Tuesday, May 27, 2014

SHE'S 7!

Princess Riva Diva turned 7 on Monday, May 26th! 

We celebrated by having a photo shoot, a short ride, and her favorite treat...a shiny red apple.  

Here is a look back at the past 7 years!

  Baby Riva before we knew her

My sweet husband bought Riva for me as a yearling and made a life long
 dream of mine come true.

Riva at 2 - learning to wear a bit

3 years old and off the farm as a show buddy for the weekend

Age 4 and learning how to hack out

5 and schooling at Edinburgh

Schooling at home at 6

This year at 7

Happy 7th Birthday Riva!



Thursday, May 22, 2014

First Show of 2014

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.



Tuesday, May 20, 2014

I Won Something!

I sign up for giveaways quite frequently, especially at horse related events.  Rolex was no exception.
I can not say I have never won anything.  I have won several blogger contests - thank you to all the bloggers who hold contests!

I was elated and surprised to receive an email from Bit Of Britain following Rolex!  What did I win?

A Charles Owen helmet of my choice!!!

An AYR8 Leather Look Helmet is on its way to me :)  Since this helmet has some custom features, it will take 6-8 weeks to arrive.  

So sign up for contests everyone - people you know sometimes win!