How to Go Off Course When You Don't

Continued from Part 1

I started the Training Level 2 test and felt that it was going remarkably well especially since I was pretty uncomfortable from the earlier buck off.  We got the first canter transition without bucking and in the right place, but the stretchy trot circle was causing a bad odor.  That's when I heard the whistle blow.  WHAT?  I don't think the judge can whistle you just because you stink, but I stopped and looked over at her from my position at A.  She asked if I could come see her at C.  Speedy and I trotted over obligingly, and she asked if I had missed the canter circle.  I was 100% sure we had completed that movement as I was still happy about the lack of a buck.  After a bit of friendly back and forth, the judge realized that she had gotten a wee bit lost and had whistled me in error.  

This kind of stuff truly doesn't bother me.  In fact, it's happened to me before.  If nothing else, It helps relieves the pressure of the test and illustrates that judges are human just like the rest of us.  She apologized and asked if I wouldn't mind repeating the stretchy trot circle, this time with more reach.  Of course!  I'd like to say it was better, and maybe it was slightly improved, but it still stunk!

A short time after the stretchy trot circle, I heard the whistle blow again.  No, really, I am not kidding!  I am pretty sure this was the longest Training Test ever ridden.  From my position at A, I heard the judge call to me that I had missed my 20 meter circle at E.  Shoot!  I sent Speedy back up the center line, apologized to the judge, and finished the test with no further whistles, bucks, or dirt eaten.  As I saluted the judge from X and approached to offer my thanks, she thanked me for being so patient about the whole thing.  I laughed and thanked her in return for her patience.  I was happy that she didn't deduct points for my error.  I knew the test, but the first whistle blow really did make me lose my concentration.  It was generous of her to recognize that. Score sheets coming later in the week.

All in all, it was a chaotic day, but it is certainly a show I'll remember.  The giant bruise on my elbow, the even larger one on my derriere, and my incredibly stiff neck will definitely keep the day fresh in my mind for at least a few more days!