Thursday 16 June 2016

bring it

As predicted, my admission of simply being a big sulky baby about the show didn't pass muster as an excuse not to attend. In fact, it not only didn't work, it made my life more challenging by instantly getting EC on the phone organizing my late entry as she set a big ass course for me to jump. The lady has a talent for evil multitasking :)

Our lesson went quite well, although Bridget was in a bit of a mare mood and quite fussy and a little stuck feeling. Good practice, though, because that's her standard reaction to a new place and what I struggle most with at shows. As always, forward!now! had to be established, but we put together some pretty respectable rounds, and even managed the bending lines away from the barn without too much Bridget stalling between fences. When I really got her up in front of my leg, it felt amazing! She's plenty scopey for a short pony, so we were sailing over the bigger stuff with room to spare and it felt easy. I continue to appreciate how nice our corners are and how straight she stays between my legs thanks to all that dressage. Super cool to be able to pick a line and have the pony hold it really honestly no matter what else I'm doing up there. I'm still struggling with keeping that nice forward pace, Midge isn't nearly so honest about that!
old bad pic


Plan for the show? Treat it as schooling. If we accomplish nothing else, reinforce that she is responsible for staying in front of my leg and getting over whatever I point her at no matter what, strange venue or no. Don't overthink it! Start at 2' and go up to 2'6" if all goes well. If not, do a second unjudged round at wherever things get weird.

If I could reliably get that big, rolling uphill jumping canter and keep it, I'd be totally sold on jumping all the things all the time. For now, the moments that feel great give me hope and encourage me to persist down the eventing pony path.


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12 comments

  1. ooo i love your jump course image! I'm always so lazy :D

    I think you guys will have a great time schooling :)

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  2. If I could get that rolling uphill canter all the time... Oh the possibilities!! Awesome lesson and I am happy your are showing! Go have some fun!!

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    1. I know, right? If only that canter was easier to obtain :)

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  3. I'm glad you're going to the show! Knock 'em dead :) I am so jealous of your jump artistry... ;)

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    1. Thank you! Re: the 'artistry' - it's more of a measure of how bored I was on my lunch break :)

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  4. Hope the show goes well!! Sounds like you had a good schooling/practice. Skilled artwork btw :)

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