The fall weather was great for a horse show in Southern Oregon. However, as one can expect with horses, not everything goes as planned. Tinkerbell was entered into three classes on Saturday, October 11th and two classes on Sunday, October 12th. Her owner, Catherine Ulrey, came from out-of-town to help, watch and enjoy her mare.
We hauled to the show grounds on Friday, set up and schooled. Tinkerbell became quite relaxed as she acquainted herself with her new surroundings. We settled her in for the night and left to feed and settle ourselves. We arrived early Saturday and took Tinkerbell for a walk before braiding. We still had some time to kill before tacking and warming up for our first ride. We left the mare to happily munch on some more breakfast.
When we returned to her about 25 minutes later, it was apparent that something was a miss. She had bonked her head and cut it open. Not a big cut, but bleeding. The USEF rules don’t allow a horse to be shown if there is any blood present. I appreciate this rule, as it protects the animals. Tinkerbell certainly had hit her head hard enough, as well, that she was uncomfortable, probably touting a headache. Needless to say, we scratched out of all our classes on Saturday.
Sunday being the new day that it was, started fresh. I had missed the Dressage Rider Test for First Level on Saturday. I really wanted to make it up, so we scratched from our First Level Test 1 class and did the Rider Test. It went pretty well for my first attempt at it. We scored a 65.6%. Next we competed at First Level Test 2. Tinkerbell came in second, with a score of 63.6%, missing first by one point.
We were able to pick up one more ride later in the day. It was First Level Test 3. I had never practiced the test on Tinkerbell, nor had I schooled her at counter-canter. I also hadn’t ridden the test in a year. It’s a good idea to bring along a test book to a show. You just never know what you may need to review. I practiced the counter-canter during my warm-up. She was great! In we went to the competition ring. Of course, it was the best test of the day and we didn’t get it on film! She scored a 67.5%. Again coming in second, one point behind the leader.
Catherine and I are very proud of Terrific Tinkerbell. For no more schooling than she has had and to arrive at her first Rated show, we think she did really great.
Here is the video of First Level Test 2.
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvuJLoURc9c&feature=youtu.be