As I left this morning I caught myself thinking whether a smudge in one's mascara would be a good thing or bad thing. I enjoyed a wonderful fresh strawberry crepe as I looked over my test. The weather report wasn't the best, but so far so good. My new white breeches were all shiny clean. Does it have to rain?
I headed up to watch the under-13 Dressage Seat class going on. It was really interesting to watch. All the kids looked great to me! At the end of the class, judges Axel Steiner and Natalie Lamping gave each of the kids some personal feedback. But now it's time to head down and get all ready!
Joey was the second ride in the class. Scott was there to help give us feed back in the warm up. I did ask some pointed questions and he again gave great answers that were very helpful. I am so very happy to have had this opportunity to get his input. Joey was definitely "up", with all the excitement and vendors, and dogs. He LOVES dogs apparently :-X
Unfortunately the atmosphere in the main arena got Joey even more up. Especially after the judge cleared the microphone. But the good news is as tight as it made him, Joey's learning to stay with me and trust me, and almost relieved that things like that happen to allow Joey and I form a better working partnership. The good old "flee" instinct is being overcome with a bit more trust every day. I was so very proud of him just for getting through with no bobbles.
As we got back to the barn, the heavens opened up. Lovely! I suspect Ruby's a mudder, but I just don't feel like having to find that out today. Fortunately the rains let up, and off we went back up the hill. Ruby is such a good boy. He tromps right by all the tents on the buckle, right into the warm up. We follow George Williams, who is looking absolutely lovely on my friend Melissa's Sir Velo, another handsome young man purchased at the Munster Handorf Auction! I see George head into the ring, so I figure maybe it's time to do a little warm up?
Ruby was really good. Maybe a bit strong at times, but I think he's still learning to use his back more correctly. But the judges were unfortunately not as happy as I was. The consolation was that I did have people try to buy him right out from underneath me as I headed back to the barn....so it couldn't have been that bad!
Joey finished the day at sixth, right behind Sir Velo. Willy Arts won the test on a beautiful big gray. Wish I had seen the ride as I heard it was quite good!
In the afternoon we watched the five year old rides. Caroline Roffman won it on a springy flashy chestnut. There was beautiful energy and suppleness throughout. My old friend Karen Monks-Reilly came in second behind her on the very powerful Aesthete. It was interesting to sit and watch the progression of the training from the four- to five-year-old year. I can't wait to cheer my friend Makenzi on in the six year old's tomorrow, on my friend Kathy Hickerson's Hanoverian stallion, Shroeder.
So while we didn't blow anyone's socks off, I'm very pleased with my two young men, but now my superstitious side is whispering in my ear, that I should never ever wear the new breeches again!
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