Shirley and I are off tonight to Indiana so there will be another show report in the near future. In the meantime, I've posted details on the October 12th show at Twin Towers on the SVF website. Please take a look and ask if you have any questions.
Some of the changes from the June show include:
- Change to jumper classes. Due to the response in June, we've changed from 2 jumper classes per level to 1 class per level starting at Green as Grass. Also, except for the Green as Grass level which will remain as an optimum time class, all jumper classes will be run under Table IIB (a clean initial run means you get to do a shortened jumpoff round). All jumper classes will run a different track than the CT jumper rounds.
- Addition of Jumper Schooling Rounds. Due to requests, we've added the option to add a schooling jumper round (or rounds). All jumper classes and all jumping portion of CTs will be allowed to be added as a schooling round. Schooling rounds are $10 each and will not be judged or placed in the class. If a rider is entered in a class at the level they add a schooling round, they MUST ride their judged round(s) before they ride their schooling round(s).
- Change to refund policy. Our previous policy was stated as "no refunds." The new policy is as follows: "Withdrawals prior to posted closing date for the divisions in question will be refunded, minus office fee. Refunds for withdrawals after the closing date will only be given (minus office fee) if the space can be filled from a wait list or late entry. Refunds for stabling fees will only be given if stalls are cancelled at least 2 days prior to the show. In the event the show is cancelled due to extreme weather, no refunds will be issued."
- Addition of CT classes. To give local riders who may be competing in one of the 3-Day divisions at MSEDA the weekend following the show the opportunity to practice, we've added Training 3-Day, Preliminary 3-Day and CCI* CT classes. These CT divisions (in fact all CT divisions) will use the dressage tests that riders will see at MSEDA. Riders do NOT have to be entered at MSEDA to enter one of the 3-day CT classes. They are open to anyone wishing to enter.
- Change to CT Entry requirements. Previously we offered a $60 entry fee for 2 consecutive CT divisions (ie: Novice CT and Training CT). We are still offering the $60 price for 2 CTs but have opened up the restriction to encompass 2 consecutive LEVELS. This means that a rider may enter the Training CT (Class 27 - a 3'3" level class) and still do the CCI* CT (class 32 - a 3'6" level class) for the $60 entry fee. Additional classes or classes outside the "consecutive levels" requirement may be added but will be need to be ridden HC.
- Participation in the Kristen Distl Fundraiser. Some very generous local riders are holding a fundraiser to help with medical expenses for Kristen Distl, a local eventer who was paralyzed in a riding accident in December 2012. There will be a silent auction (held online, ending Friday, October 11th at noon), a raffle held during the show and a dinner following the show. In addition, a portion of our CT entries will be going to the fundraiser. More details can be found online at Kristen Distl Fundraiser on Facebook. There you can find a complete listing of the auction and raffle items. Even if you can't attend the show, you can bid on auction items or buy raffle tickets prior to the show. In addition, I believe they have an account set up at Wright-Patt Credit Union for donations. Serenity Valley Farm Horse Show is extremely proud and honored to be part of this special fundraiser.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Shirley's First Event
It finally happened! Shirley actually got to attend her very first full horse trial! We had originally signed up for the Georgetown mini trial to be held on July 6th. Unfortunately, a bizarre summer weather-wise meant it was postponed due to rain/flooding/wet footing. It finally ran this past Sunday (July 28th) and we had a blast!
We entered the starter division (max 2'3") and in hindsight, while our dressage definitely needs improvement, we probably could have handled Beginner Novice. Hauled in and out in the same day, which is a bit different for me. Only thing that was needed was a run through Starbucks for the last 30 miles (thank you Taylorsville Road Starbucks for being appropriately positioned!)
Dressage was not amusing. We were doing Beginner Novice test B. She did a decent if a bit looky and distracted warmup in the field next to the arena (across the driveway from jumping). Got a FABULOUS left canter depart (we've been working on those). Moved up to the ring, which was next to their new indoor arena construction and just didn't have time to really settle before turning down the center line. I know she had some decent moments but overall I was not overly happy with our test (and my right arm/shoulder and right side of my back let me know I had problems). Thought the judge was pretty generous with a 42.9. Oh well. Put us in 7th place.
Annoying moment of the day was getting back to the trailer after dressage. I had left her halter hanging on the tie on the side of the 2 horse trailer I was using. A car had parked right next to me. Oh, I could still tie Shirley there (and did for a moment) but her hocks were less than 2' from this shiny gray audi. I was secretly hoping she'd poop on the car, but worried she'd kick and hurt herself. Needed to walk to the office anyway so after she was untacked, I just put her in the trailer to stand. BTW, car belonged to an eventer (as I and the people next to me looked for car keys to see if we could move it just a bit so I could continue to use my trailer). Makes NO sense (cars were all parked across the "driveway" from the trailers but not this one... and it stayed the rest of the day). And yes, I did leave a note on their windshield. Sorry, but doing that when there are plenty of other options is just rude.
Anyway, they were running the event so you had about 20 minutes between SJ and XC. The walk to the office was longer than I thought so I was actually running a little late on getting to warmup. Ok, that and Shirley was a bit antsy when I was trying to put her boots on. Thankfully it had only been an hour since dressage so it's not like I needed a long warmup. Just enough to get us thinking jump and to make sure we had buttons (directional control and brakes, specifically). Trotted the field between parking and warm up... trotted a big circle... jumped the X... cantered/trotted back around to jump the vertical... cantered around to jump the oxer... then headed to the ingate. Walked a couple circles then went in.
She was VERY looky... but oh so good! Had a couple minor bobbles in the form of being out of sync with her when she took a long spot, but overall, she did REALLY well. VERY proud of her. We walked the length of the warm up field. I hadn't planned to go back to the trailer as we did SJ in our boots and vest. Got there and was told they were running early. Cool. I jumped the log they had flagged in warm up then went to the start box. The XC course was a bit smaller than I thought it was going to be but it was a great first time out! She was brave and a LOT less looky than she had been when we did the event derby in May. She still looked hard at a couple bigger fences that we passed... and wigged out when I tried to take her between the property fenceline and the "woods" that were fenced off (an "alley" in between of about 20' across)... but overall she did FABULOUS!! I really can't say it enough. She was so good over all the fences once she figured out what we were going to jump. Even the MF at the ditch (we could take the actual ditch or a rail on the ground next to the ditch but no refusals would have counted -- pointed her at the ditch and she peeked ever so slightly at the last minute but it was just a "oh, there's something there" kind of peek). SO proud of her!!
But before she got to go back to the trailer, I took her butt back to the dressage ring (now finished for the day) and made her go through our dressage test again. Better. At least she actually picked up her right canter lead the 2nd time.
We finished our on 42.9 from dressage. 7th in our division (of 7 but most of the others were green horses being ridden by current upper level riders... it's been almost 9 years since I rode anything above BN). Got a pretty purple ribbon too. Very happy and proud of my Shirley. If we can both learn to relax in the dressage ring, I think it will all come together nicely. She's athletic, brave, intelligent and I really think she's enjoying herself with this job.
I purchased the picture CD. No dressage pics (probably a good thing) but here are some of the good ones from SJ and XC. Next up -- XC clinic on Saturday at Hoosier Horse Park in Indiana.
We entered the starter division (max 2'3") and in hindsight, while our dressage definitely needs improvement, we probably could have handled Beginner Novice. Hauled in and out in the same day, which is a bit different for me. Only thing that was needed was a run through Starbucks for the last 30 miles (thank you Taylorsville Road Starbucks for being appropriately positioned!)
Dressage was not amusing. We were doing Beginner Novice test B. She did a decent if a bit looky and distracted warmup in the field next to the arena (across the driveway from jumping). Got a FABULOUS left canter depart (we've been working on those). Moved up to the ring, which was next to their new indoor arena construction and just didn't have time to really settle before turning down the center line. I know she had some decent moments but overall I was not overly happy with our test (and my right arm/shoulder and right side of my back let me know I had problems). Thought the judge was pretty generous with a 42.9. Oh well. Put us in 7th place.
Annoying moment of the day was getting back to the trailer after dressage. I had left her halter hanging on the tie on the side of the 2 horse trailer I was using. A car had parked right next to me. Oh, I could still tie Shirley there (and did for a moment) but her hocks were less than 2' from this shiny gray audi. I was secretly hoping she'd poop on the car, but worried she'd kick and hurt herself. Needed to walk to the office anyway so after she was untacked, I just put her in the trailer to stand. BTW, car belonged to an eventer (as I and the people next to me looked for car keys to see if we could move it just a bit so I could continue to use my trailer). Makes NO sense (cars were all parked across the "driveway" from the trailers but not this one... and it stayed the rest of the day). And yes, I did leave a note on their windshield. Sorry, but doing that when there are plenty of other options is just rude.
Anyway, they were running the event so you had about 20 minutes between SJ and XC. The walk to the office was longer than I thought so I was actually running a little late on getting to warmup. Ok, that and Shirley was a bit antsy when I was trying to put her boots on. Thankfully it had only been an hour since dressage so it's not like I needed a long warmup. Just enough to get us thinking jump and to make sure we had buttons (directional control and brakes, specifically). Trotted the field between parking and warm up... trotted a big circle... jumped the X... cantered/trotted back around to jump the vertical... cantered around to jump the oxer... then headed to the ingate. Walked a couple circles then went in.
She was VERY looky... but oh so good! Had a couple minor bobbles in the form of being out of sync with her when she took a long spot, but overall, she did REALLY well. VERY proud of her. We walked the length of the warm up field. I hadn't planned to go back to the trailer as we did SJ in our boots and vest. Got there and was told they were running early. Cool. I jumped the log they had flagged in warm up then went to the start box. The XC course was a bit smaller than I thought it was going to be but it was a great first time out! She was brave and a LOT less looky than she had been when we did the event derby in May. She still looked hard at a couple bigger fences that we passed... and wigged out when I tried to take her between the property fenceline and the "woods" that were fenced off (an "alley" in between of about 20' across)... but overall she did FABULOUS!! I really can't say it enough. She was so good over all the fences once she figured out what we were going to jump. Even the MF at the ditch (we could take the actual ditch or a rail on the ground next to the ditch but no refusals would have counted -- pointed her at the ditch and she peeked ever so slightly at the last minute but it was just a "oh, there's something there" kind of peek). SO proud of her!!
But before she got to go back to the trailer, I took her butt back to the dressage ring (now finished for the day) and made her go through our dressage test again. Better. At least she actually picked up her right canter lead the 2nd time.
We finished our on 42.9 from dressage. 7th in our division (of 7 but most of the others were green horses being ridden by current upper level riders... it's been almost 9 years since I rode anything above BN). Got a pretty purple ribbon too. Very happy and proud of my Shirley. If we can both learn to relax in the dressage ring, I think it will all come together nicely. She's athletic, brave, intelligent and I really think she's enjoying herself with this job.
I purchased the picture CD. No dressage pics (probably a good thing) but here are some of the good ones from SJ and XC. Next up -- XC clinic on Saturday at Hoosier Horse Park in Indiana.
Monday, July 22, 2013
SVF Horse Shows - June Recap/October News
I tried to post this a week or so ago. Not an excuse... I know it's late. But something wouldn't let me actually post.
Devyn Burger/Cool Whip - Intro Level Test A SR
Amanda Munson/Studs Hooligan - Intro Level Test B SR
Amanda Munson/Studs Hooligan - Intro Level Test C SR
Isabel Arcusa/Gus - Intro Level Test A JR and Reserve High Percentage
Madison McCarty/Ramoth - Intro Level Test B JR
Lorenza Savini/SkyLer - Intro Level Test C JR
Sheila Wilson/Rex Bibendi - Training Level Test 1 and Champion High Percentage
Kathryn Schantz/Copper Petina - Training Level Test 2
Kara Mastern/Lueka - Training Level Test 3
Lorenza Savini/George - First Level Test of Choice
Alathea Young/Garrett - Percentage Class
Ashley Roselius/Pumpkin Pie - Prix Caprilli Intro Level
Jill O'Banion/Thunder's Bay - Prix Caprilli Training Level
Samantha Lambert/Lucky Charm - Ground Poles Combined Test
Ashley Roselius/Pumpkin Pie - Crossrails Combined Test
Ashley Roselius/Pumpkin Pie - Green as Grass Combined Test
Ginny Stack/Dear Goldie - Starter Combined Test
Amanda Miller/Piccolo's Dance - Beginner Novice Combined Test
Amanda Miller/Piccolo's Dance - Novice Combined Test
Megan Cleary/Miss Moneypenny - Training Combined Test
Lilly Beard/Rambo - Green as Grass Jumper 1
Kathryn Schantz/Noble Rain - Green as Grass Jumper 2
Kathryn Schantz/Noble Rain - Starter Jumper 1
Ella Mays/Thumper - Beginner Novice Jumper 2
Ella Mays/Thumper - Low Gambler's Choice
Sarah Slamer/Lark's Gamin - Training Jumper 1
Sarah Slamer/Lark's Gamin - High Gambler's Choice
1- We will be modifying the jumper class offerings. Final classes are yet to be determined but there will be at least 1 jumper class at each CT level in addition to the Low and High Gambler's Choice.
2 - In addition to adding a CCI* CT division (for those looking for practice for the fall CCI*s), we will also be adding a T3DE CT division for anyone who may be competing in the T3DE the following weekend at MidSouth. Dressage tests will be the same as for what MidSouth has posted so it will be a great way to practice that "different" dressage test and get some feedback.
3 - All our CT divisions will be giving a portion of entry fees to a fundraiser for local eventer Kristen Distl who was paralyzed in a riding accident late last year. The details are still be worked out but the plan is that there will be a raffle of horse and non-horse items at a catered dinner on the show grounds immediately following the last ride of the show. Items already donated include clinic entry and lessons. You won't want to miss this AND you can help a great fundraiser! Stay tuned for more details. If you wish to make a donation to the raffle, please contact me and I can put you in touch with the right people.
June Show Recap
The first ever Serenity Valley Farm Horse Show went beautifully! 66 Dressage rides, 8 Prix Caprilli rides, 47 Combined Tests and a number of jumper rides. We started with the first ride at 8am and we finished a bit after 5pm. AND the weather held off! According to a friend, the satelite had storms popping up all around us all day, but it wasn't until the very last few items were heading to the storage building that the skies opened up and drenched the couple of us that were left. I'm so happy it waited! And it seems that everyone who came enjoyed themselves. Congratulations to all our division winners:Devyn Burger/Cool Whip - Intro Level Test A SR
Amanda Munson/Studs Hooligan - Intro Level Test B SR
Amanda Munson/Studs Hooligan - Intro Level Test C SR
Isabel Arcusa/Gus - Intro Level Test A JR and Reserve High Percentage
Madison McCarty/Ramoth - Intro Level Test B JR
Lorenza Savini/SkyLer - Intro Level Test C JR
Sheila Wilson/Rex Bibendi - Training Level Test 1 and Champion High Percentage
Kathryn Schantz/Copper Petina - Training Level Test 2
Kara Mastern/Lueka - Training Level Test 3
Lorenza Savini/George - First Level Test of Choice
Alathea Young/Garrett - Percentage Class
Ashley Roselius/Pumpkin Pie - Prix Caprilli Intro Level
Jill O'Banion/Thunder's Bay - Prix Caprilli Training Level
Samantha Lambert/Lucky Charm - Ground Poles Combined Test
Ashley Roselius/Pumpkin Pie - Crossrails Combined Test
Ashley Roselius/Pumpkin Pie - Green as Grass Combined Test
Ginny Stack/Dear Goldie - Starter Combined Test
Amanda Miller/Piccolo's Dance - Beginner Novice Combined Test
Amanda Miller/Piccolo's Dance - Novice Combined Test
Megan Cleary/Miss Moneypenny - Training Combined Test
Lilly Beard/Rambo - Green as Grass Jumper 1
Kathryn Schantz/Noble Rain - Green as Grass Jumper 2
Kathryn Schantz/Noble Rain - Starter Jumper 1
Ella Mays/Thumper - Beginner Novice Jumper 2
Ella Mays/Thumper - Low Gambler's Choice
Sarah Slamer/Lark's Gamin - Training Jumper 1
Sarah Slamer/Lark's Gamin - High Gambler's Choice
October Show News
Now that we've had a slight breather, we're starting to pull things together for the show on October 12th. Not much news at this point but there are a couple items:1- We will be modifying the jumper class offerings. Final classes are yet to be determined but there will be at least 1 jumper class at each CT level in addition to the Low and High Gambler's Choice.
2 - In addition to adding a CCI* CT division (for those looking for practice for the fall CCI*s), we will also be adding a T3DE CT division for anyone who may be competing in the T3DE the following weekend at MidSouth. Dressage tests will be the same as for what MidSouth has posted so it will be a great way to practice that "different" dressage test and get some feedback.
3 - All our CT divisions will be giving a portion of entry fees to a fundraiser for local eventer Kristen Distl who was paralyzed in a riding accident late last year. The details are still be worked out but the plan is that there will be a raffle of horse and non-horse items at a catered dinner on the show grounds immediately following the last ride of the show. Items already donated include clinic entry and lessons. You won't want to miss this AND you can help a great fundraiser! Stay tuned for more details. If you wish to make a donation to the raffle, please contact me and I can put you in touch with the right people.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Goals Met ... mostly
I can unequivocally say that we had a BLAST at the Come Again Farm May Flowers schooling show. Lee Ann does a phenominal job at her farm and everything was wonderful and yet relaxed. So... on to the recap.
Shirley was entered in 2 Event Derby divisions: Green as Grass (18") and Starter (2'3"). We did both dressage tests before any jumping. I can't say they were outstanding tests. I think the first was in the 44 penalty point range (56%) and the second was around a 48 (52%), but there were MOMENTS... fleeting for sure, but definitely moments, that were lovely... especially in the 2nd test. I have to disagree with the word choice that the judge used often in that test: "unbalanced". There isn't an unbalanced bone in that mare's body. I am not arguing the score... simply the description. Above the bit for sure. Unfocused, definitely. Unbalanced? Not a chance. Either way, it put us in 3rd in GAG and 7th in Starter going into our jumping rounds.
I've never done an Event Derby before. The jumping is part show jumping, part cross country. Figured it should be interesting. Our first round was the 3rd time I'd tacked up Shirley that morning. She was less than thrilled and preferred a nap at that point. But she was a good girl. Our warmups were VERY limited. She was already warmed up and I didn't feel the need to overdo it. Remember... Goal #1 at this show was to give her a good experience.
The first and last part of the 2 courses were the same with only the adjustment in height being different. GAG was crossrails, while Starter was verticals and an oxer. 2 stadium fences in the sand arena then out to the field to jump 3 fences, then off the bank, then back into the ring for the last 3 stadium fences. Shirley was very good overall. She jumped like a champ, though she would rush a bit after the fences and was spooking at everything else (there were MANY jumps in this field). Shirley is also convinced at this point in her education that steering is merely a suggestion. GAG went EXTREMELY well. She even went off the drop bank! We trotted a LOT but ... see Goal #1. Starter went really well too in the beginning. Unfortunately, we had our first refusal at the biggest fence on the course -- a red roofed cabin. It was in a lovely spot but there were other jumps and with the steering/focus issues we were having, we did not get straight to it and thus Shirley did not really see it until we were on top of it. It was too big to take like that. A small trot to approach it straight and she sailed over it. In the arena she was jumping well over the bigger fences. Fence 8, the next to last, was an oxer. I remember thinking it was a fantastic jump. Unfortunately, I didn't ride well afterwards and combined with our steering/focus issues meant that I rolled over her left shoulder and was promptly deposited on my butt. Shirley was an angel and stood still while I got up and led her off.
We did a small bit of XC schooling after the jumping was done that afternoon. She went in and out of the water like a champ (a green champ at first but settled nicely), even doing an up bank out of the water. We had some issues with horses cantering too closely behind us. More focus issues I think.
I learned a lot about Shirley and about what she needs and where I am in regards to providing it. First, whatever conclusions I come to post-event have no bearing on how proud I am of her performance this weekend. She was a wonderful. She was the patient and kind Shirley to work around as I tacked and untacked her *5* times in the course of 6 hours. She was the athletic and talented Shirley I've come to love when we were competing. What she needs is focus and experience. What I need to do is give her the ride she needs to be able to focus. I have gotten into the bad habit of looking at her and not focusing myself on where we're going, both when she's needing correction as well as when on course. In a stadium round it's a bit easier because the fences come up faster. What this showed me is that I need to have a specific and definite plan on landing even off XC fences or Shirley will make up her own at this point. I also need to continue to work on my fitness and balance. I think I did ok... except when I lost my balance as she spooked as well as when she LAUNCHED herself off the banks. I can only apologize to my big girl and hope we can get past my mistakes.
I do believe I accomplished Goal #1. This show was low key and positive. I think she had a good experience and gained a lot of knowledge that will help us going forward. Goal #2 was to complete our rounds. Well... we mostly did that. Everything but 1 jump. I can live with that. Of course wanting to do WELL was in the back of my mind as a hope, not a goal. That hope was fulfilled in the Green As Grass division where we finished 2nd.
Ella and Thumper did the Starter and Beginner Novice Derbies and did well -- finishing 6th in Starter and 3rd in Beginner Novice. Anita and Cerveza came to "practice" showing and did 3rd level Test 1 and 4th Level Test 1.... finishing 4th and 3rd respectively. Again, we all had a FANTASTIC time at the show and are looking forward to going back to Come Again Farm for another show. Thank you Lee Ann, and everyone at the show that made it work.
Here are some pictures... all taken by Lee Ann Zobbe.
Shirley was entered in 2 Event Derby divisions: Green as Grass (18") and Starter (2'3"). We did both dressage tests before any jumping. I can't say they were outstanding tests. I think the first was in the 44 penalty point range (56%) and the second was around a 48 (52%), but there were MOMENTS... fleeting for sure, but definitely moments, that were lovely... especially in the 2nd test. I have to disagree with the word choice that the judge used often in that test: "unbalanced". There isn't an unbalanced bone in that mare's body. I am not arguing the score... simply the description. Above the bit for sure. Unfocused, definitely. Unbalanced? Not a chance. Either way, it put us in 3rd in GAG and 7th in Starter going into our jumping rounds.
I've never done an Event Derby before. The jumping is part show jumping, part cross country. Figured it should be interesting. Our first round was the 3rd time I'd tacked up Shirley that morning. She was less than thrilled and preferred a nap at that point. But she was a good girl. Our warmups were VERY limited. She was already warmed up and I didn't feel the need to overdo it. Remember... Goal #1 at this show was to give her a good experience.
The first and last part of the 2 courses were the same with only the adjustment in height being different. GAG was crossrails, while Starter was verticals and an oxer. 2 stadium fences in the sand arena then out to the field to jump 3 fences, then off the bank, then back into the ring for the last 3 stadium fences. Shirley was very good overall. She jumped like a champ, though she would rush a bit after the fences and was spooking at everything else (there were MANY jumps in this field). Shirley is also convinced at this point in her education that steering is merely a suggestion. GAG went EXTREMELY well. She even went off the drop bank! We trotted a LOT but ... see Goal #1. Starter went really well too in the beginning. Unfortunately, we had our first refusal at the biggest fence on the course -- a red roofed cabin. It was in a lovely spot but there were other jumps and with the steering/focus issues we were having, we did not get straight to it and thus Shirley did not really see it until we were on top of it. It was too big to take like that. A small trot to approach it straight and she sailed over it. In the arena she was jumping well over the bigger fences. Fence 8, the next to last, was an oxer. I remember thinking it was a fantastic jump. Unfortunately, I didn't ride well afterwards and combined with our steering/focus issues meant that I rolled over her left shoulder and was promptly deposited on my butt. Shirley was an angel and stood still while I got up and led her off.
We did a small bit of XC schooling after the jumping was done that afternoon. She went in and out of the water like a champ (a green champ at first but settled nicely), even doing an up bank out of the water. We had some issues with horses cantering too closely behind us. More focus issues I think.
I learned a lot about Shirley and about what she needs and where I am in regards to providing it. First, whatever conclusions I come to post-event have no bearing on how proud I am of her performance this weekend. She was a wonderful. She was the patient and kind Shirley to work around as I tacked and untacked her *5* times in the course of 6 hours. She was the athletic and talented Shirley I've come to love when we were competing. What she needs is focus and experience. What I need to do is give her the ride she needs to be able to focus. I have gotten into the bad habit of looking at her and not focusing myself on where we're going, both when she's needing correction as well as when on course. In a stadium round it's a bit easier because the fences come up faster. What this showed me is that I need to have a specific and definite plan on landing even off XC fences or Shirley will make up her own at this point. I also need to continue to work on my fitness and balance. I think I did ok... except when I lost my balance as she spooked as well as when she LAUNCHED herself off the banks. I can only apologize to my big girl and hope we can get past my mistakes.
I do believe I accomplished Goal #1. This show was low key and positive. I think she had a good experience and gained a lot of knowledge that will help us going forward. Goal #2 was to complete our rounds. Well... we mostly did that. Everything but 1 jump. I can live with that. Of course wanting to do WELL was in the back of my mind as a hope, not a goal. That hope was fulfilled in the Green As Grass division where we finished 2nd.
Ella and Thumper did the Starter and Beginner Novice Derbies and did well -- finishing 6th in Starter and 3rd in Beginner Novice. Anita and Cerveza came to "practice" showing and did 3rd level Test 1 and 4th Level Test 1.... finishing 4th and 3rd respectively. Again, we all had a FANTASTIC time at the show and are looking forward to going back to Come Again Farm for another show. Thank you Lee Ann, and everyone at the show that made it work.
Here are some pictures... all taken by Lee Ann Zobbe.
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| Ella & Thumper at Fence 9 in the Beginner Novice Event Derby -- on their way to a 3rd Place finish! |
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| The amazingly infectious smile of a 12yo having fun. |
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| Shirley over Fence 2 in the Green as Grass Event Derby |
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| Shirley on her way to our first bank. |
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| LAUNCHING off said bank. Yes, I was bad and didn't ride properly. I think I apologized to her all the way to the next fence. I think we may have been the only ones to take the drop in that division. And we finished 2nd! |
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| Fence 2 on the Starter course... looking to head out to the XC field next. |
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| Shirley coming off the bank in the Starter Event Derby (our 2nd ride off the bank) |
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| another LAUNCH off the small bank. And yes, we did need to turn left... I just could have done it a bit more politely. |
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| What I think was our best fence... Fence 8 on the Starter course. Just wish I would have ridden better this so we could have finished. |
Friday, May 10, 2013
New goals?
Just a quick brain dump on what's going on. I'd like to start using this blog a bit better to track our progress. Let's face it. We have 2 very talented mares who are just getting started but learning quickly. And with show season now upon us, there's going to be a lot going on. It will be fun to look back and see how far we've come.
So here we are... May 10th with Shirley and Spider.
Spider has been working a LOT on her dressage. She's not as brave a jumper as Shirley is and Anita LOVES her so she's been concentrating on her flatwork. Anita said she quickly ran through the First Level Test 1 in the indoor the other day and thought Spider did really well with the movements. Her canter transitions are SO much better and Anita was beaming at what she was able to get for a medium canter as well as the transition back to working. I think we're going to get her out soon to a DLSC dressage show, but probably at Training level to start. No sense in pushing her physical limits along with the mental ones of going to a show. I think we're going to start jumping her again as well. See what she can do and what she wants to do. Plus of course, good weather means trail rides!
Shirley is heading to her 2nd show with us later today. We'll be doing the Green as Grass (18") and the Starter (2'3") Event Derby divisions at the Come Again Farm Spring Show tomorrow. We haven't been able to specifically school cross country, and our flatwork is coming but far from confirmed. Just going to A) have a good experience that sets up more good experiences... then B) finish our divisions. I have no doubt we can actually accomplish both... but to me, the order of the goals is important.
Both girls saw Dr Lieck yesterday (chiropractor). They both had some significant work that needed to be done. Shirley's was all along her back as well as her stifles. Spi was out in a few places in her back as well as her left shoulder and left knee. The plan for today is for a short acclimation ride when we get to the farm tonight so it will be interesting to see how Shirley is after her adjustment (she had the rest of yesterday off and both of them thoroughly enjoyed a couple hours out on the grass).
Tomorrow looks to be a long but nicely paced day. Ella is taking Thumper and doing the Starter and Beginner Novice Event Derby divisions, and Anita is bringing Cerveza to practice their Third and Fourth level tests. We start with our first test (me and Shirley) at 8:50am... and end with Anita and Veza doing 4th - Test 1 at 5:10. In between we have another 4 dressage tests, 4 jumping rounds and a short session of cross country schooling.
Here's hoping my next entry will have plenty of pictures as well as a recap of the event.
So here we are... May 10th with Shirley and Spider.
Spider has been working a LOT on her dressage. She's not as brave a jumper as Shirley is and Anita LOVES her so she's been concentrating on her flatwork. Anita said she quickly ran through the First Level Test 1 in the indoor the other day and thought Spider did really well with the movements. Her canter transitions are SO much better and Anita was beaming at what she was able to get for a medium canter as well as the transition back to working. I think we're going to get her out soon to a DLSC dressage show, but probably at Training level to start. No sense in pushing her physical limits along with the mental ones of going to a show. I think we're going to start jumping her again as well. See what she can do and what she wants to do. Plus of course, good weather means trail rides!
Shirley is heading to her 2nd show with us later today. We'll be doing the Green as Grass (18") and the Starter (2'3") Event Derby divisions at the Come Again Farm Spring Show tomorrow. We haven't been able to specifically school cross country, and our flatwork is coming but far from confirmed. Just going to A) have a good experience that sets up more good experiences... then B) finish our divisions. I have no doubt we can actually accomplish both... but to me, the order of the goals is important.
Both girls saw Dr Lieck yesterday (chiropractor). They both had some significant work that needed to be done. Shirley's was all along her back as well as her stifles. Spi was out in a few places in her back as well as her left shoulder and left knee. The plan for today is for a short acclimation ride when we get to the farm tonight so it will be interesting to see how Shirley is after her adjustment (she had the rest of yesterday off and both of them thoroughly enjoyed a couple hours out on the grass).
Tomorrow looks to be a long but nicely paced day. Ella is taking Thumper and doing the Starter and Beginner Novice Event Derby divisions, and Anita is bringing Cerveza to practice their Third and Fourth level tests. We start with our first test (me and Shirley) at 8:50am... and end with Anita and Veza doing 4th - Test 1 at 5:10. In between we have another 4 dressage tests, 4 jumping rounds and a short session of cross country schooling.
Here's hoping my next entry will have plenty of pictures as well as a recap of the event.
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