Show # 2 for 2013!

Last Saturday was our second show of the season at HHP in Edinburgh.  I was excited to go to this show even more after seeing the list of competitors.  First, I saw that the black mare my daughter took to Event Camp was on the list with her new young owner and second, Riva's breeder's young daughter was also going to compete.  Her breeder had not seen Riva in person since she was a yearling!  And, I already knew Austen of guineaforaguinness was going to be there competing her handsome boy, and it is always great to see them!

Hauled down on Friday evening and the rain was intermittent all the way there.  The showers did let up and we got in a productive school in the ring before the skies opened up again.  Riva was her normal up and very alert on Friday evening, but did her best to listen.  Only one spook - she did a drop and slide move as we were cantering past the opening at A, just as it was starting to rain.  Not sure what that was about...but I stayed on!

Husband and I enjoyed a Mexican dinner and beverages at our fav pre-show place in Edinburgh - won't say for the last time because I really would like to come back for IDS Championships in October.

My ride times were 11:14 and 2:13 - Training Level Test 3 first, then Training Level Test 2.  My routine so far this year is to take Riva for a hand walk in the morning and then allow for a 20 minute warm up for the first test.  I then planned on another 20 minute warm up for the second test, since they were 3 hours apart.

I was 'trainerless' for this show, since my daughter had to work, but my husband is fantastic at shows and much appreciated!  I had planned to ride my tests without a reader, but our BO's daughter happened to be there and kindly agreed to read for me.  I know the tests, but I find I can concentrate on each move so much better when I am not thinking 2 moves ahead.

Training 3 went very well!  Our only bobble was the very first movement - entry and halt...well really just the entry!  The areana was set up as a short dressage court and I noticed it as we rode in around the perimeter, waiting for the judge to ring her bell.  As we turned at A to enter, Riva caught site of the different looking areana and seemed confused and then wanting to veer right then left, right then left.  We got our act together by X and halted fairly square.  After that, every move went smoothly.  After getting a 5 on the first move, the rest were all 6's and 7's, even one 8!  We received a 67.2 - was very happy with this!  Large open class, so we received a 4th place with that score.

After a rest and brief school, we headed in for Training 2.  All was going so well, until the right lead canter - same place we had trouble at the last show.  As we rounded the corner to canter, Riva started shaking her head and trying to buck.  Got the canter, then lost it on the circle with more head shaking and threatening to buck.  Recovered on the long side and finished the test like nothing happened.  Still can not figure out why this has happened in the same spot, two shows in a row.  So despite getting two 4's for that canter transition and canter circle, we ended with a 63.21and second place.

Special thanks to Jen of cobjockey for cheering us on and taking photos of us!  So good to see her.  Also to Austen for hanging around long after she was done competing to watch our second test!  I did not say goodbye to either of you, because I will see you all again either in KY or IN!  Great day, great show, I am blessed.