What A Week

I had such a fabulous time at the horse show that I don't know where to start when writing about it. Here's a summary:

1. I'm on the Board of the dressage club that organized it, and it was an amazing experience to work with such positive people and all of the committed and skilled volunteers. We really had a great time together, although everyone was tired out :)
2. We had our first para-equestrian rider, I think a first for a Nova Scotia dressage show. Twelve year old Nel could teach a thing or two about committment and courage to anyone, and her test was amazing. I'm going to devote more of a post to her and her ride when I get the video uploadable.
3. Rogo exceeded my expectations and was so interesting in his approach and reactions. I reached a milestone in my trust of him (and maybe his of me?). We are galvanized to train and improve!

His Sun. rides were 60 point something and earned him a 5th and a 2nd. There was only about 2 points between last and first place in all his classes, so we're all (Training Level AA's) on track and ready for a great summer of bringing up those marks. Here's a sample score:

Doug has some videos of his tests, so I'll post one soon.
Here are a couple of pictures:

The main areas we need to focus on are:

1. more forward (he's forward when I ask, I just need to remember to ride more forward)
2. rounder circles (much more practice needed, especially with stretching circle)
3. rounder frame

And although I mde my first 7 ever in position and seat (I've always been 6), I'm setting my equitation as my # 1 goal. It took a back seat for too long.

He did really well on the trot loops to the center line in test 3, and his center line / halts. Some of his canter transitions were very good (that was a revelation), and he went very nicely forward in canter when asked (I'd been afraid of gallop or nothing).
I'm soooo behind on my blog reading. Catching up with coffee in hand will be a treat this week.