Dressage in Santa Barbara - Day 1: Training Level Test One

This test went a lot like the Intro C test.  I was still a bit tight in my upper body so Speedy G was a bit braced.  I was also really focused on keeping him straight which meant I didn't get any inside bend.  I (mostly) fixed that the next day.  

I am not at all disappointed with the score, especially since it was only the third time I'd ridden this test.  (My first attempt earned a 56.25% and the second effort, at a schooling show, netted us a 60.0%.)  AND ... my goal was simply to earn a straight up 60% to qualify for the Regional Adult Amateur Competition in September.   Goal met!

The problem?  Damn that stretchy trot!!!!!  We can do it at home, but we just can't seem to get relaxed enough to do it at a show.  We seem to be over the bucking and kicking at the canter, so of course there has to be the next thing.  This is now my goal - master the stretchy trot.  We'll get this one, but here we go again.

What went well?  Check out those 7s, especially the 7.5.  Nice!  I also liked Judge Hilda Gurneys comments in the Collective Marks.  She actually used the words nice & light.  Seriously?  Light?  I'll take that!  AND ... in her Further Remarks she said, Nice sitting rider ...  Me?  Oh, Baby!  I know she followed it with a but, but I already knew the rest of it.

I considered this a successful ride.  It was a last place finish, second out of two, but I broke the 60% mark, and I earned my first qualifying score for Training Level for RAAC.  I am more than happy!  Here is the test sheet.

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