Even superstars enjoy a good nap after XC.
Well, since John *cough* dropped the ball *cough* was so busy writing up the Advanced report during the Intermediate, I guess it falls to me to at least write SOMETHING. As you saw from my course walk, the course was a good test for the level without being unfair or trappy. Hugh’s courses seem to really ride well. Time seemed to be the biggest factor in the division. Out of the 38 starters, there were only 5 double clears. There were only 4 riders with 20 penalties. Buck had a TE on the fabulous Santa’s Keeper. There were also 2 rider falls and 2 that retired on course. So, all in all, I think the course seemed to ride pretty well for everyone.
Danielle Dichting added only 1.2 time penalties to her score with the lovely The Graduate. She lies only 2.6 points ahead of Buck and No More Rocks, who moved up from 4th to 2nd. It looks like the show jumping will prove influential tomorrow. Of course, Mark Donovan’s courses are always a good test, and it should make tomorrow very interesting!
As far as my boy and I, I am THRILLED with him. This was our first full run since Bromont, and I was really looking to have our mojo back. It was amazing! Bug jumped around like it was cake. He is really learning to gallop and jump out of stride rather than hanging in the air for 10 seconds per jump. We were only 16 seconds over time, and I wasn’t pushing him at all. I hope we have what it takes to jump well around Mark’s course tomorrow!
