[ROLEPLAY] We came, We saw, We fell into mote - #0075 competition log

We came, We saw, We fell into mote - #0075 competition log

 

Finally, I'm free from competition work so I can type up how the amazing BW BLACK SWAN's first big showing went in the three-phase at my usual haunt, we exceeded all expectations I had set for us and fell short on some too. One thing about training a horse this big and independent for showing is that they are susceptible, and so am I. This means that for every setback, we both suffer to overcome what I can only assume is human and horsie hubris. But again, not all doom and gloom this month and trust me I have many pictures and stories to tell you about this first outing but you all know the drill by now so here we go.

 

I know we all talk about diamonds in the rough but that is what it was and has been, we struggled and struggled and struggled this month in dressage. I knew how hard it was going to be to get her in shape and ready for a third-level test, she is extremely new to the saddle and still extremely green compared to what I usually back and she has a loud dislike for any saddle that has more contact to her back than a bareback pad. So I guess you could say it was somewhat a miracle that with the help of a few local baroque saddle fitters was able to find a reasonable adjustment that wouldn't get me kicked out of the competition and then subsequently launched from the back of Swan. But we overcame it, I remember the nerves in my belly at the last practice I had, my instructor chastising me for looking so green on my horse and how worried I felt that something would end up happening that would ruin all the hours spent preparing for the monumental task of riding a third level test on a horse that less than a month ago had never been backed with a dressage saddle.

 

But, we did it! I received my best score in dressage ever, and we placed in 1st place with a 79% we only seemed to get better as the rides went on after the test, as it's customary for the winner to ride a demonstration ride of the test on competition day in front of an audience. We found our wings, took to water, and really proved that no matter what you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

 

And then the blunder of the evening, I rounded a corner towards the finish of the test and a horrible horse-eating deer sprung along the course, and I very quickly got reminded that the summer is both here and not here as I was encompassed in the salty bitter taste of mote. Luckily, the benefit of having a horse that was imported from the Rockies is that they know their way around ledges and rocks, so thankfully I was able to crawl my way out like the creature from the ring and return to dry land. Needless to say, we didn't place.

 

And of course, you'd never expect anything less from me on any horse even when drenched in the waters of mote. We got second in showjumping.

 

We were overall the champion horse and rider for the July edition of the toor three-phase event, and I couldn't be more ecstatic. Now for a month's break, and some therapy from my near-death experience in the mote lake.

 

Crowe,

As always more to come ♥

 

Done