And Then We Did it Again!

The show manager for this weekend's Fresno CDS schooling show at Sequoia Hills Stables was kind enough to schedule my second ride just two rides after my first. That gave me just enough time to let Izzy walk around, grab a few bites of grass, and let Laurel love on him and tell him what a good boy he was.

While this test is far from brilliant, it is better than the first one which makes me very happy. Izzy showed me that with even the tiniest bit of experience, he can show quick improvement. We scored 2.8% better on Test B. I realize that's not a lot, but I sort of expected him to have had it by the second test. Instead of 4s and 5s, we earned 5s and 5.5s (no 4s at all for Test B). For both tests we earned a 6 for the halt.

First halt at X - 6.0 "Inattentive into halt. Little short in stride"

I love this shot from our first trot circle at E. He lost his balance, maybe because he spooked a tiny bit, and in typical Izzy fashion, he flashed his emotional side with this little gem ... (The judge was quite generous in scoring this movement.)

E Circle left 20-meters - 5.0 "very short strides, some steps above the bit"

While the judge can't judge a 20-meter circle based on one good moment, I am glad we had at least a few. For example ...

B - Circle right 20-meters

B Circle right 20-meters - 5.0 "a little more relaxed, not (......) forward"

A - down centerline

X Halt through medium walk. Salute - 5.5 "Resistance at turn. Clear transition to halt"

The judge's Further Remarks: "Horse needs to learn to carry rider in a calmer way, as well as a willingness to accept the rein. Improved toward end." It's hard to argue with any of that.

We finished this test with a 52.50% - obviously not a fantastic score, but I am so proud of this boy. He is not an easy horse to ride even though he has all the talent in the world. With some more experience, I think this fancy boy is going to make some waves. 

We go back to Symphony Stables at the end of April for another lesson with Chemaine, and then three weeks later, if everything goes to plan, we'll do a two-day clinic with my favorite German trainer, Dr. Christian Schacht. Izzy will get to do his first over-night field trip there as well as ride in a somewhat spooky covered arena. While it's not actual show experience, it's good exposure. We'll probably attempt another show in July.

I guess this show is an example how you can win even when you lose!