Good things come to those that wait

Exhausted much? Just a tad I think. This weekend has been the most fun I've had at a dressage show yet. I am so proud of us as a team and I love that little bay mare. 

More teasing I know, I know...

Our goals for this weekend was to 1. Get in the ring and avoid pretending to be a dragon at all costs 2. actually RIDE during our tests. Last time we showed was the summer of 2010 due to the fact of the entirety of 2011 should be known as 'The year of the suspensory rehab'. So it's been a while since our last outing.


Brief overview of accomplishments:

• Slight dragon moments Friday before the show but not a hoof put wrong nor a fire-y breathe snort either day this weekend. Woohoo well-behaved submission!
• Each test I rode more and more. Like real half halts, useful corners, and poignant whip/spur use where needed. I felt more relaxed and had more fun than any show I've been to before. I was just happy to be out there on my girl.

Bonus points!

• 1st Level Freestyle score of 66.933% to add for our Freestyle Bronze Bar Award
• Two scores of above 60% from two different judges at Second Level for our Bronze Medal Rider Award
• A score of above 60% at 2nd Level Test 3 to qualify us to perform a 2nd Level Freestyle  

A huge thanks go out to my wonderful friend Ellen who came both days to groom for me. She was amazing and made the weekend go by so much smoother than when I bumble along by myself. Dea and I both appreciated her hydration skills very much, especially Saturday. Another thanks to her for pictures and video to come when I am more cognizant tomorrow.

Another huge thanks to all of the Michaud's for their photos, camaraderie and pez power!

I know having spent the last 3 weeks at Pam's has made that difference. I don't think we would have done half as well without the new skills and improvements we've made. 

Now it's off to bed for me because as Ellen would tell you this post took me a seriously long time to write for my brain has left the building after riding memorized tests in my head all weekend. More on that tomorrow, with pictures and video I promise.

Well deserved celebratory dinner of chinese take-out and a cold beer. This was my first plate, no joke.