The old ladies are horse showing close to home for the next two weeks at The National Equestrian Center. In many ways, showing locally is more difficult, though there are benefits. When we are away, the animals at home are watched over by others. For the next fortnight, we have home responsibilities worked around the show schedule, so it can get tiring. But the horses can come home each night for turnout on the grass, which is nice.
To start the horse show week, Monday, we had a jumpfest with Jana and Christine, and I rode the other Pearl Brother instead of Bart. Oisin was very good, but I rode abysmally. I MUST learn to focus and ride forward with pace! Both Pearl Brothers want the same thing from me – a loose arm and strong leg, not a strong arm and loose leg! Bart and Derry got the day off to rest up.
Yesterday was schooling day, and since this is our first show indoors in nearly a year, it was good to get a chance to practice. We are very happy to have Kris helping us, and we were hoping our practice since Kentucky would show. Jane and Derry looked great, and Kris was encouraged. Alas, Bart and I still lacked pace, though Bart was good, as always. It was brutally hot, but we took the horses home for turnout when the sun went down and things cooled off. Harry helps hold down the fort at home, a considerable advantage for me. Here he is with Stone, as I was about to leave for the NEC…
Today was much better weather. I ran errands in the morning (an advantage to showing “at home”), then we loaded up and went over to the NEC at noon. It was fun to see many friends we hadn’t seen for ages, and get caught up on the gossip. Since I no longer do Facebook, I live in the wilderness with little contact, so it was particularly stimulating for me!
Jane and Derry had a beautiful, smooth trip around the .95 meter (3′) class, which was a Blue Ribbon for clean round class. Alas, they were a tick too slow, and had one time fault, so no ribbon, but great pace for the most part, and a good start.
Jane and Derry
Note the crowds of spectators in the bleachers. Apologies for the poor pictures, lifted off video…
Bart and I did the Hopeful Jumper class – 1 meter (3’3″). These are not big jumps for our horses, but good courses, and we have plenty to work on. Bart was really good, our pace was better than yesterday, and he was double clear over the jumps, earning a primary color ribbon – 3rd (out of a huge class of 5 entries). Haha! Our goal was to be smooth, not fast, and we opted for no tight turns. Old lady speed incurred THREE time faults in the jump off, but I was very happy, and Bart got lots of treats.
Anne and Bart 
Anne and Bart
After much internal debate, I decided to get a new pair of boots. The La Mundial representative is here, and I love the pair of boots that I have (a Christmas present from Harry a few years ago), custom made by them. The new pair (same as the old pair) will arrive in time for Christmas and I am optimistic that I will make good use of them with many more years of old lady horse showing.
To compensate for the lack of horse show pictures, here are a couple of pictures from around the farm…
The horses are home and enjoying a cool evening on the grass. More tomorrow!
You guys are having so much fun! I know I know, hard work too, but a little toil while doing what you love hardly interferes with all the fun, the accomplishments, and being surrounded by good friends! Thanks for sharing!! I particularly appreciated the nod to us other oldies but goodies, .95 meters = 3′
Yay! Thanks for sharing. Good luck and have fun. 🙂
Okay, so I was off a day! This Day 1 adventure was equally good, and definitely better for Jane and Derry! Good luck to you guys; will be cheering you on from Columbia!