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Discussion on Tip for first ride of 1st level Test 1
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 26, 2006 - 11:03 am:
Well as you all know I am off to my first USDF show on Labor Day weekend....can't wait....optimisic but a little anxious none the less. Holly I will send you the ride times and hopefully you can come watch at least one test! It will be so good to finally meet you.
Anyway, I have a quick question in relation to first level test one which we are schooling at home and are riding at the show for the experience...not the ribbons...My Arab who at the trot (as opposed to the big moving warmbloods) will probably be more collected and slower and a little more springy than forward at this stage in our training (although on show day me might be more forward moving if he is nervous). Would you all suggest that I ride what he and I are comfortable with, which means a little bit of a slower trot comparatively rather than trying to get him to move on faster(which might excite him and once excited we tend to lose throughness as he hollows his back and will make the trot harder for me to sit) and just take the comment that he needs to be more forward or should we get him to move more forward? (please note you have to sit for this test unless otherwise noted)
I think I answered my own question but was just wondering if anyone else might have something to add. My good friend who will be attending with me and who rides 3rd level said it's probably best to work on that after we get home and take the comment but just know it's something to work on.
Any advice?
Thanks,
Corinne
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 26, 2006 - 12:52 pm:
Corinne, never having ridden a test before, and knowing how I hate showing, I can't give you any good advice here except to listen to your horse and do what sill keep you both in sync. Show harmony and happiness . . .
Will love to try to be there for your ride(s) . . . please let me know ASAP what is the schedule of the show. If we can make it, we will be there. I look forward to meeting you and Demetrius, too.
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 26, 2006 - 1:44 pm:
Holly that's what Kim said....she said If I have to go at a slower tempo make it best it can be and look like I am loving every minute of it....which truly I do....
The ride times should be posted by Monday so I will get them as soon as possible. I am riding two tests on each of the three days so there will be plenty of time to meet if you can get away from the farm.
It's at Briar Fox Farms in Augusta right on the main freeway. We were looking at the old Moving to Enid posts and Kim said you were pretty close.
Anyway, hope to see you next weekend! If you can't make it to see a ride maybe you can meet us for dinner as we will be eating out each night.
We check in to our hotel on Friday afternoon and out on Monday morning.
Will be in touch and thanks for the advice. Even if you haven't ridden a test it's sound advice.
Take care,
Corinne
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Member:
Amara
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 26, 2006 - 2:03 pm:
never change anything when you get to a test... channel whatever the horse gives you... the judges will not expect your horse to move like a warmblood. a qualified judge will grade your horse based on what your individual horse can give...
collected does NOT equal slower
more forward does NOT equal faster...
throughness is "collecting" proper "forward" energy...
speed is usually your enemy, unless your horse is a snail, in which case you wont have throughness anyways...
enjoy the show and the tests and your horse...
remember that you are only showing against yourself and it is only a test...
btw.. i showed for years on my arab and we routinely beat very nice warmbloods at some very big shows...
good luck and have fun!
melissa
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 26, 2006 - 2:55 pm:
Thanks Melissa....You are right that speed is our enemy...especially with my Arab who gets nervous in new environments which is why I will settle for him slowing a bit at the trot because if we move him out more when he is nervous he will tense up and hollow his back making it hard for me to sit but I will work on that after the show and not so much for this one. Thanks for your sage advice about not changing anything now! And I agree with your points on collection and throughness.
I will have fun and the reason I love dressage is because your right it's a test to determine my own progress with my own horse!
Thanks for your words of wisdom.
Have a great weekend.
v/r
Corinne
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 26, 2006 - 4:29 pm:
There are two things that are tested in First Level, Corinne.
First, that the horse is straight and forward thinking, the latter examined in the transitions into medium trot and canter.
Second, that the rider can sit medium trot and canter without annoying the horse or killing his impulsion.
Slowing the horse so that he is easier to sit is sleeping trot, not working trot and definitely not collected.
The transition from sleeping trot to working trot should not pass as a working trot/medium trot transition. A good judge will heavily penalise such a performance.
What does your trainer say about this?
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 26, 2006 - 9:07 pm:
Christos…….First level test one for USDF is all in working trot not med, except for two movements when you change the reign across the diagonal in which you lengthen the stride in trot rising. There is also no medium canter in this test, only working canter so we are not testing there yet (in response to your comment about the judges wanting you to be able to sit the medium trot and canter without killing impulsion). I may not be explaining myself to well…….Sorry guys.
First of all I am not slowing him to a sleeping trot, he just does not move out like the big horses just yet and yes we are collecting (I am at a barn with a huge warm blood and TB and they move big....Demetrius and I do what we can at this point). As for my current instructor, that situation is changing as I have been invited to ride with some instructors with FEI level experience.
Anyway it will not weigh hard on my heart if we don't get a great score but this is my first recognized show and I am not doing it for the ribbons. It's because I am finally living a life long dream I didn't have the chance to live as a child. With that being said I happen to be riding an Arab and because of his flexibility and excitability in new situations I just wanted to know if I should change our style of riding right before the show to try to get a better score and chance it all going to crap, or just ride like we have been (which as someone who just sat in the saddle for the first time 2 months shy of three years ago on a green Arab, I am very proud of how far we have come). I don’t know about anyone else out there but we could never win a ribbon ever and that won’t stop me from loving dressage and going out there to see if we are going to do better than the time before. For myself! For Demetrius!
My last instructor who trained Demetrius to 1st and just trained her 16 yr old to Grand Prix (and 4th in the nation for youth at second, and 11th at third on a home grown Arab) said she thinks we are ready to start first level even if it’s only for the experience at this point, so we are going to ride all the training tests and first test one and give em hell and have a good time doing it. And if I get heavily penalized, well I will know what to work on for our next show. It’s nothing off my back……I am just living a childhood dream at age 32.
Wish me luck!
Corinne
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 26, 2006 - 10:04 pm:
Corinne... YOU GO GIRL...
I always train a level above what i show.... thus we are comfortable in the show ring.. I still get the ''willies'' when i show.. and I HATE SHOWING BABIES NOW...
Be yourself.. not anyone else.. ride like you ride.. not anyone else.. ride for yourself.. not for anyone else.. This is a test for you.. Can you enter at A.? Can you go down center line and halt salute and EXIT at A.. ?? ENJOY.. its all about having fun...
On the first day God created horses , on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 5:14 am:
I am not familiar with the particular USDF tests, Corinne, I am talking First Level in general.
The point I want to make (mind you, many people disagree) is that as you can see from the progression of exercises in tests, medium paces must be perfected before you move to collected ones. There is good reason in this arrangement, let me just not bore everybody again with long "theoretical" explanations.
I do believe that the horse must never be collected before medium paces are rock solid. It is just my opinion, not worth much, but you may want to keep it in one little corner of your mind for possible future use.
As for the "we could never win a ribbon ever" part, it is total....whatever.
Get in there and show them what a green Arab can do for his beginner rider !
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 9:11 am:
Hey, good luck Corrine!! I'm sure you'll let us know how you did; we'll be waiting to hear. Wish I could be there to cheer you both on.
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 11:00 am:
Hey Christos...I agree with you about the medium paces if you are speaking third and fourth level collection but we do have some regardless.....the level of collection you are speaking of and the level we are obtaining may be very different however and hard to describe verbally so I am not going to try.
Anyway, we value your opinion, or we wouldn't look forward to your posts but as you would not leave a point you disagree on without comment I must do the same.....I disagree about your mention that you think that me never winning a ribbon is total....fill in the blank.
I would like to say that when you finally have a chance to do something you have been dreaming about all your life why does it have to be about winning? For me it's about finally getting the chance to go out there and live the moment. In fact there was this one schooling show I was riding an eq class in and we were called out to the center just shy of a ribbon but none the less I was beaming ear to ear for having done my first class, in fact I was so happy I was almost in tears and Hubby thought I did win! I can forward the pics If you don’t believe me.
Now don’t get me wrong that's not to say I wouldn't be joyous if I won a ribbon at this show or any other, but it would not, not, not, not, diminish the experience if I never do....Why do you feel it's impossible to feel that way?
I can’t speak for you and I don't know what you feel about people who are in the showing because you describe disliking competition of any kind in your profile but I can assure you not all of us who compete are doing it to win….because I am one of them. And I won't say I am offended at this point by your comments, however for future reference as a military officer when I say something there is truthfulness too it because I do have integrity and any implication to the fact that my comments are anything other than factual might bring out the Jersey girl in me…..LOL….Ericka I know you are laughing about that one. Just kidding….I will be offended but amicable none the less.
Anyway, sorry to digress, maybe it was the way I was raised or maybe it was seeing the ultimate sportsmanship as a Special Olympics Coach in college where it was about just being happy with the opportunity.....I am just thrilled with the opportunity because there are many people in this world who love horses and don’t have the chance to do what we do and additionally I am happy for individual improvement between Demetrius and I….as stated at least three times before in this post alone.
And don't worry I will show them what I can do but I wouldn't consider myself a total beginner either with 296 lessons under our belt and Demetrius having been in each of those lessons, in addition to him being trained to first with an instructor who has trained horses to PSG and riders to Grand Prix, not to mention our jumping lessons and our practice sessions and fun rides. But with that being said….this is still our first real show and everyone who has been there knows how that can go.
Anyway, thanks for well wishes everyone and Sara you all will be there cheering me on....in my heart.
Have a great weekend everyone.
v/r
Corinne
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Member:
Canderso
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 11:03 am:
Hi Corinne,
If you read the cover of the test for First Level Test One, it states the objective of the test is: "To confirm that the horse, in addition to the requirements of Training Level, has developed thrust(pushing power) and achieved a degree of balance and throughness."
So to answer your main question, you are looking for forward (not faster) movement.
But this is a show, and Holly is absolutely right too...
So once you have your harmony and happiness, if you decide you want to to for one more element, focus on getting the horse stepping under himself. Balance and throughness will naturally fall into place.... and you will do VERY well.
And a bit of advice: have someone read the test to you (it is one less thing to worry about!)
Good luck and have a terrific ride!
Cheryl
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 12:02 pm:
Corinne,
If the sound could travel that far, you'd hear many of us cheering you on. Please let us know how it goes.
signed,
Jersey Girl
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 1:10 pm:
Erika,
Maybe we can discuss the show over some wine at Christmas? I will be coming home for a week or two (parents live in Morris county on the Wharton/Dover border). It would be great to get together! Thanks for the cheers!
Signed,
You can take the girl out of Jersey but you can't take the Jersey out of the girl!
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 2:09 pm:
 I only meant that you could very well win that ribbon, whether you want it or not. Believing that you could not possibly ever win this event is nonsense.
My dislike for competition is personal and does not extend to competitors themselves.
For collection, I prefer to absolutely refrain from it until the working and medium paces are very very good. I believe it shaves some forward thinking off if attempted earlier.
Wishing you a magnificent ride, new horizons and many new friends.
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Member:
36541
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 6:57 pm:
OK here's some basic stuff just as a reminder...
Some horses unexpectedly suck up in a new environment, so don't forget to pack a short blunt spur, or carry a whip in warm-up.
Ride when you get there Friday, ride or hand-walk and graze all over the grounds, especially as close as you are allowed to get to the judge's box and the damn corner flowers.
Don't try out any new attire or tack for the first time at the show, it just never works out. Ride at least once before the show in your whole spiffy get-up(both of you), to see where the creaks and pinches are.
If you are going to braid him, do it at least once this week to limber up your technique and to know how much time you will need.
If you are riding later in the morning or day, consider an early morning hack around the show grounds in your casual get-up to relax you both. I think the horses get bored stiff in their stalls most of the weekend, so I tend to keep mine pretty busy.
Lastly, I respectfully disagree about having the test called. It is a recognized show, and you will stand out as someone who was able to memorize the test. I think the judges notice. Looking forward to your report after the show, best of luck , Stacy
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 8:10 pm:
Hi Corrine,
Lots of great advice here - I don't have much to add. However, I just did my first show a week ago with my mare. It was a bit of a disaster (my horse decided that I was showing at a level way below her talents and decided to through in some upper level movements that are decidedly NOT required at the lower levels), but despite that, I felt the day was a huge success for me personally. Did I win? Heck no, I got disqualified on one of my tests...BUT, I rode through a difficult situation when my normally unflappable horse went from absolutely unruffled at the show grounds to "I've got a live wire up my butt" when we approached the arena (and I did all of Stacy's excellent advice to get her used to EVERYTHING). A couple of years ago, I would have been so shaken up, that it would have taken me weeks to ask for a canter again, even at home. When I got DQ'd, my trainer made me stay on and we worked through it until my mare relaxed and I relaxed. So, I say all this not to scare you but to say GOOD for YOU on living your dream. Be prepared, know that Demetrius likely will be a bit more forward than normal and I personally would make no changes to how you ride this close to the show. I took great pains to keep our routine as normal as possible...hmmm, now that I think about it, it didn't exactly work for me , but seriously, the articles I've read in the magazines recommend keeping things consistent.
Enjoy the day, no matter what happens and you both will come out winners!
Good luck!
Fran
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Member:
36541
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 9:05 pm:
Fran, I love to have those kinds of shows vicariously!! What a hoot!
I would like to add that just getting there safely with self, horse and all equipment, without a flat or engine failure is your first win of the weekend. I added that to my competitive perspective when a friend and I got close to a tornado on the interstate on the way to Canterbury, Florida some years back. The trailer was on two wheels for about 100ft! We were shaken and felt lucky to be alive with two sound horses. We both had a great event and laughed a lot the whole weekend.
My personal mantra if things are going a bit wrong in the ring is "Smile, this is not your day job, this is what you do for FUN!" A shorter one I know you can relate to is "Smile, nobody's coding here!"
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 11:52 pm:
Christos....Thanks! I promise I will go in with the mind set that we are going to take home gold...so to speak, as I do think a positive attitude really affects your psyche...and sorry for misinterpreting your remarks.
Stacy...I have just printed off your list and have added it to my folders to bring in tow. I will be riding with the gal who is hosting to warm up on Friday and then prior to each day.
We will take plenty of long walks and I will do his normal lunge routine to keep his mind on what we normally do before each ride....the braid will be easy....french on a long white mane, did that the other day and he tolerated it very well. As for the judges booth and the flower boxes...I sure wish I thought of that last year at our first schooling show because he won't go anywhere near the arena (like it was the boogey man) Fran my experience at my first schooling show was much like yours! LOL. Glad you made it though....and I love your attitude. You sound like me. This sport is so humbling to start as an adult isn’t it?
As for the tests....I agree Stacy, I sure want to ride without a caller and have them memorized but will keep a caller on hand just in case my nerves get the best of me. If I don’t have a caller arranged that will be when I need one and can’t find someone.
I am in very very good hands. My good friend Kim and our current barn owner is taking me and she has shown at Worlds as a teen in western and up to PSG in dressage....she is very well versed in how to make a show run smoothly…..in fact she is a bit anal so we get along amazingly well as so am I. Her trailer was packed today! I got her “need to remember” list last week and have been packing since then. Between her and all of everyone else's advice we are going to have a great time.....and one thing I just found out that will just make it even better….they drink wine and eat cheese at these things. Yea....I will save mine for after the show though...... or I might throw up and fall off for other reasons! LOL There is even a show party Sat night! Who would have guessed they throw lots of fun things in too?
Well we just went over all our tests today and had a great ride. He will be riding with his trainer tomorrow. Off to bed myself. Rocky dog is sick, has been eating grass since we arrived so I think there is something bothering his GI system, one vet tech I spoke to said dogs new to the area often have allergies (hopefully not to the burmuda grass) so they eat the grass to induce vomiting. But he vomited three times today….Water and rice for him for a day but I sure hope to get him well before it's one track show mind or my mind will be on him.
Anyway, will be in touch.
Thanks once again guys for your support.
Take care,
Corinne
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Member:
Sswiley
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 11:55 pm:
Alright Corrine !!
Looking forward to hearing all about it next week.
But for now, I am not sure why you are thinking of moving a horse out at a bigger gait than you are used to. I will put money on him already having that approach in mind !! Unless he is an extremely odd horse, you are going to have a chunk of extra energy at that show. You probably can't count on riding him exactly as you would at home because he might not be the same boy. If you end up with lots of extra energy it is your job to sculpt it into the right king of energy, not try to supress it . . . that is when you get the tension.
Just go there, into that test, willing to RIDE whatever horse you end up on. So many people are so worried about what the judge sees, that they are slow to correct a problem let alone prevent one. "If they dont do anything, maybe the judge won't notice". But in fact if the judge sees you addressing your horses needs you will likely be scored accordingly.
So go with an open mind and be there for whatever Demitrius needs.
Also, I totally agree with Stacy, please memorize your test backward and forwards, be able to pick it up at any point during the test and recite the remaining test with as many distractions as you can handle. Its hard but it will do wonders for your confidence and riding.
Somehow I dont think you need all this advice, you will come back after next weekend very pleased.
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 11:57 pm:
P.S. Stacy...the show you were riding 2nd level...did that happen yet? If it did...I Hope it was awesome for you and I hope I didn't miss any posts on how it went for you! Give us an update
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 12:05 am:
Thanks Shelley! I will keep that all in mind....and I like your be proactive instead of reactive suggestions! And your right...he is an Arab after all who is too darn smart for his own good so I am going to be prepared for him having a burst of energy.....I just hope it's energy....as you say....we can sculpt!
Thanks!
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 8:12 am:
Corrine,
One more thing I can think of to help you out. Give yourself extra time to get ready for your tests. If it normally takes you 40 minutes to groom and tack up, give yourself an hour. Remember that the warm up ring will likely be busy, so give yourself extra time there as well to work around everyone. Being rushed will up your stress level. If you can manage it & have the help, warm up in your schooling clothes, have someone walk Demetrius around while you change into the show clothes and then get back on. One thing I found helpful was to bring baggy sweatpants and t-shirt that I could put over my show clothes. My first class was one of the earliest of the day, so I didn't have time to change; the sweats over the show clothes kept me clean while I watered, feed, groomed, etc. Wear a white tank top. This allows you to maintain your modesty if you have time between classes to get into shorts or jeans (in my case I had nearly 9 hours between classes). You can't see the tank under the show shirt, but boy did it feel good to strip out of a wool coat and high collared shirt after wrestling with my mare.
Again, wishing you the best & have fun.
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Member:
36541
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 8:23 am:
Corrine, we're going to do a schooling show in Folsom, LA in October instead of the recognized show in GA as it will be my first time at Second level. I'm looking forward to it even more actually. The grounds at Serenity are spotless, the arenas are limestone, and it is less than two hours away rather than five. Of course Ernesto reminds us it could all be scratched if the timing is bad or if LA gets hit. Our training is going well, just having the occasional problem with Han flying the change as opposed to maintaining the counter canter, but all in good spirits. He is such a willing boy. Thanks for asking, again, best of luck to you! Stacy
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 8:28 am:
Hey! Where'd my post go?!
Corinne, I would love to talk over the show results at the holidays over "social sparklers".
If the weather cooperates, perhaps we can get down a trail or two, also!
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 9:32 am:
Fran...all great ideas...and with the heat the tank top will be a needed asset!
Stacy...good luck with the show in GA...please keep us posted.
Erika...looking forward to some wine and spirits and a trail ride sounds fabulous. Always wanted to do that in my native NJ.
Anyway, Rocky took a turn for the worse and was writhing with abdominal pain all night. The crying really got me going as I couldn't make him comfortable. Found a vet at 0400 and brought him in to the hospital at 0700 for diagnostics to make sure he is not impacted etc. Is it just me or do all of you medical folks bring along a full past medical history to include a 2 page SOAP note? My friends think I am crazy but at least it kept me busy from 0400 until we could get him to the hospital. Wish me luck that nothing too serious is going on with my pup or I will be heart broken. There is as much love there as there is for my horse.
Well...off to sleep haven't done that yet. Hope to get a few hours before I hear from the vet.
Take care,
Corinne
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 9:33 am:
Oooppps Stacy...I meant good luck in LA...lack of sleep causes bad memory!
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Member:
Banthony
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 12:15 pm:
Corinne,
Ok, it is probably not nice to laugh at other's misfortunes. But I just had to after I read
these comments. They were made about some dressage horses at the World Equestrian games from the FEI website.
Just go out there and have fun!
"On the flipside, it was not one of Australia’s better dressage days. Kelly Layne chose to retire after her horse, Amoucheur, broke part of the arena fence as they were riding around the arena preparing to enter. After their first piaffe, he bolted forward and went in to a series of spins.
Van Grunsven had a trying moment when her horse bolted at the end of the victory gallop out of the arena and beyond. “My horse got very scared in the prize giving ceremony, and I did, as well,” she said. “I thank God for the police horses that stopped me. I think I did have the fastest trip today.”
It was a very unfortunate day for the Ukraine team when one rider had to retire after his young horse would not submit and appeared unable to perform any FEI-level moves. After the judges rang the bell, he spoke with them briefly and then attempted to continue his test, but to no avail. It was also an arduous day for Miguel Duarte of Portugal. His partner, Oxalis Da Meia Lua, a Lusitano mare, would barely stand still for him to salute. The horse kept her tension throughout the test, and every time Duarte asked her to piaffe, she would buck and capriole."
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 1:02 pm:
Linda, I don't know if you made Corinne feel any better, but after my less than stellar performance in the ring last week, you sure made ME feel better!
Thanks for posting the
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 1:03 pm:
...meant to say: thanks for posting the misfortune of the pros. Nice to know I was in good company.
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 2:21 pm:
Fran,
Not only did it make me feel better.....I was laughing outloud...which makes me seem so unsportsman like  ....but your right it's so nice to know that we are riding unpredictable creatures and even the pros can have it go down the drain. I think I might be thinking of them when I am getting ready to enter.....so if he goes straight through X....I can think to myself...I am in good company! LOL.
Too funny thanks Linda...I am passing that on! I am still cracking up!
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 2:35 pm:
The Amazing Dressage Test"
(For Horses Unsuitable to Become Anything)
1. A. Enter at ordinary serpentine
2. C. Stop dead. Stare in horror at Judge and shy to left. Continue at ordinary working gallop.
3. E. Stagger left 20 or 15 or 22 meters in diameter circle or pear shape or five pointed star. Avoid excessive crossing of legs.
4. K. Begin to halt Z. Keep trying F. You can do it B. Pulley rein. Give up. Continue at out of hand gallop
5. H. Regain right stirrup. Continue at ordinary trot Bouncing
6. MKT. Change rein, free walk, loose reins.Remove horse from judge's luncheon table. Ask Judge for leg up. Jump back into ring.
7. Z. Turn down centre line. Halt. Grin. Burst into tears. Leave arena at free walk on long reins, loose language.
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 3:04 pm:
Very funny!
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Member:
Stevens
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 3:51 pm:
Corrine,
Best of luck at your show. I had my first show with my new horse in May. He is my first "big moving warmblood". No nervousness, no bad behavior from him, more of a "it's showtime" response. He got so big I thought I was sitting on a freight train and my sitting trot came unglued, literally. On the up side, we didn't get excused or go off course and actually ended up in the middle of the pack in those tests where I wasn't the only rider.
On the other hand, I have won dressage classes on my previous quarter horse. The most memorable was when every warmblood in the class spooked at the mirrors in the corners. My guy just puffed up the right amount and then didn't care when the ground crew decided to drag outside the dressage court during my test.
Don't worry about riding an Arab, there are more and more of them being shown dressage here in CA. As was said earlier, have fun.
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 4:27 pm:
Ann . . . that is HILARIOUS! Oh, my gosh . . . what a video I have going in my head! Thanks so much.
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 29, 2006 - 10:07 pm:
Chris.....I am glad you stayed in your seat on your train! LOL And I will have fun.
Holly I sent the first two days ride times to your hotmail.
Interestingly enough, all the Training level tests I am in I am up against horses trained to third and fourth level. Would be neat if we score well against them. Not sure who I am riding against in first level but I hear they are more first level trained horses and not trained above that. More to come.
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 29, 2006 - 11:14 pm:
Corinne . . . I sent two replies to your aol address and one to the sbcglobal.net address and all THREE of them bounced back as "undeliverable."
I wrote your times down and will look forward to receiving the Monday times, as well. Augusta is about an hour away (at least it looks that way on the map) but I haven't yet located your e-mail with the name of the stables . . . so if you can send it, again, when you send the Monday times, we will appreciate it.
Look forward to seeing you. Maybe we can find time for lunch together . . .
Be safe and have fun preparing.
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 12:21 am:
Holly....sorry for the bounce backs. ATT DSL is our carrier and they have been down with the storms between your location and Enid and my AOl is pickybacked onto them.
I am going to the barn in the AM so I will have Kim send give me the directions but she said it's not far at all from where you said you were moving in the Moving to Enid posts, and I will get those Monday show times to you as soon as we get them. Looks like we are done early each day so lunch would be great.
My husband has to stay home and miss our debut because the dog just got back from the animal hospital and needs 11 pills a day for a tick borne disease (excuse my ignorance but I think it's Urlicka something or other) in addition to ulcers from the stress of the move and back spasms from wreching after eating grass to relieve the pain of his belly. Poor guy. I just want to cuddle him up and make him comfortable.
Anyway, can't wait to meet!
Going to study my tests until he gets his last pill at midnight. Have a great night.
Take care,
Corinne
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Friday, Sep 1, 2006 - 7:58 am:
Holly....my post didn't make it last night. Please call me on my cell that I emailed you when you get the chance so Kim can give you better directions.
Go to www.thehorsefarm.com and you will see all of our ride times. Monday is not posted yet as it's the team finals.....
I have also been added to an eq class in the afternoon on Sunday and Monday because Kim was the only one riding. Yea me and a small arab and huge TB. Should be a hoot.
We will be staying in Wichita for the weekend and if you can't make the show perhaps you can meet us for dinner Sunday night (there is a show party Sat and we will be unpacking tonight).
Anyway, got to run, pack my bags in the car and head out.
You will all be with me in spirit as I head down the center line!
Take care,
Corinne
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