A Busy July
The horses worked hard at shows in July, we started by taking Toro, Anthony and Hugo to Sparsholt Festival of Dressage to compete in the Freestyles. Hugo was second in the Elementary music, his first attempt at that level, on over 70%. The judge was very taken with him, and liked the music which was a compilation from Herb Alpert. He qualified for the Winter Regionals at this competition.
Toro went very well in the Advanced Medium freestyle, winning on over 70%, and was third in the PSG freestyle. This has qualified him at both levels for the Winter Regionals.
Anthony, quite uncharacteristically, exploded in the Medium freestyle, and we had to make several improvisations. It resulted in a very disappointing mark, so we will have another go as there are still a few qualifiers before the year end.
Armed with these good results, we went on to Hickstead, to the DressageMasters Championships. We had to travel in two lorries, so my friend Sue, whose filly we have just backed, came along as co-driver and cook. After the four days, she could add driving a lorry and finally being able to make a decent cup of tea to her list of skills. Toro’s test was rather underpowered, my fault as I was a little phased by the occasion and the surroundings. By the time I got round to Hugo, I had given myself a good kick in the backside and we did a great test, to be placed third!!! The next day, Anthony went really well, but had a few tense moments, which cost valuable marks, but I was delighted how he coped with the big International arena, the tents and flags and grandstand.
With only a few days to rest and do our washing, we were off again to the Summer BD South West Summer Regionals. Here all the horses went well, although none were placed. We had a lovely time as each horse was competing on separate days, so it felt a bit like a holiday really, and apart from the last day, the weather was good. On the last day the heavens opened and it really was torrential, however fortunately the warmup was in the indoor school and for my Advanced Medium test it let up for a short while so we did not get as wet as some of the other competitors.
Following such a hectic schedule, the horses have had a bit of a break but are now, mid August, getting into their work patterns again. Sadly for me, Hugo has gone home for his owner to ride, we will miss him and his huge character! Anthony will work this winter on establishing his flying changes and developing the lift and cadence in his half passes by improving the collection and engagement. Toro will work on the PSG work, he is green at the moment but by improving the engagement and thoroughness, he will be ready next year I hope to compete at Premier Leagues.
The horses worked hard at shows in July, we started by taking Toro, Anthony and Hugo to Sparsholt Festival of Dressage to compete in the Freestyles. Hugo was second in the Elementary music, his first attempt at that level, on over 70%. The judge was very taken with him, and liked the music which was a compilation from Herb Alpert. He qualified for the Winter Regionals at this competition.
Toro went very well in the Advanced Medium freestyle, winning on over 70%, and was third in the PSG freestyle. This has qualified him at both levels for the Winter Regionals.
Anthony, quite uncharacteristically, exploded in the Medium freestyle, and we had to make several improvisations. It resulted in a very disappointing mark, so we will have another go as there are still a few qualifiers before the year end.
Armed with these good results, we went on to Hickstead, to the DressageMasters Championships. We had to travel in two lorries, so my friend Sue, whose filly we have just backed, came along as co-driver and cook. After the four days, she could add driving a lorry and finally being able to make a decent cup of tea to her list of skills. Toro’s test was rather underpowered, my fault as I was a little phased by the occasion and the surroundings. By the time I got round to Hugo, I had given myself a good kick in the backside and we did a great test, to be placed third!!! The next day, Anthony went really well, but had a few tense moments, which cost valuable marks, but I was delighted how he coped with the big International arena, the tents and flags and grandstand.
With only a few days to rest and do our washing, we were off again to the Summer BD South West Summer Regionals. Here all the horses went well, although none were placed. We had a lovely time as each horse was competing on separate days, so it felt a bit like a holiday really, and apart from the last day, the weather was good. On the last day the heavens opened and it really was torrential, however fortunately the warmup was in the indoor school and for my Advanced Medium test it let up for a short while so we did not get as wet as some of the other competitors.
Following such a hectic schedule, the horses have had a bit of a break but are now, mid August, getting into their work patterns again. Sadly for me, Hugo has gone home for his owner to ride, we will miss him and his huge character! Anthony will work this winter on establishing his flying changes and developing the lift and cadence in his half passes by improving the collection and engagement. Toro will work on the PSG work, he is green at the moment but by improving the engagement and thoroughness, he will be ready next year I hope to compete at Premier Leagues.
