First Level It Is

The decision has been made regarding which horse to show on Sunday. Izzy was always my second choice, so I am relieved that Speedy is sound and "ready" although ready is obviously a very relative term.

Speedy hasn't been shown in a year and a half, and his schooling during that time has been very intermittent at best. Not by my choice of course, but a variety of lameness issues have just plagued the poor guy. Fortunately, none of them have been life threatening or career-ending. Irritating is bad enough.

Grazing after a pre, pre, pre show bath.

I put Speedy to work last night. He's now been ridden three times in three weeks - he's just coming back after a sore back/hock/stifle. I don't imagine we'll lay down any super great scores on Sunday, but I'm hoping we can at least break the 60% mark.

After running through the elements of the First Level tests, the one area I know we struggle with is the return to working canter from the canter lengthening. He'll lengthen his stride just fine. It's getting him to sit back down that's the problem. This is no surprise though as it's the same issue we have at Second Level. Collecting his canter is our current hurdle.

First California Poppy I've seen this year. Being the state flower, you'd think we'd see them all the time, but they're actually a delicate flower that only blooms in the spring under the right conditions.

I am not overly worried about the scores though. I am just happy to finally be able to show him again. Wish us luck, and I'll let you know how it goes.