Today was Classic Day – the money classes. High pressure, high adrenaline, and I was very nervous. As usual, the show ran more slowly than expected. Like yesterday, Susan arrived to ride Oisin before we left. She reports that he has been very well behaved.
We arrived at the show and settled the horses in to rest before their classes, while I stressed. Louise and Pam arrived to give moral support. Then Susan H arrived, which was both encouraging and added to the pressure, since Susan bred Bart. I’m just kidding about the pressure. Both Jane and Susan were completely supportive of my riding their horses.
Support team (thanks to Lindsey for taking the picture) 
My biggest supporter
Derry doesn’t sleep as often as Bart. He was right on schedule, both yesterday and today, with his naps.
Bart sleeping soundly yesterday 
Bart awake and ready for action 
Bart napping, but ready
Lindsey rides with Kris, too. She and I were both doing the Low Adult Classic (1 meter). Before the class, Lindsey got some support from Hunter Holloway. It worked.
Lindsey and Augie 
Lindsey and Augie
Derry was fabulous in the Low Classic, jumping a double clear round, and finishing 5th of 14 – the children and adults are combined for the Classics. Lindsey was also double clear and finished 6th – we were both delighted, but Lindsey wins the smile competition.
Derry on course and on her game 
Derry in the jump off 
Derry at the last jump in the speed phase 
Lindsey
The High Classic had fewer entries – I think there were eight. Bart prepared well, but we were unlucky at the first jump and had it down for 4 faults. After that, we had a perfect trip. Bart was very good, over much bigger jumps than we have seen since 2019. It was something pretty special, at my age, and rusty as I am, to jump around a true 1.15 meter course (3’9″). I am so grateful to Susan for producing this special horse! We earned an Irish ribbon – green for 6th place.
Bart on course
We packed up and returned home, then dashed back to watch the Grand Prix, with only six horses in the class. Still, it was a good course, and fun to watch. Three jumped off, which made for excitement.
Hunter Holloway 
Hunter Holloway 
Reid Rickett
Harry, Susan and Jane watching the Grand Prix 
Beth and Burny at the Grand Prix
The internet has made life difficult this evening, so I will bring this to an end with a picture of my favorite autumn plant – the perfectly named Beauty berry.
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
You looked great out there. It’s always fun to watch you ride in the shows. I didn’t have the energy to come all the way back for the Grand Prix. I wish they would go back to Sunday for that. I did get to see several of the balloons going up back here in town, so the evening wasn’t a total loss. Congrats on your ribbons.
The Grand Prix was not only short due to six entries, but I missed the gala of tailgating, the hats, the fun. Bill and I took a table, folding chairs, a cooler full of goodies and had our own party.
I am always in awe of your special and critical connection with your horse that you are riding and in competition events. It really is such magic that connects and delivers wonderful results, not only in the show ring, but I am sure continues to bond with you both for future competitions. Such a wonderful connection that only you and your horses have. What a great gift.