Well so much has happened and yet not that much. For a while it was a case of just doing general training. We had some issues with our canter which have now for the most part been resolved. Part in thanks to a very wonderful osteopath, who as he put it, gave her an MOT.
So the main reason for the update is to talk about Beannie going to her first One Day Event. There is this lovely little showground called Potton Shows and they do a real baby class with jumps only ranging from 1'6"-2" so what could be more perfect. Also there was no water jump...see previous blog post below...
So off we went! I mean we've never done a Dressage test before and never done a whole x-country course and never really jumped clear around a course of fences but what's the worst that could happen??
Miss Lovely Amy picked us up nice and early at 7:30, and on a Sunday! And Beannie got on the lorry and was so good for traveling and when we got there she got off and was a total pro. tied her up to the side of the lorry and she was a happy camper. Got to love the non-stressy horses. We got her all groomed and tacked up for Dressage. I wasn't that worried about it to be honest, I just wanted to get through it. My goal the whole day was to Complete. Complete the show without getting eliminated. That was the goal. It was a fairly average Dressage test, I mean we stayed in the arena, and I call that a win! We got some 7s on our test so I was very pleased about that. (it's marks out of 10 for those non-horsey people) Which I was proud of as I've never even taken a lesson on her!
Then we had a bunch of time till the Show Jumping. I walked the course while Bean chilled out. She really was awesome the whole day! The course was really easy and a good height. I literally walked her around, jumped 3 jumps and then was ready for the course. The eternal hurry up and wait thing always comes into play at horse shows! But it was ok because we got to watch this little pony go and it was totally worth it. Seriously wanted to steal the pony and the kid and keep them in my pocket!
And the best part of the day? She jumped clear. She was amazing. She listened to every aid, she was jumping at least a foot over each jump. She didn't even contemplate running out or refusing. She looked at every fence. It was amazing, I had a little cry because I was so proud of her. There is film somewhere...but you get a rosette after your clear round!
Again we had a lot of time before X-country so much to Beannie's disgust she had a wash down. It was a pretty good day in terms of weather and I think we lucked out in that the rain held off, but it was sunny!
Went to walk the cross country course which was a lovely little serpentine circle'esque shaped course. Some really good fences. Some that I knew she would look at, actually a couple that I thought she would look at. But she really is honest and did a fab job. The one fence we had a run out wasn't really her fault. I felt her hesitate and could have forced the issue but I thought we have had such a lovely day and why ruin it with a battle so I took the penalties even though I knew it would cost me a rosette. But her good experience was way more important to me. And we only had the one so I would say it was a success!
It was a truly fabulous day and I was so lucky to have Amy with me to answer my endless questions! Easy trip back and was quite funny watching her sleep in the back.
Needless to say she has the day off today!
All in all a real success. It really motivates you to get better and really highlights the weak spots. Which I find very helpful as I don't really have a riding instructor right now and need that feedback. I'm absolutely shattered today, which also tells me I need to get myself in better shape too!
