I ventured out last weekend to an area competition facility to introduce Donner Girl to the show ring. I arrived midday Friday and took a lesson from the barn’s trainer – which was quite helpful, as DG was a bit wound up in the new environs. But she settled down over the day, and by Saturday morning, the day of the schooling show, she was calmly resting in her stall like a veteran.
That is, until I took her out for a warm-up lunge. OK, I see she knows how to passage (um, sort of), snort, buck and bolt on the lunge line. Finally she relaxed a bit.
Our first ride (Training Level Test 1) wasn’t until about 1pm. She had a great warm up – focused and listening. In the show ring I sent her fairly aggressively forward and quick so momentum would get us past the scary judge’s booth and spectator area full of playing kids and propane heaters. DG was a total star! Despite distractions she really tried to stay with me. The test was hurried and hence a bit on the forehand, but she earned a 69% and won her class.
Although she was tired, I felt it important to push ahead and ride a second test (Training Level Test 2); it was scheduled for about 4pm. I limited the warm up time to about 20 min (really hard to do!). For this test I was able to ride her much more under with better balance and cadence. It took some encouragement, but she again stayed with me all during the ride, earning 76%!! Here is the test: DGT2Feb2010
I am so proud of DG – she could not have been better!