There are not many horses at the show, unfortunately. As a result, start time was moved up to 10 AM, which made departure easier for us. But few entries create ring conflicts, so the expected time of our class at 11 AM became 1 PM. Nonetheless, our loyal crowd of supporters – Harry, Louise, and Pam – stuck it out. Alas, I did not get pictures of them.
Ash schooled me, first on Bart, and then on Derry. I was very rusty, but Ash was patient and encouraging, and reminded me to relax and not try too hard. She is not only a great horseman, but a kind and generous human being (like Kris, which makes them a good team). Bart was very good, and jumped around perfectly. I was efficient in the jump off, not trying to go fast, just smoothly, and Bart was double clear and into first place. There were only 5 horses in the class.
I went last in the class with Derry, again well prepared by Ash. Derry jumped around clean, and in the jump off, I thought I might be able to beat Bart’s time. My greed caused a rail (meaning she knocked down a rail for 4 faults), as I let Derry drift right in anticipation of a right turn. Straightness is a primary rule. It was a light rub, but put Derry into 4th. Still, both horses were exceptional. Bart has not shown for a year, and Derry has not shown indoors for probably 4 years. We are very lucky old ladies to have such wonderful horses.
It’s fun to see people at the horse show. Here are a few faces.
Pam’s horse, Gangster, is leased to a young rider at Kirin, so Kris trains him. Ash showed him today to prepare him, and he was perfect. It was fun to see Pam and Gangster reunited, since the lease began in April, when we rode at the Buddy Brown clinic.
Bart was on best behavior when we returned home. There was no escape attempt after his bath, but he was weighed down with cookies and treats for being so good. I still need to pay attention. Oisin and Stone scratched each other and thought Bart was too good for them today.
We ended the evening with a drive to deliver a crate to a friend with an injured cat, so I must close now and get some sleep. The horses were so good that they will not show tomorrow, but we will try again on Friday, riding in the Low Adult Jumper class.
Be safe, be well, be surrounded by friends. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Sounds like fun! Enjoy.
Slava Ukraini
Peace
Alas, I missed a mention by leaving for a much needed lunch. It was fun talking to Harry and meeting Pam and Louise. Happy for you in the blue.
Great shots of Gangster and Pam. I hope she sees these! Bravo to Bart and Derry, especially after all that time off!
Leslie Ayers and I want to come watch you show Friday (tomorrow). I know this is a hard question but do you have a clue as to a timeline for your classes?