Rain.....
That pretty much describes the first half of the day... Rain with scattered downpours.
During this time Jill and Marissa had to ride and were completely absolutely and totally soaked. Santa Fe was a butt head for Marissa throwing himself all over the place, strange thing is it wasn't at the in-gate (like most other times where he just thinks he's done and tries to run out in the middle of this course) but out in the field randomly at one end. Marissa ended up taking him in some extra classes at the end of the day at a smaller height to "teach-him-that-doing-it-her-way-would-be-a-better-idea" and the first round he got a spanking (as he leaped Lipizzaner like across the field) and the second round he was a very very good boy and they got 5th.
Ally was being strange, stopping at good distances so after a few fences Christine and Jill decided something was wrong and they ended up getting a vet out to see Ally. The vet (who apparently is one of the top vets in North America) said yes she was sore and so Ally had some crazy treatment done to her back (which was sore) which I think was called Mezzotherepy? as well as having her hocks injected. This kinda sucks for Jill since now she is done until next week. We're hoping Ally gets back on track for Thunderbird.
Smartie was a super star for Christine and they ended up Reserve Champion of her division! She also had amazing rounds on Minuet winning two of them and 4th in another getting a Reserve Champion on her as well! Minuet of course (much like Smartie) took it all in stride since she already knows she is pretty awesome. Christine also did some miscellaneous classes on Lacey and Esteem and got ribbons on both of them. Go Xtine!
Speaking of Esteem.... Deborah had a chance to show on grass for the first time with Esteem ever and despite being super nervous pulled off an awesome round and is now on cloud nine! She scored a 2nd in that class and high fived and hugged everyone in sight! I'm not sure who had more fun - Deborah riding in the grass ring or Esteem eating the grass ring!
Pam redeemed herself today riding like a super star as well and won a class and a 5th in the other. Getting Reserve Champion of her division!! Lacey was also getting better not spooking at everything and Pam was sitting up and riding her over her jumps (instead of being a nervous nellie like yesterday.... we saw where that got her.)
Balou was again fantastic winning a 1st and 2nd with my help and getting us a Reserve Championship as well! We also got a 3rd, 4th and 5th. A busy day for Mr.Balou and I who both lucked out and managed to ride when it wasn't raining at all!
I also haven't included anything about our support staff - Chris and Lisa - who braved the weather and stood out in the rain to cheer us on. Thanks Chris for polishing my boots before my under saddle... didn't help Balou look any less like a bull in a china shop... but its the thought that counts. And Thanks Lisa for keeping us fed. (Lisa cooks a mean chili!)
No pictures today because it was either raining or I was riding and no time for photos.
Phew... time for bed.
zzzzz......................
Totally fantastic by the sound of things, everyone did as well as they could in wet weather, well done. And of course Balou and You, congratulations, excellent, very happy-making. Go Teesdale! x M
ReplyDelete