May 2013

Now Geoff's been given a clean bill of health we can start seriously thinking about our next outing. Although there's some hard work coming up, the mediums are coming a bit more easily, balanced and in rhythm. Just got to work on my balance and rhythm!

Trying his little heart out

Back to some familiar surroundings today, both venue and level. We've done this test on a number of occasions and done a bit better but today was about getting back to where we were with new found skills!

Overall it was a mixed test with varying scores (from 4 right up to 8) but all in all I'm pleased with the result, not to mention the 6th place and a rosette!

Although the judge noted 'none shown' for the mediums I am rather chuffed with the final canter where he does appear to extend his frame a bit more. We're getting there!

Best comment from the judge ' Abundant energy'! She's got his number alright.

Back to basics

So after a few months of both of us throwing our toys out of the pram we visited Sparsholt at Prelim level to see if we could get a half decent score and some nice comments to spur us on. 63.18% later and there was one happy Ruthie and Geoffrey.

A fair bit to work on still but more consistency in all three paces and a nice quiet ride.

Jumping Geoff video

Who says size matters? We're leaving the ground again and loving it.

Another fab outing

Sparsholt seems to be very kind to us and we usually come home with a great score and a ribbon. Our last outing was no different!

Some dodgy steps and poor rhythm at times but look how the contact has come on!

Qualified for the area festival!

A great day out to Sparsholt and even though I thought we'd blown it with the canter work, there was enough nice stuff to get us the second part of our qualification for the September Area Festival.

More affiliated dressage-ness

Our second outing, the day after pony games, was to Merrist Wood. A new venue for us and a little spooky with gusts of wind banging the side of the arena. We were great until the free walk and canter, so lots to work on still, but I was so proud that he took it all his stride.

Must have been the walking over wooden bridges and tarpaulin the day before that did it!