1st Time at Fresno Horse Park

We went to Fresno Horse Park over the weekend. It was a long haul, but they offer so many jumps for beginners.  When we got there I had to wait for the rest of the group.  We walked around and grazed for a while and got used to the gun range near by.  I just hopped on and followed my group.  I did bring a lunge line just in case.  I had my homemade jump strap on, but it needs modification.  Now we have not jumped since September so when we headed to our first log, I shut down.  She jumped it, but stopped the second time.  I blame myself because she was willing and I have this memory of all the stopping.  I know she knows I don't trust her.  She spooked once when a rider made a ton of noise in the water.  Go figure that water never bothers her.  She looks at it and then goes in to play.  We headed out on the intro course, and did about 6 round tops.  She stopped at a few, but went right over them after a look.  She also jumped a stair like jump that looked spooky to me.  She just went for it and I decided to end on that note.  She was so good.  We might never win at anything, but I think if we take lots of road trips she might like it.  She certainly doesn't act unhappy.  Well, there was lots of grass to eat there.

First Show

Well, we did it!  First show of the year and the weather was great.  I had my ride times in the morning but not as early as others.  Ivy came off the trailer looking for food, which is a good sign.  I decided to just hop on without lunge work.  She was looking and snorting but no bolting or bucking.  I only warmed up for 20 min. and then went in.  As we made our way to the judge, Ivy decided that the shadow monster must be down there.  It took all my will to keep her going and flexing away from said monster.  As I rode my test I felt stiffness and no suppleness.  After the class I decided I would be more firm with my aids for the next one.  I ended up with a 68% and winning the class of four riders.  My First Level class was harder.  I did get a 7 on my lengthening, but she got quick in the canter 6.5.  Judges comments were about stiffness, and suppleness.  I ended up with a 63.1% and a second place out of five riders.  All in all it was a great show and I have lots of homework. 

Making the Move to First Level

I find it amazing how many people seem to stay at training level.  There is nothing wrong with that, but isn't it the universal goal to move up?  However, I am guilty of the same thing.  Here I am doing Training Level test 3 and First Level test 1.  Why can't I make the full leap up.  Fear of mockery or what.  My show is Sunday and my goal is to ride forward, through and have fun.