3rd November 2024
So it’s now time for the second competition in the series. I have entered the Prelim again. This time it is P1 which nicely has a little more trot between the canters for me to regain my composure. But to make up for it does have an odd movement I have rarely done, coming across the diagonal to X then going down the centre line. I ha tried to practice this in a couple of lessons while working in open order but unfortunately didn’t work out as kept almost colliding with others. Not to worry we have the warm up on the day.
On the day I was feeling a little bit nervous especially after having done well on the previous competition. I arrived on my own, my usual support was coming until a bit later today. I had continued to ride Wilson in a couple of lessons prior to this competition including the previous day.
What I discovered was that horses being horses Wilson was to show a slightly different side of himself today, coupled with the fact he had also just been clipped out since I last rode meant he was a bit less settled than normal. This surprised me slightly and I was also beginning to regret my decision of not getting there early, in fact I’d left myself a bit short of time and now realised that I needed more time to settle him.
After having a moment in the collecting ring where I felt it was all going wrong and getting too much, I gave myself a pep talk and reminded myself of my goals. Remember where to go and finish the test.
Well we certainly had a little more impulsion that was lacking in previous test unfortunately this meant delayed rider actions meaning our accuracy lost a couple of marks. Needless to say we finished the test in one piece and no points for error on course. Wilson happily got to pay n the field after which was nice for him.
My result was a surprising 2nd place again out of a good class size and good competition. My friend videoed the test and it did look good despite how it felt to me and I think that’s a lesson to all. Replaying the video and reflecting n it can tell us a lot in regards what we felt was happening and the reality.
I have decided same aims for next time but I will up the challenge slightly and give the Novice a go as well. Definitely putting a note that I need some time between the tests to recover though!
Horseless Adventures 