Saturday was the culmination of the High Children’s/Adult Jumper Division with the Classic.
Naturally, Bart spent the day resting up…
Sleepy Bart 
Bart looking like a dead horse
Jane and I rode here at home in the morning. Jane decided to skip the rest of the show and regroup. As I have mentioned countless times, horses are hard on many levels. It’s a roller coaster emotionally. One day, you’re perfect, the next day you can’t jump a pole on the ground. And add to that the worry that we are getting old, it’s excruciating. So we had a fun jump school with Derry and Oisin with no pressure and set our sights on next week for Derry.
By the time we left (without Derry) Bart was pretty enthusiastic and ready for adventure.
I was exceedingly nervous, but Bart was great, and we got to the jump off! We managed to execute a very difficult turn that I doubted was possible, but Kris was sure we could do it, and then left three strides out on the way to the last jump! We had done a bending 11 strides in the first round, not planning a number, then planned 8 strides in the jump off – and accomplished it! A real feat for an old lady. Alas, we did knock one earlier rail down for four faults, BUT we had the fastest time, finishing in 4th, behind the three double clear rounds, so earning the coveted Weber Award (in honor of Harry, who, when he was showing, didn’t care if he had faults, so long as he had the fastest time) as the fastest 4 faulter.
Bart about to turn hard right
Good boy, Bart!!
This morning (Sunday) we had severe thunderstorms with an inch of rain, and were glad we weren’t showing. Jane and I went over to the NEC to watch the Zone 7 Equitation Championship, a very interesting class. The winner gets their name on a perpetual bronze trophy by the famous Harry Weber! There are two rounds and a work off of the top 5 riders. The winner was in 5th place before the work off, so she rode first, and was brilliant. So much so, she moved up from 5th to 1st when the others made some mistakes under pressure. Old ladies never have to ride under that much pressure, so Jane and I thoroughly enjoyed spectating.
HANNAH DODD, winner 
HANNAH and 2nd placed Ella 
Jane Schweiger, HANNAH’s trainer
Bart gets today and tomorrow off, a well earned rest, and next week is the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show.
“One day, you’re perfect, the next day you can’t jump a pole on the ground.” Thanks for sharing this – I thought it was just me! I’m in a re-grouping mode too & it’s tough, especially with my season coming to an end – will plan on joining you & Jane at some jumper shows this winter. Congratulations on a great first week – is there video of that great jump off round? I always love and look forward to your posts – thank you so much for allowing us to live it with you!