Dressage Show

Ivy and I went to our first rated show of the year. A bit of a late start.Again I am doing first level.  I am afraid to make the jump to second.  I was reading some other blogs about when to move up a level.  I found it interesting that several people stated that riders need a 70% before the move.  Really? Um, Ivy will never get close that score.  She is very tight and reactive and .....Plus, not the best mover. I never bought her to be strictly dressage.  The horses that scored in the 70's had a lot of hock action and jump. They truly are beautiful to watch, but way out of our league. But, Ivy can camp, jump, trail, and ...I love my girl.

We ended up w/ a 66%. Almost a 67%!! Got a 7 on trot lengthening and an 8 on halts. Lost points on free walk and stretchy trot 6.5's.  Should have known there was an issue then.  The day before the show, Ivy was in season.  She was flirting with every horse in the arena. The pee thing is such a nightmare and I know when she hits me w/ her tail, it's time to leave.

We had a two hour break and Ivy just stood by the trailer eating away.  As I led her away to the warm up, she wouldn't walk.  I freaked out. She looked like she needed to take a big poo.  She finally moved off and we walked a while.  I alerted my coach and hopped on.  It was awful.  She felt like she had a hump in her back plus lame behind.  Poor girl.  She was in pain, so I scratched.  Of course she was fine on Monday.  Really need to deal with her spring cycles.  When she was younger she would colic during her cycle.  Had the vet up every month. In time her cycles did get better.

In the end we did great!
 

April Jump Lesson

We are making great progress! I need more work on my release, but Ivy is very forward to the jump.  I am using half halts but I can clearly see she is not listening.  I am just thrilled she is jumping and not doing the dreaded stop thing.  We have our big show next weekend and are currently working on our second level stuff.  Counter canter to the right is finally smoothing out and keeping her straight through the neck and poll helps.  I have been watching videos online w/ the three loop serpentine and see a lot of riders w/ too much neck/poll bend.  My goal is to be consistent.  Our left lead is still a major mess.  She is weaker on that side and I have tendency to stop riding her.  Rein backs are good and turn on the haunches are fine.  I know I will loose half of all we know on show day! I am just grateful for every day that I can ride.