El Sueno - Saturday

Showing is definitely getting to be old hat with Speedy. That dude simply loves to show. He enjoys the attention, he thinks everyone is a fan, and he loves having me all to himself for 48 straight hours. There's nothing about showing Speedy that makes me tense or nervous. Maybe that's why this weekend was so much fun.

While I might not be tense or anxious, I want to perform well, so I do put a certain amount of pressure on myself. While my number one goal was to score at least one 60% to finish qualifying for Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC), I certainly expected to do more. At this stage in the game, if I can't easily score a 60% at Training Level, something is seriously wrong.

In case you're on pins and needles, I did score over 60% on all four tests. Getting a qualifying score on my first test eliminated any last bit of tension that I might have been toting around. Improving on that first score became my goal for the weekend.

So how did Training Level Test 2 go? It felt great, and in fact, a new acquaintance reported that her friend felt my test was error-free and flawless (aw, thanks, Dr. P!), but the judge disagreed.

Yes, I am checking us out. When I first started riding with mirrors, I couldn't bear to look. Now I can see how mirrors help you make corrections and adjustments.

I am not disagreeing with any of the judge's comments:

• lacking bend and flexion, tilting
• inconsistent bend and flexion
• need to cover more ground
• cutting corner, haunches left
• looking left entire circle (we were cantering right lead)
• some loss of balance

I actually skipped several of the "lacks bend/flexion" remarks. Those were definitely our problem area throughout the show, but we did get better and better. I actually love these comments because they have totally changed over the last few seasons. When we first started out, we had oodles and oodles of needs steadier contact, hollow, and above the bit. We've fixed those issues!

Crossing the diagonal

While I rode this test better than I ever have, I still scored lower than what I expected. When I reviewed the scores from this ring, they all seemed low, but at least the judge was consistent in his scoring. 

It's okay to look left when you're cantering left!

Judge's comment: fairly straight, balanced halt - 7.0

We really lost points in the stretchy trot (5.0), and our right lead canter (5.5), both of which have a double co-efficient. Our final score was a 61.250% which earned a second place finish out of a class of three. Had we scored a 6.0 in each of those movements, we would have won the class.

3 little points separating first from third; that was a close class!

I looked my test over very closely before I rode Test 3. I also shared my test with my new pal, Cristina, who rode T2 - Opportunity. By comparing scores, we were able to see what things this judge really focused on. He was tough on the stretchy trot, and he wanted to see some more inside bend.

Started and ended with a 7. Now to get more 7s throughout!

When I started my next warm up, I kept those things in mind. For Test 3, the judge's comments showed that I at least made changes, even if they weren't necessarily always for the better.

• over-rode centerline, need to show more bend
  
• against hand, hollow back (rats!)
• lacks bend/flexion 1st half, recovered (oh, yeah!)
• hollow back, early transition
• prompt trot off, shows bend over "x", lacking right bend (MXF working trot one loop)
• smooth downward transition (at C in front of judge!)
• straight

You can see that I am struggling with that inside bend! (Photo by Sarah of Eventing in Color)

I was pretty happy with the test though. I had a few lapses in focus, so I knew the score wouldn't be better. I liked how I rode it though. In the past, this test rode in fast forward and each movement took me by surprise. Now, I feel like I am in control of our pace, and I have some steering.

Right lead canter and he's not looking left! (Photo also by Sarah)

Stretchy trot: neck needs longer and lower with maintained contact (5.5). Ya think? (Photo still by Sarah)

This is a slightly more difficult test than Test 2, so it's hard to compare the two. We earned a 61.000% which was another second place, but this time out of a class of two. And for this class, there was a bigger gap in points. 

While this was a USDF show, it was really hot so coats were optional. For the afternoon test, I opted out of the coat!

Just so-so

This time there were THREE 7s. Will you believe that I earned a total of ELEVEN 7s on Sunday?

Sunday's tests tomorrow ...