The Intro division was doing the BN A test, which I’ve memorized so that was nice. We warmed up okay, but Levi was being pokey as all get out. I really hate when he’s like that because if I get after him to move forward, he takes the easier option and breaks gait.
pokey trot
This was one of the ugliest clean tests we’ve done. We’ve certainly done worse, but this was not a good test. We poked along with me unable to get Levi into the contact because we had zero impulsion so most of the pictures have his head up in the air giraffeing around. When we got to the canter transition, he was so unresponsive to my seat and leg, I had to turn my spur in and give him a jab. Which he objected to quite strongly:
Interestingly enough, the judge’s comment for this one was “croup high.” While it’s certainly ugly, I’m not sure it could be more uphill. The free walk was so damned slow. I kept trying to push him to move, but was worried about him breaking to trot. I probably should have just taken the penalty and schooled since the judging was too generous to be useful anyway.
free walk
We finished the test and had a bit of time to change tack and then hang out. I dropped down to Intro to get some confidence back. The advertised height was 2’3″, but most of the jumps were 2′ or under. I didn’t mind though, I just wanted to do little jumps. We left the start box and Levi pitched a hopping fit. So I made him trot to the first jump. He thought that was stupid as all get out, but he did it. Then he wanted to go fast again so we trotted the next jump.
Doesn’t matter if the jump is tiny, Levi will make it big.
I tried letting him canter towards the third and he got all hot and bothered so I trotted and circled him and then we did the little jump.
awkward
We did another jump at the trot because it was awkwardly positioned, but I let him canter down to the last jump and the finish.
We ended up getting 2nd out of like 10 because a lot of people had refusals or rails. It turns out if you drop down way below both your and your horse’s ability, you can beat small children on ponies out of their ribbons! I felt a little bad about that – but not bad enough to not take my ribbon because ribbonho – but I was glad we had dropped down did a nice, easy course. I liked feeling like I could trot the jumps if I needed to and that I could stay on even if he jumped awkwardly. I think we’ll stick with Intro until I’m feeling more confident.
I think dropping down to build your confidence back is a good thing.
It’s definitely helping.
The biggest difference in this post? You’re not talking about how terrifying every jump is. I think dropping back until your confident is a great thing. And, it’s not like the entire thing was perfect either. But you seem so much more comfortable!
It was nice to not be terrified of all the jumps. Hopefully we can get to doing bigger jumps again one day.
i am the queen of not pushing myself out of my limits so i think it was good you did this. And yes he was a pain but at least you got over it all. AND you didnt mention wanting to throw up once! 🙂 BABY STEPS! HA love it. When he is good he is good when he is bad…well you know!
Great job!
I didn’t feel like throwing up for once. It was a nice change of pace.
I am all about staying within your comfort zone until you are bored enough to move on! I have been a lurker on your board for about a year now — I found your blog looking for info on the RDLA Schooling trials — I’m also in the Bay Area (North Bay). I have been working on getting my horse ready for his first event since I bought him as a rehab project three years ago — we got smoked out of the RDLA schooling trials last October (right after the fires) and rained out at the one in April. I was all psyched to go to Woodland Stallion Station’s schooling trials next weekend, but they just canceled due to low entries. WTF! I would just love to do one actual schooling trial before paying $$ to go to a recognized event…do you happen to know of any others in the Bay Area this summer? If not, we might just go to Woodside and wing it now that they have an Intro level!
Woodside Horse Park has an event derby July 14. Two phases, dressage and XC w/ some stadium jumps on the XC course. It would be good prep for the Intro horse trial!
Yes, the Woodside Derby is great prep. And they have another one in September I think. Twin will have another schooling event in October. And follow Webb Ranch Horse Shows. I think they are planning to have another schooling show. Camelot said they are going to try to do the schooling events again next year.
I think that was a smart move! Do what you’re comfortable with until you iron out the issues. When you’re bored silly, you can bump back up. Congrats on the satin!