I'm 2 weeks out from Championships and Neo is going great!
That's all-check back in 2 weeks to see the full show report.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Whidbey Island Summer Show
Going into the Whidbey Summer Show I was extremely motivated to show well with having the disappointment of the Devonwood Show in the back of my mind.
I was able to make some small adjustments in my riding and in my general health. Following the Devonwood Show I enlisted the help of a chiropractor, Dr Mitresh Parmar, who began some intense sessions with me not only to get my body back in alignment, but also to get my body functioning better. Specifically my adrenal glands were extremely fatigued.
The week of the show I noticed a remarkable difference in my energy levels, my stress levels, and most importantly my confidence. I felt calm and collected and I really started riding like that more and more.
With the horses, we were starting to see some mini breakthroughs occurring. Most specifically with Claudius. With Claudius, his major disobedience is having a slight head tilt to the left. Occasionally I would be able to get him straight but not consistently. Well, after spending the most of 2 weeks riding with my left hand higher than my right hand (all of the time and in all gaits) we started to get good results. Not only did he look straighter I could feel his back round up into my seat more than it ever had. With that, he lost a lot of the tension in the base of his neck and began to truly come through.
With Neo it was still a matter of getting him more fit/stronger and to be able to round his back even more. In practice we started showing loftier gaits and were really having true sit in the pirouette work.
Because of late ride times both Friday (4:20pm and 5:30pm) and Saturday (5:30pm and 6:30pm) I did a light schooling session in the mornings on both guys to loosen them up. Mostly it was at the walk and working them deep and through. Each day I rode Claudius first in the Prix St Georges.
The warm up on Friday with Claudius was going along fine and then when schooling a walk pirouette to the right he had a "minor" hissy fit and jumped and twisted in the air. This was unlike any disobedience he had ever given me because his back was fully engaged and he felt through. This proceeded a few more times in the warm up. In my mind I was thinking this could be bad because he is engaged enough to launch me good if he wanted to. I attributed this nonsense to the fact that Claudius was truly straight and engaged; and that after years of riding tense/stiff/crooked he had no idea what to do with his body and this was his expression of trying to figure it out. Writing this now, it's great that he was feeling like that (straight) but at the time while on him I wasn't exactly thinking "whoo hoo!".
Going around the ring prior to being rung in by the judge Claudius was tense. Claudius' M.O. for shows is to have a "goofy" first test and then settle into the show routine. Now with the added bonus of him leaping around I was wondering what was going to happen.
Well.....as we passed the judge's box for the first time, Claudius leapt hard to the left and then to the right, throwing me out of position. I immediately got my seat back and continued on. On the long side we did some rears and leaps; all of which we would be no big deal but with his back really round and engaged I was starting to get a little nervous. The second time by the judge's box he lowered himself and did a "juke" move like you would see an NFL running back do to avoid a defender. At this point, the bell has been rung and I'm thinking to myself, "Should I even try to enter the ring?". I picked up the canter and after one more hijinx we were able to settle in.
Once we entered the ring I knew I could put together a good test. Minus two small bobbles and one big explosion in the left lead canter depart, Claudius put together some of his best movements. The medium trot was the best we ever have had. Claudius' shoulders were up and engaged, he was powering strong from behind and he wasn't braced in the base of the neck.
I was very pleased that Claudius was able to come back to me and work, unlike his first test in May where he blew me off the entire ride. We ended up with a 59.2% and 5th place; which considering all the "diva moments" we had I was very pleased with. It was really gratifying having people come up to me afterwards saying that was by far the best they had ever seen Claudius go before.
Afer getting off Claudius, I had a few minutes before I needed to get on Neo and I took that time to get my nerves back under control.
On Friday, Neo put in a solid ride. I changed my tactic for riding him for this show: instead of trying to go for the biggest, most spectacular movements, I dialed it down and rode safe. I still was lacking (sadly) a score to qualifying for Regional Championships at PSG. I knew if I rode safe and clean we could get it. Well, that's what happened. I rode an error free test (minus the priouettes being a little big) and we scored a 61%, placing 2nd.
On Saturday's rides, Claudius was still a little hyped but did not pull any stunts in the show ring. I made a couple of mistakes (a miscount on the 3's) and had a couple of steps of trot into the final halt. Additionally, I didn't have him as straight as I would have like. We scored a 59.4% which was 2pts away from a qualifying score. Without the mistakes in the 3's we had the score.
Claudius was the first horse to go in the class and maintained the 1st place position till the last ride of the class; which was Neo.
In that warm up, Neo gave me a spectaular first 10 minutes where he was engaged and fluid. Then he started running out of gas. While the test was not bad, again a clean test, we lacked some of the pizazz that we could have shown. Regardless, in front of a tough judge, we score a 60.4% and won the class. Giving me both 1st and 2nd in the Saturday Prix St Georges.
Needless to say I had a very estatic owner in Rebecca as this was Neo's first win for her.
On Sunday, I elected to scratch Neo as we had fullfilled our goals for the weekend (qualifying score and a win) and I didn't want to stress him even further.
Claudius was a full go. Claudius gave me a good warm up. He was now relaxed and fluid. Knowing I had this, I played a conservative test and just wanted to go clean. This cost me a little bit as I left the haunches trailing just a little in all of the half passes. However, Claudius was relaxed and fluid the entire time. I was so proud of him. I did make a mistake in the 4's and the pirouettes were a little big, but I truely thought I had made the qualifying score. Big mistake on my part for assuming that. The judge gave us a 58% and what really hurt was she gave me a 5 for rider. I cannot for the life of me remember receiveing a 5 for rider.
Everyone was terribly surprised by the score but I guess that's the fun of being at someone else's mercy. I of course say that to be PC, but 4 days later I'm still fuming. Partly because this judge, judged us at Devonwood in July, where we went much worse and I received a 6 for rider from her.
So, I will be taking Neo to the Regional Championships to show the PSG for the USDF Region 6 Championships and for the Northwest Dressage Championship. Claudius is not qualified for the USDF but is for the NW Championships and therefore I will wait till next year to take Claudius to Championships. I know having another year with Claudius will make us more competitive and be one of the horses to beat in 2010.
We have 5 weeks from today till Championships. I am giving Neo a very easy week to recover and in the meantime I am mapping out his training to allow him to train optimally and get in the rest that he needs to be in tiptop shape come the end of September.
My groom Rachel Robison did a knock out job grooming for me. Not once during the entire weekend did I have to worry about the horses and for every class they were turned out to the 9's. Thanks!
Once again it was great to have the support: my friend Lara who came up from Boulder, Julie, Lynn, Mom, Julia, Xander, Norma, Nancy, Roxanne and Bonnie. Your support and cheerleading is always appreciated!
And a BIG thank you to Rebecca Chatfield and Cindy Bucceri for the opportunity to show their great horses.
Finally and big thanks to Wendy Meyers for the feedback she gave me in the weeks leading up to the show and in the warm ups for each test. Great, great advice on getting the horses ready!
I was able to make some small adjustments in my riding and in my general health. Following the Devonwood Show I enlisted the help of a chiropractor, Dr Mitresh Parmar, who began some intense sessions with me not only to get my body back in alignment, but also to get my body functioning better. Specifically my adrenal glands were extremely fatigued.
The week of the show I noticed a remarkable difference in my energy levels, my stress levels, and most importantly my confidence. I felt calm and collected and I really started riding like that more and more.
With the horses, we were starting to see some mini breakthroughs occurring. Most specifically with Claudius. With Claudius, his major disobedience is having a slight head tilt to the left. Occasionally I would be able to get him straight but not consistently. Well, after spending the most of 2 weeks riding with my left hand higher than my right hand (all of the time and in all gaits) we started to get good results. Not only did he look straighter I could feel his back round up into my seat more than it ever had. With that, he lost a lot of the tension in the base of his neck and began to truly come through.
With Neo it was still a matter of getting him more fit/stronger and to be able to round his back even more. In practice we started showing loftier gaits and were really having true sit in the pirouette work.
Because of late ride times both Friday (4:20pm and 5:30pm) and Saturday (5:30pm and 6:30pm) I did a light schooling session in the mornings on both guys to loosen them up. Mostly it was at the walk and working them deep and through. Each day I rode Claudius first in the Prix St Georges.
The warm up on Friday with Claudius was going along fine and then when schooling a walk pirouette to the right he had a "minor" hissy fit and jumped and twisted in the air. This was unlike any disobedience he had ever given me because his back was fully engaged and he felt through. This proceeded a few more times in the warm up. In my mind I was thinking this could be bad because he is engaged enough to launch me good if he wanted to. I attributed this nonsense to the fact that Claudius was truly straight and engaged; and that after years of riding tense/stiff/crooked he had no idea what to do with his body and this was his expression of trying to figure it out. Writing this now, it's great that he was feeling like that (straight) but at the time while on him I wasn't exactly thinking "whoo hoo!".
Going around the ring prior to being rung in by the judge Claudius was tense. Claudius' M.O. for shows is to have a "goofy" first test and then settle into the show routine. Now with the added bonus of him leaping around I was wondering what was going to happen.
Well.....as we passed the judge's box for the first time, Claudius leapt hard to the left and then to the right, throwing me out of position. I immediately got my seat back and continued on. On the long side we did some rears and leaps; all of which we would be no big deal but with his back really round and engaged I was starting to get a little nervous. The second time by the judge's box he lowered himself and did a "juke" move like you would see an NFL running back do to avoid a defender. At this point, the bell has been rung and I'm thinking to myself, "Should I even try to enter the ring?". I picked up the canter and after one more hijinx we were able to settle in.
Once we entered the ring I knew I could put together a good test. Minus two small bobbles and one big explosion in the left lead canter depart, Claudius put together some of his best movements. The medium trot was the best we ever have had. Claudius' shoulders were up and engaged, he was powering strong from behind and he wasn't braced in the base of the neck.
I was very pleased that Claudius was able to come back to me and work, unlike his first test in May where he blew me off the entire ride. We ended up with a 59.2% and 5th place; which considering all the "diva moments" we had I was very pleased with. It was really gratifying having people come up to me afterwards saying that was by far the best they had ever seen Claudius go before.
Afer getting off Claudius, I had a few minutes before I needed to get on Neo and I took that time to get my nerves back under control.
On Friday, Neo put in a solid ride. I changed my tactic for riding him for this show: instead of trying to go for the biggest, most spectacular movements, I dialed it down and rode safe. I still was lacking (sadly) a score to qualifying for Regional Championships at PSG. I knew if I rode safe and clean we could get it. Well, that's what happened. I rode an error free test (minus the priouettes being a little big) and we scored a 61%, placing 2nd.
On Saturday's rides, Claudius was still a little hyped but did not pull any stunts in the show ring. I made a couple of mistakes (a miscount on the 3's) and had a couple of steps of trot into the final halt. Additionally, I didn't have him as straight as I would have like. We scored a 59.4% which was 2pts away from a qualifying score. Without the mistakes in the 3's we had the score.
Claudius was the first horse to go in the class and maintained the 1st place position till the last ride of the class; which was Neo.
In that warm up, Neo gave me a spectaular first 10 minutes where he was engaged and fluid. Then he started running out of gas. While the test was not bad, again a clean test, we lacked some of the pizazz that we could have shown. Regardless, in front of a tough judge, we score a 60.4% and won the class. Giving me both 1st and 2nd in the Saturday Prix St Georges.
Needless to say I had a very estatic owner in Rebecca as this was Neo's first win for her.
On Sunday, I elected to scratch Neo as we had fullfilled our goals for the weekend (qualifying score and a win) and I didn't want to stress him even further.
Claudius was a full go. Claudius gave me a good warm up. He was now relaxed and fluid. Knowing I had this, I played a conservative test and just wanted to go clean. This cost me a little bit as I left the haunches trailing just a little in all of the half passes. However, Claudius was relaxed and fluid the entire time. I was so proud of him. I did make a mistake in the 4's and the pirouettes were a little big, but I truely thought I had made the qualifying score. Big mistake on my part for assuming that. The judge gave us a 58% and what really hurt was she gave me a 5 for rider. I cannot for the life of me remember receiveing a 5 for rider.
Everyone was terribly surprised by the score but I guess that's the fun of being at someone else's mercy. I of course say that to be PC, but 4 days later I'm still fuming. Partly because this judge, judged us at Devonwood in July, where we went much worse and I received a 6 for rider from her.
So, I will be taking Neo to the Regional Championships to show the PSG for the USDF Region 6 Championships and for the Northwest Dressage Championship. Claudius is not qualified for the USDF but is for the NW Championships and therefore I will wait till next year to take Claudius to Championships. I know having another year with Claudius will make us more competitive and be one of the horses to beat in 2010.
We have 5 weeks from today till Championships. I am giving Neo a very easy week to recover and in the meantime I am mapping out his training to allow him to train optimally and get in the rest that he needs to be in tiptop shape come the end of September.
My groom Rachel Robison did a knock out job grooming for me. Not once during the entire weekend did I have to worry about the horses and for every class they were turned out to the 9's. Thanks!
Once again it was great to have the support: my friend Lara who came up from Boulder, Julie, Lynn, Mom, Julia, Xander, Norma, Nancy, Roxanne and Bonnie. Your support and cheerleading is always appreciated!
And a BIG thank you to Rebecca Chatfield and Cindy Bucceri for the opportunity to show their great horses.
Finally and big thanks to Wendy Meyers for the feedback she gave me in the weeks leading up to the show and in the warm ups for each test. Great, great advice on getting the horses ready!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Devonwood Dressage Show
Devonwood was one of the big shows for me this season. Next to Championships this is the second "biggest" show in the region.
I took down Claudius and Neo to show at the Prix St Georges.
The short story, and that's all you are going to get, is that while we didn't have a bad show, we didn't ride as well as we could. I wasn't looking to win the classes (Claudius did win his 4th level warm up class), but go into the classes and feel really good with how we did. That never happened. A big part was I couldn't find my mental focus and didn't ride with the sharpness that I would have liked too.
I took the week after the show fairly easy and now this week I'm back on track. I feel my confidence back and am getting both Neo and Claudius riding well.
We have the Whidbey Summer Show show 2 week from tomorrow. I have the utmost confidence that I will be able to not only get the horses going better before the show, but will be able to find my "zone" in the show ring.
In the meantime, it's lot's of practice both on and off the horse.
The one great thing about the show, besides showing at a fantastic venue, is the help and support I received. Owners Cindy and Rebecca, and groom Rachel, worked tireless for me throughout the entire weekend, and in very hot weather too. A big thanks to some of the fan club who made the drive down (Mom, Wendy, Julie, Norma, Roxanne, Joan).
Thanks for reading and I'll put an update in before we leave for the next show.
I took down Claudius and Neo to show at the Prix St Georges.
The short story, and that's all you are going to get, is that while we didn't have a bad show, we didn't ride as well as we could. I wasn't looking to win the classes (Claudius did win his 4th level warm up class), but go into the classes and feel really good with how we did. That never happened. A big part was I couldn't find my mental focus and didn't ride with the sharpness that I would have liked too.
I took the week after the show fairly easy and now this week I'm back on track. I feel my confidence back and am getting both Neo and Claudius riding well.
We have the Whidbey Summer Show show 2 week from tomorrow. I have the utmost confidence that I will be able to not only get the horses going better before the show, but will be able to find my "zone" in the show ring.
In the meantime, it's lot's of practice both on and off the horse.
The one great thing about the show, besides showing at a fantastic venue, is the help and support I received. Owners Cindy and Rebecca, and groom Rachel, worked tireless for me throughout the entire weekend, and in very hot weather too. A big thanks to some of the fan club who made the drive down (Mom, Wendy, Julie, Norma, Roxanne, Joan).
Thanks for reading and I'll put an update in before we leave for the next show.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Show Week For Devonwood
Next weekend I have the 2nd biggest show of the season (Championships being the biggest) at the Devonwood Dressage Show. Devonwood is hands down the best facility in the region. The biggest reason why I'm taking my guys down to this show is the fabulous footing in all the arenas (show rings and warm up rings). Some of the other venues in the area should take note on the footing. Additionally, a top notch judging panel will be on hand.
The team that is going down is Neo (with owner Rebecca Chatfield), Claudius (with owner Cindy Bucceri), Sharon Hummel and Sabu, and Deborah Hauck and Nick. Today is only Sunday and I'm feeling very motivated for the show.
I'll be showing Neo at Prix St Georges and making our debut at Intermediate I. Neo's training lately has been solid. I'm very confident in our trot work and hope to pull 8's (maybe even a 9) on our all of the extended trots. In the canter work our changes are good and I just need to get a better sit in the pirouettes. If I can keep my mind in check during the rides we should be near or at the top in all of our classes.
Claudius will be going Prix St Georges and if I can keep him relaxed we should be able to wow the crowd. The last two days of training have shown me I can go into the ring with the utmost confidence. I ran through the PSG today and it was heads and shoulders above what we showed last month. While the half pirouettes where still "a little" large we had better sitting than previously. If I can keep the engagement in both the trot and canter half passes we'll be pushing 8's and 9's!
My goals for Neo and Claudius are pretty simple: go through each ride error free, have a clear and positive mindset during the rides and get qualifying scores at PSG. Anything else that we get (i.e. blue ribbons) will be icing on the cake.
Sharon and Sabu have been displaying great work in their lessons and I expect them to continue their great riding like they did at the Whidbey Island Show. Deborah and Nick have also been doing well and should produce qualifying scores at Training Level.
I'll post an updated blog about the Devonwood Show next Monday.
A couple of pics from the Henrik Johansen clinic last week. I got some really good work from the four horses I rode (Neo, Claudius, Nick and Sabu) and found this to be one of the best clinics he has given me.
The team that is going down is Neo (with owner Rebecca Chatfield), Claudius (with owner Cindy Bucceri), Sharon Hummel and Sabu, and Deborah Hauck and Nick. Today is only Sunday and I'm feeling very motivated for the show.
I'll be showing Neo at Prix St Georges and making our debut at Intermediate I. Neo's training lately has been solid. I'm very confident in our trot work and hope to pull 8's (maybe even a 9) on our all of the extended trots. In the canter work our changes are good and I just need to get a better sit in the pirouettes. If I can keep my mind in check during the rides we should be near or at the top in all of our classes.
Claudius will be going Prix St Georges and if I can keep him relaxed we should be able to wow the crowd. The last two days of training have shown me I can go into the ring with the utmost confidence. I ran through the PSG today and it was heads and shoulders above what we showed last month. While the half pirouettes where still "a little" large we had better sitting than previously. If I can keep the engagement in both the trot and canter half passes we'll be pushing 8's and 9's!
My goals for Neo and Claudius are pretty simple: go through each ride error free, have a clear and positive mindset during the rides and get qualifying scores at PSG. Anything else that we get (i.e. blue ribbons) will be icing on the cake.
Sharon and Sabu have been displaying great work in their lessons and I expect them to continue their great riding like they did at the Whidbey Island Show. Deborah and Nick have also been doing well and should produce qualifying scores at Training Level.
I'll post an updated blog about the Devonwood Show next Monday.
A couple of pics from the Henrik Johansen clinic last week. I got some really good work from the four horses I rode (Neo, Claudius, Nick and Sabu) and found this to be one of the best clinics he has given me.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Whidbey Island June Dressage Show
Over Father's Day weekend I took the Sabu and Sharon, and Nick and Deborah up to Whidbey Island for the June Dressage Show.
I rode/showed on Friday and then Sharon and Deborah showed their respective horses on Saturday and Sunday.
I rode both Nick and Sabu at 3-3. Going into each ride I knew the flying changes would be a little tricky as Nick is late on the changes a lot, and Sabu prefers to do flying leaps rather than flying changes. In training with each horse we were more on the side of getting consistent, good changes rather than bad changes, but the changes were definitely not 100% confirmed.
On the warm up day, both horses rode beautifully. Both were a little excited about being on the show grounds and I rode them enough to be calm, yet keep them energetic for Friday. Sabu can become a little too excited/nervous but for the most part he keep his emotions in check and really showed off his movement. Nick, who at home can be a little lazy, used his energy to show off a little too.
On Friday morning, I showed Nick first. He gave me a great warm up, and was light and responsive to the aids. Overall, we had a solid test, received four 8's. Our only problems were in both flying changes (both changes were late) and in the turn on the haunches (I goofed in my aids). We scored a 64.8% and 2nd overall in the class. Without the mistakes we would have won. What I'm really proud with Nick is, I only ride him twice a week, and we beat riders who work with their respective horses every day of the week.
Sabu also rode well in the warm up, but was a little more tense than he was the day before. For the most part he kept his nerves in check during the test, but showed tension in some key moments. Specifically, in both medium and extended trots, where we broke gait; in the medium canter where we showed a beautiful medium canter until he became distracted and threw his head, and finally in the second flying change where he got so nervous we trotted through the change. For my first time showing Sabu, I was pleased.
Because of a prior commitment, Deborah was unable to show on Saturday, so I just had Sharon to coach (I schooled Nick later in the afternoon). Over the past couple of weeks, Sharon had put in some very solid rides in her lessons and she started to show off he new found riding. She had strong rides in 1-1 and T-4.
On Sunday, Sharon took her riding up another notch and posted her best ever ride in a show. She scored a 62.8% at T-4; 1pt off a qualifying score. What I am most impressed/happy with is she scored ~10% higher at T-4 from the show in May.
Deborah come through with 2 good rides at 1-1, 61%; and T-4, 62.4% (2pts off a qualifying score). This was Deborah's 2nd show and her first "travel/overnight show".
I am extremely pleased with both my students. It was a great drive back home because in the truck both riders had big smiles still on their respective faces.
Both Deborah and Sharon are in full gear preparing for the Devonwood Show in 3 weeks. I will be taking them, plus riding Neo (PSG and I1) and Claudius (4th Level and PSG).
Later this week on Thursday and Friday, I'll be riding with Henrik Johansen. I'll be riding all 4 show horses (Neo, Claudius, Nick and Sabu) with him. I'll have the clinic report up over the weekend.
In the meantime, have a wonderful holiday weekend!
I rode/showed on Friday and then Sharon and Deborah showed their respective horses on Saturday and Sunday.
I rode both Nick and Sabu at 3-3. Going into each ride I knew the flying changes would be a little tricky as Nick is late on the changes a lot, and Sabu prefers to do flying leaps rather than flying changes. In training with each horse we were more on the side of getting consistent, good changes rather than bad changes, but the changes were definitely not 100% confirmed.
On the warm up day, both horses rode beautifully. Both were a little excited about being on the show grounds and I rode them enough to be calm, yet keep them energetic for Friday. Sabu can become a little too excited/nervous but for the most part he keep his emotions in check and really showed off his movement. Nick, who at home can be a little lazy, used his energy to show off a little too.
On Friday morning, I showed Nick first. He gave me a great warm up, and was light and responsive to the aids. Overall, we had a solid test, received four 8's. Our only problems were in both flying changes (both changes were late) and in the turn on the haunches (I goofed in my aids). We scored a 64.8% and 2nd overall in the class. Without the mistakes we would have won. What I'm really proud with Nick is, I only ride him twice a week, and we beat riders who work with their respective horses every day of the week.
Sabu also rode well in the warm up, but was a little more tense than he was the day before. For the most part he kept his nerves in check during the test, but showed tension in some key moments. Specifically, in both medium and extended trots, where we broke gait; in the medium canter where we showed a beautiful medium canter until he became distracted and threw his head, and finally in the second flying change where he got so nervous we trotted through the change. For my first time showing Sabu, I was pleased.
Because of a prior commitment, Deborah was unable to show on Saturday, so I just had Sharon to coach (I schooled Nick later in the afternoon). Over the past couple of weeks, Sharon had put in some very solid rides in her lessons and she started to show off he new found riding. She had strong rides in 1-1 and T-4.
On Sunday, Sharon took her riding up another notch and posted her best ever ride in a show. She scored a 62.8% at T-4; 1pt off a qualifying score. What I am most impressed/happy with is she scored ~10% higher at T-4 from the show in May.
Deborah come through with 2 good rides at 1-1, 61%; and T-4, 62.4% (2pts off a qualifying score). This was Deborah's 2nd show and her first "travel/overnight show".
I am extremely pleased with both my students. It was a great drive back home because in the truck both riders had big smiles still on their respective faces.
Both Deborah and Sharon are in full gear preparing for the Devonwood Show in 3 weeks. I will be taking them, plus riding Neo (PSG and I1) and Claudius (4th Level and PSG).
Later this week on Thursday and Friday, I'll be riding with Henrik Johansen. I'll be riding all 4 show horses (Neo, Claudius, Nick and Sabu) with him. I'll have the clinic report up over the weekend.
In the meantime, have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Beaujolais Show
This past weekend (6/13-14) was the Beaujolais Show. This marked a big event for me as I was returning to the FEI show ring. This happened a lot quicker than I expected when I created a list of goals over a year ago. What was exciting was, I was able to show two horses (Neo and Claudius) at Prix St Georges.
When I began working with Claudius this past September I put out the goal of riding him at PSG at some point during the 2009 season. At that time, and through most of the winter, I was thinking I could have him ready in August or September. Things started to come together well after I began riding again after the rib injury. Honestly, there were times I thought I was crazy, but kept at it. With Claudius this was his first time at the FEI level.
With Neo, I knew I would be showing him PSG (and Intermediate I next month) when Rebecca purchased him in March.
I won't bore you with too long of a blog post so here's the short and skinny:
Saturday:
I rode Neo first and the warm up went well. I was a "tad" nervous in the warm up and throughout the test. I made some small mistakes in both the pirouttes (walk and canter). I also missed a change in the 3 tempi changes. When I made the final halt/salute I was content. I knew I had put in a solid ride and that while it wasn't perfect it was very respectable. I/we were a little shocked at the score we received: 61.8%. I/we felt it was more in the 63-64% range. We ended up 2nd overall.
For Claudius we had been dealing with a sore back issue. The week before I switched saddles on him (that's a whole different story), and thankfully it worked well. I went into show week with a horse a little less conditioned then I would have liked. We had a good warm up, but I knew I wouldn't be able to collect him as much as I would like. In the test Claudius threw his usual first test of the show spooks, but I was able to put in some descent parts. Compared to the first test at Devonwood last month this was a big improvement. With Claudius it is all about "baby steps". Leaving the arena with Claudius I felt we scored a 56-57%. Surprisingly, and I'll take the score any day of the week, we scored a 60.4% (5th overall).
I was able to accomplish a goal of getting a qualifying ride for Championships on the first day with both horses.
Sunday:
Going into Sunday, I knew I could win the class and really put in a showing with Neo if I put together a good warm up. And I did do that. I had Neo working very well, moving great, working for me, and I also had my mental focus exactly where I wanted. Then in the test, I blew it. I over rode/tried too hard in a lot of sections (most of the canter work). The moment we finished the test I was fuming at myself for riding like I did. I had the horse to do it, and all I needed to do was let him do it. BUMMER!!!!!! We scored a 58.8%. A week later, I'm still a little mad at myself, but will use this as motivation to knock 'em dead a Devonwood next month.
Because of scheduling, I immediately got on Claudius after Neo's ride. It took me about 10 minutes to regain my composure and once I did we put together a good warm up. This ride was much better than the day before as Claudius gave me more of an honest effort (minus blowing me off in the 3's). I was happy with this ride. The judging was a little more realistic with a 58.4%.
Overall I'm happy, but very hungry for the next couple of shows, especially Championships. I have no doubt I'll have Neo ready to be extremely competitive by Championships for the PSG and maybe I1. I know with more time Claudius will be a more solid small tour FEI horse and that we'll be right in the thick of things come September.
It was nice to have a lot of support including some old riding friends come out (Amanda Olson and Laura Journey), plus clients and friends from River Run and Simpatico.
Finally, A heartfelt thank you to Rebecca Chatfield and Cindy Bucceri for the opportunity to show their respective horses. Without you two I wouldn't be here. Also, thank you to Wendy Meyers, Karla Spirtus, and Henrik Johansen for their instruction, guidance, and motivation. And finally to my family for their support.
When I began working with Claudius this past September I put out the goal of riding him at PSG at some point during the 2009 season. At that time, and through most of the winter, I was thinking I could have him ready in August or September. Things started to come together well after I began riding again after the rib injury. Honestly, there were times I thought I was crazy, but kept at it. With Claudius this was his first time at the FEI level.
With Neo, I knew I would be showing him PSG (and Intermediate I next month) when Rebecca purchased him in March.
I won't bore you with too long of a blog post so here's the short and skinny:
Saturday:
I rode Neo first and the warm up went well. I was a "tad" nervous in the warm up and throughout the test. I made some small mistakes in both the pirouttes (walk and canter). I also missed a change in the 3 tempi changes. When I made the final halt/salute I was content. I knew I had put in a solid ride and that while it wasn't perfect it was very respectable. I/we were a little shocked at the score we received: 61.8%. I/we felt it was more in the 63-64% range. We ended up 2nd overall.
For Claudius we had been dealing with a sore back issue. The week before I switched saddles on him (that's a whole different story), and thankfully it worked well. I went into show week with a horse a little less conditioned then I would have liked. We had a good warm up, but I knew I wouldn't be able to collect him as much as I would like. In the test Claudius threw his usual first test of the show spooks, but I was able to put in some descent parts. Compared to the first test at Devonwood last month this was a big improvement. With Claudius it is all about "baby steps". Leaving the arena with Claudius I felt we scored a 56-57%. Surprisingly, and I'll take the score any day of the week, we scored a 60.4% (5th overall).
I was able to accomplish a goal of getting a qualifying ride for Championships on the first day with both horses.
Sunday:
Going into Sunday, I knew I could win the class and really put in a showing with Neo if I put together a good warm up. And I did do that. I had Neo working very well, moving great, working for me, and I also had my mental focus exactly where I wanted. Then in the test, I blew it. I over rode/tried too hard in a lot of sections (most of the canter work). The moment we finished the test I was fuming at myself for riding like I did. I had the horse to do it, and all I needed to do was let him do it. BUMMER!!!!!! We scored a 58.8%. A week later, I'm still a little mad at myself, but will use this as motivation to knock 'em dead a Devonwood next month.
Because of scheduling, I immediately got on Claudius after Neo's ride. It took me about 10 minutes to regain my composure and once I did we put together a good warm up. This ride was much better than the day before as Claudius gave me more of an honest effort (minus blowing me off in the 3's). I was happy with this ride. The judging was a little more realistic with a 58.4%.
Overall I'm happy, but very hungry for the next couple of shows, especially Championships. I have no doubt I'll have Neo ready to be extremely competitive by Championships for the PSG and maybe I1. I know with more time Claudius will be a more solid small tour FEI horse and that we'll be right in the thick of things come September.
It was nice to have a lot of support including some old riding friends come out (Amanda Olson and Laura Journey), plus clients and friends from River Run and Simpatico.
Finally, A heartfelt thank you to Rebecca Chatfield and Cindy Bucceri for the opportunity to show their respective horses. Without you two I wouldn't be here. Also, thank you to Wendy Meyers, Karla Spirtus, and Henrik Johansen for their instruction, guidance, and motivation. And finally to my family for their support.
Friday, May 22, 2009
L'Apertif Show
This past weekend we took some of the horses to the L'Apertif Dressage Show at Bridle Trails. What's nice about this show is, it is a 20 minute drive from the barn and has a very low key demeanor (think a dressed up schooling show).
This was very good as I took Falcon out for his first ever show. We had ridden in a schooling show at Bridle Trails the month prior with him to prepare for the show.
Falcon has been in my program for a little less than a year. Prior to me he had been with an abusive trainer and Falcon lost all sense of confidence and was/is very nervous. Falcon could barely walk or trot without having a massive meltdown. At that time, last June, cantering was completely out of the question. With a training program that emphasized the positive and without any rushing I have been able to bring Falcon around to being close to a "normal" horse. He still has his moments but the last two weeks of training have been absolutely solid.
The fact that I felt confident enough to take Falcon to a show is the biggest success of all. Our goal was simple, go out and have a positive day with no catastrophes.
Mission accomplished and then some. Falcon put in a very solid test (T-3) for his first ride. We inevitably had some tense moments and he sucked behind me a couple of times. Overall, it was a good picture and something even 3 or 4 months ago was almost impossible. We scored at 64.8%, winning the class.
The second ride (T-4) didn't go as smoothly. Mostly because Falcon was a little tired; more mentally than physically. He got behind my leg and then curled up on me during some sections of the test. We scored a 58.9%, but I feel that I was a little to low. After the final halt salute I felt we were more in the 60-62% range. Regardless, it doesn't matter Falcon went well.
I'm very proud of Falcon and look forward to making him into more of a dressage horse! A thank you to his owner, Alanna Danna for allowing me to show him.
This was very good as I took Falcon out for his first ever show. We had ridden in a schooling show at Bridle Trails the month prior with him to prepare for the show.
Falcon has been in my program for a little less than a year. Prior to me he had been with an abusive trainer and Falcon lost all sense of confidence and was/is very nervous. Falcon could barely walk or trot without having a massive meltdown. At that time, last June, cantering was completely out of the question. With a training program that emphasized the positive and without any rushing I have been able to bring Falcon around to being close to a "normal" horse. He still has his moments but the last two weeks of training have been absolutely solid.
The fact that I felt confident enough to take Falcon to a show is the biggest success of all. Our goal was simple, go out and have a positive day with no catastrophes.
Mission accomplished and then some. Falcon put in a very solid test (T-3) for his first ride. We inevitably had some tense moments and he sucked behind me a couple of times. Overall, it was a good picture and something even 3 or 4 months ago was almost impossible. We scored at 64.8%, winning the class.
The second ride (T-4) didn't go as smoothly. Mostly because Falcon was a little tired; more mentally than physically. He got behind my leg and then curled up on me during some sections of the test. We scored a 58.9%, but I feel that I was a little to low. After the final halt salute I felt we were more in the 60-62% range. Regardless, it doesn't matter Falcon went well.
I'm very proud of Falcon and look forward to making him into more of a dressage horse! A thank you to his owner, Alanna Danna for allowing me to show him.
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