More from Sunday's Show - USDF Introductory Level Test C

Still sounds fancier than it is.  I should be happier with this test than I am, but I was really wanting that 65%. What I need to remember is that this was a triple-rated show which means the level of judging was elevated as were the judge's expectations.  This is by far the best we've done at a triple-rated show.  My previous scores were 60% and lower, so this is quite an improvement.  While I was driving home feeling a bit down, I remembered that this is the first score of five that I need for a California Dressage Society plate.  So why am I disappointed?  I decided that I am not disappointed at all!

Here's the test:

What I don't like about this test was the five for movement seven: circle left 20 meters.  He misread my aid and wanted to break into the canter earlier than he's supposed to.  My error.  There's been a lot of kicking and bucking at the canter so what we're really trying to work on is relaxation.  It didn't seem to come through on that circle.  

I am most proud of the six we earned on the second canter transition.  Fives have been pretty common for us with at least a four in there one time before.  A six tells me I was maybe softer in my aid and he was more relaxed.  Whatever it was, we'll take it!  

And the eight coming down the centerline - I knew we nailed that one.  I had the judge dead set in my sights and I was thinking forward, forward, forward.  That's a difficult movement for less experienced horses because the halt happens at G, immediately in front of the judge.  It's easy for a horse to start slowing down if he feels like you're going to run him through the judge's tent!  I was pleased with how forward Speedy did that trot down the centerline.

So ... no qualifying score (for RAAC), but a solid ride none-the-less.

Oh, all right!  Here's another post-ride pic of Speedy G hanging out on the Hi-Tie.  That pony really likes this gizmo.  It does get me some curious looks though.  Those darn endurance riders and their fancy doodads!

Speedy G on the Hi-Tie