So dressage was today for both Running Order and Will riding Missie. The day started early, we were in the lobby at quarter to 7 for a first ride at 7 then back on by 8:30. RO was excellent, and not affected by the atmosphere at all. I think this was due to last nights familiarization at 6pm where he stood staring at the two jumbo-trons for quite some time. He was very good in the test. I did make a very stupid error, halting early at the first halt, but really was very pleased with his test. The score, however, not so much. I did have the pleasure of following Michael Jung, the current world champion, which didn’t help the situation. I do have to keep all of this in perspective, he’s only 8 and did his first one-star 18 months ago. We finished the first day of dressage in the middle of the pack with a 61. Give him a year or two and it’ll be a different story. His progress has been astounding over the past few years, especially what has been accomplished in the past week. Give him time…he’ll be there!
Will had a simelar experience finishing on a 58 immediately following Betinna Hoy. Sinead and Tiana go tomorrow…hopefully with happier judges!
For me, tomorrow will be quite relaxing…just taking RO for a walk a time or two. I’ll walk the course again tomorrow for a 4th time. It did look a bit smaller the 2nd and 3rd times today. It’s certainly not going to be a dressage show…
-D
