As we made our way over to the games arena to scratch our final class, Kat made it clear he had other ideas and scratching was NOT on his list. He seen the cones from a distance and just lit up. He came to life and started bouncing around like a monkey on crack. He started jigging, hopping around in place, prancing, dancing from side to side and showing me that he was ready to go! He certainly didn't want to stand around while I looked at the course and plotted where to go. I was pretty sure that my pony had lost his mind. It's sure nice to know he had an untapped 'reserve' in there somewhere...
There were 10 sets of cones, salute the judge on the way in, go through the start finish gate, go through all the cones in any order, any direction and back through the start finish gate- got it. Trotting only- check. I had my plan, saluted the judge, aimed for the start finish gate and off we went.
There was no need to encourage Kat at all. The minute I let him go- he did! In a few places the dirt was deep and the footing soft. The cart slid s-i-d-e-w-a-y-s around some of the corners and a few times he broke gait, going into an all out gallop. Kat was definitely in it to win it and giving it his all. He did respond and come back down to a trot within a few strides each time so we were not penalized for it, but wow. He wanted to rock-n-roll. So much for him being wiped out??? LOL!
I wish I could say we had a clear round, but we didn't. We knocked down one ball which put us in third place out of four entries. Some of the cones were wider apart than others, making it challenging for everyone, minis to large horses. Each course is different and you just try to get through the cones quick and clean.
Maybe one of these days we will get it right. Maybe Kat will settle down enough saving his energy for IN the ring? Who knows. For now I am thinking he may be a serious contender in the CDE's and just be glad dressage is on the first day of the competitions. As for the ADT's, we may have to wing it for a while in some portions. We shall see. There's is a Darby on Dec 3, and an ADT in February. We are hitting both events. It may get a little crazy but damn it is fun! Addicting? Maybe a little....
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.
5 comments:
I so wish you had that on video! Go KAT!!!
HAve a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I hope that your Thanksgiving went well Linda, and thank you for your visit to my blog. Richard
I am so happy for you and your boy! You are doing what I always wanted to do and never had the money and the distance was formidable to reach any kind of competition. Four hours one way is a show-stopper!! I cannot wait to see what the two of you can accomplish with more time and experience under your belts(and surcingle)!
It's so cool to see them hit their stride! You and Kat are gonna be fierce...
FV- It would be fun to watch for me too. He was wound up all right.
Richard- I hope yours was enjoyable as well and the weather cooperated for you too.
Pheadra- I will look into what is nearby for you. There's still time and the one woman competing at the show is 73. Our trips up north are averaging 2-3 hours of driving and this show was about an hour- hour & a half away as well.
Kestrel- He sure lights up for the fun stuff. Now I just gotta keep him sane, sensible and responding when and while we do it.
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