We attended our first schooling show of 2014 on May 10th. First time to show at this venue where we had been to watch Karen & Hampton of
Contact compete last year. Love it there - so pretty and peaceful!
Since I was only entered in one class, Training Level Test 3, we showed out of our trailer, which was another first for Riva. She had no interest in standing tied to the trailer or eating out of the hay net. She is not nicknamed 'Princess Diva' for no reason! She was much happier with my sweet husband hand grazing her :)
We walked to warm up with storm clouds rolling in and thunder sounding in the distance. I let Riva walk the perimeter of the warm up arena and have a good look around. Once we stepped into the sandbox, she was all business and knew why she was there.
We decided to head to the ring a little early on the chance we might be allowed to compete before our scheduled ride time, as it was getting a bit scary looking in the sky.
I was very happy with our ride and enjoyed it! Riva was forward but listening and adjustable. It was the first test I have rode where I felt totally in control and that I could make adjustments as we went. I had two different competitors tell me what a nice test is was. I frequently have fellow competitors comment on Riva's looks, but it was a first to be complimented on our ride!
The rain started to fall on our walk back to the trailer but quickly cleared off. We hung around to wait on scores - 61.8% and a 3rd place out of 8 in our class. We got nailed for the free walk and stretchy trot circle - 4 on both, for not enough stretch. The rest of the scores were 6 and 7's. Certainly not our highest score on this particular test, but I felt this was the best test we have competed, so I left feeling really good.
Next show - most likely not till mid-end of July.
