but then...I found out that USDF bit rules had changed and now snaffles with up to just over an inch port (33 mm IIRC) were now allowed (Id look up the rules again but Im still recovering from yesterdays show and the ridiculous heat we are having). Myler bits in particular are referenced but me being the frugal (aka broke) dressage diva I googled til I found a cheaper facsimilie. Which just happened to be from my fav online tack site sstack.com
Oh what a difference! Even a french link wasnt enough to make her mouth happy but this was just the ticket. I couldnt wait to show again. I thought our next show wasnt til August but I found one, and it was near the barn too! Not only that but they had WESTERN DRESSAGE. Something that Ive been wanting to do since I heard about it. So knowing how hot its been and how tight money is I decided I could only do 3 classes, even that I thought might be pushing it just for me remembering 3 tests! I really wanted to do a Western Basic class before a canter (Primary level) class to get feed back, mostly on proper working jog speed since that wasnt completely clear to me. But I really wanted to try out the new bit so I choose one regular dressage test (intro C). I hadnt ridden C myself but my part boarder did at the prior show.
I ended up with my classes spread out the whole day but in the end I was grateful for the long breaks for both of us to recover. I would have given anything for an awning on my trailer or an easy up tent though!
First up was our Western Dressage Basic 2 test, w/t only. The discussion of how fast a working jog is happened to come up with the WDAA officials there so I had to speed her up a touch, which makes it hard to sit her bouncy-ness and she wasnt as steady as when we go slower. Still, we got the highest score of both Basic 1 and Basic 2 riders with a 67.20%. This was even after they incorectly called me off course when I wasnt (I was the first to ride basic 2 and they apparently didnt notice, ah oops) I didnt get marked down of course but it did kinda rattle me for the rest of the class (remember I had 3 test to memorize).I did not have a chance to watch anyone elses tests btw warming up and cooling down unfortunately.
Our next test was intro C but not for many hours later. At least we had a bit of shade on one side of the trailer for a while cuase it was HOT! We were the last to go for that test and though we went over early to warm up just a bit since we switched gears to regular dressage they were ready for us. That one was in the indoor which at first felt cooler but with no air movement it was rough. We had some issues with canter circles not being as round as our trot ones but overall still highly improved over the last show with a 62.000 and 3rd place (this show was a bit smaller as well but soooo much more friendly!)
Lastly towards the end of the day was our most anticipated test, the western Primary 1. The Lope is our biggest issue in western (going slow enough but no 4 beating here) so I picked the test where we loped in our better direction first just to start her off on the right hoof :) The place was clearing out but a bit of a crowd had gathered including the WDAA reps and I think some boarders of the barn the show was at. I went to the warm up intending to only practice a lope circle or 2 and she wanted nothing to do with it! I thought thats it, shes too hot and tired shes not going to cooperate. So we rode up and stood ringside and watched a couple other rides. I think she saw their booboos and set out to show them ALL how its done because she was AWESOME. Couple little bobbles but I couldnt have been happer with her lope. I did slow her trot a bit which ended up being a huge improvement and resulting in NINES, yes 9s, I never thought Id see one much less multiples! Our score was 76.956 % and again the highest of both primary 1 and 2 riders. I coulda fainted (not just from the heat!) After our test the crowd was all over us asking how shes bred and if I was going to leave her there cause they were sure they could find room. Nope sorry, shes mah supastar!
First up was our Western Dressage Basic 2 test, w/t only. The discussion of how fast a working jog is happened to come up with the WDAA officials there so I had to speed her up a touch, which makes it hard to sit her bouncy-ness and she wasnt as steady as when we go slower. Still, we got the highest score of both Basic 1 and Basic 2 riders with a 67.20%. This was even after they incorectly called me off course when I wasnt (I was the first to ride basic 2 and they apparently didnt notice, ah oops) I didnt get marked down of course but it did kinda rattle me for the rest of the class (remember I had 3 test to memorize).I did not have a chance to watch anyone elses tests btw warming up and cooling down unfortunately.
Our next test was intro C but not for many hours later. At least we had a bit of shade on one side of the trailer for a while cuase it was HOT! We were the last to go for that test and though we went over early to warm up just a bit since we switched gears to regular dressage they were ready for us. That one was in the indoor which at first felt cooler but with no air movement it was rough. We had some issues with canter circles not being as round as our trot ones but overall still highly improved over the last show with a 62.000 and 3rd place (this show was a bit smaller as well but soooo much more friendly!)
Lastly towards the end of the day was our most anticipated test, the western Primary 1. The Lope is our biggest issue in western (going slow enough but no 4 beating here) so I picked the test where we loped in our better direction first just to start her off on the right hoof :) The place was clearing out but a bit of a crowd had gathered including the WDAA reps and I think some boarders of the barn the show was at. I went to the warm up intending to only practice a lope circle or 2 and she wanted nothing to do with it! I thought thats it, shes too hot and tired shes not going to cooperate. So we rode up and stood ringside and watched a couple other rides. I think she saw their booboos and set out to show them ALL how its done because she was AWESOME. Couple little bobbles but I couldnt have been happer with her lope. I did slow her trot a bit which ended up being a huge improvement and resulting in NINES, yes 9s, I never thought Id see one much less multiples! Our score was 76.956 % and again the highest of both primary 1 and 2 riders. I coulda fainted (not just from the heat!) After our test the crowd was all over us asking how shes bred and if I was going to leave her there cause they were sure they could find room. Nope sorry, shes mah supastar!
Yep I think we are hooked! Next show is in August. My part boarder is going to do regular dressage and I will do western otw i would be too many classes (yeah thats the ticket). Hopefully it wont be quite as hot, at least I know theres more shade available at that show! Oh and of course at that show they only are offering one basic and one primary test, and guess what its the opposite of the ones I picked for this show. They are the same except you track left instead of right and do everything flip flopped.
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