Ruby and I competed in our first ever recognized show (even though we only did starter level) last weekend in Nashville, TN. Although I had originally planned on competing her in the beginner novice division, my nerves got the most of me and I decided that I wanted this show experience to be a 'happy' thing for both of us and dropped down to starter.
First up- Dressage:
Overall- she definitely did not have the impulsion that I wanted from her, but our cues were on point. Transitions were clean and much nicer than they have been in the past. Our free walk was terrible (this is usually her best movement), and I think she was just not at all focused. My errors were, again, ring size- it was so tiny compared to what we usually ride in so my geometry was a bit off.
We scored 129.5 points at a 35.3% with scores at:
1. 8.0
2. 6.0 (wanders on center line)
3. 7.0 (fairly steady)
4. 5.5 (needs more reach in shoulder; falls in)
5. 7.0 (obedient)
6. 6.5 (fairly straight; show left bend)
7. 5.0 (active but falls through left shoulder)
8. 6.0 (small circle; falls through left shoulder)
9. 5,0 (cantered early; late transition)
10. 6.0 (correct frame but off track)
11. 5.5 (needs downward stretch)
12. 7.0 (obedient)
13. 8.0 (straight and steady)
Definitely the most difficult judge that we have had so far. Time to start getting a bit more nit-picky (sorry Roo).
Collective remarks: Gaits 7, Impulsion 7, Submission 7, Rider Position 7, Rider Effectiveness 6, Geometry and Accuracy 6.
Overall remarks: Cute pair- fairly accurate. Be sure to bend and flex to the left.
Second phase was xc- very straightforward. 13 jumps and one water element. We ran right through that with no issues!
The first two phases were completed on Saturday- Sunday was stadium. The course had a lot more loops and turns that I am used to (yikes, lead changes!) but it was fun once I felt comfortable knowing where I was going. When the pair before me finished, I took Ruby in the ring right away and cantered her around some of the 'scarier' jumps to give her a chance to at least see everything. The judge was ringing the bell pretty fast to get people in and out quick, so we wasted no time!
Super stressful (shows always are for me), but I think we had a good time too? Ruby knew what she was supposed to do, even if she was a bit of a diva! In the ring, she was great- out of the ring, she was ready to be done with me haha. Love you too, pony...
Thanks to Joe and Valerie, who came to help out and support me! I know it was two long days and I really appreciate y'alls help. Also thanks to Marion, who let us stay in her home (if you haven't tried it, I highly recommend looking into Airbnb- my experiences so far have been nothing but positive).
No upcoming plans thru the end of the year, but we will use the winter season to get ready for next year...and definitely moving up a level!
