Windy Elimination

Well we learned a valuable lesson this weekend, don't have the trainer ride Comrade before a show. We had our lesson on Wednesday. I started riding him and actually  had a pretty good ride, but I have been fatigued due to some health issue, so I handed the reins to Lauren. Comrade put up an epic fight against her leg, forward is not his thing. I had no idea her ride would turn into a long, painful session. She ended up staying on him while I rode Roscoe.

"I can do Halt"

Motorcycle impression

So when show day dawned, we hoped he would be ready to work. I told him I would not kick his butt that hard. Both boys self loaded, super ponies, and we headed off. My farrier's wife warned us the wind was picking up and had already caused the judge's tent to fall over. Comrade was straight up sore and tight. He felt the worst he has felt in a long time. I hoped he would relax as he warmed up, but as time ticked away it was not happening. In addition to his soreness, I was tight and my outside aids were shot. I knew the test would not be our best.

Tight, both of us

We started into the ring, had a spook just before turning into A and carried on. Comrade's normally good trot work was missing. Then we picked up the left lead going right, bless him though, we corrected it on the circle. As we went left, he was slightly better. We picked up canter and I was happy about getting the shape, when we started an outward drift. Remember my awol outside aids, yep I totally failed. Next thing I knew Comrade hopped over the fence. I leaned to far inside and pushed him right out. I kept going and reentered at A, figuring to finish my test. The judge signalled I could and we ended fairly well. I was kicking myself. I wish I had pulled Comrade and just done both tests on Roscoe.

Just before our exit

Sadly Comrade missed out on the series end awards with the windy elimination since he needed that score to qualify. Ah well, I had to refocus and get Roscoe ready.

The end is near

Shell shocked

The wind had him a bit up. He felt the need to look around more than he normally does at a show. Roscoe decided he was still on vacation and he could not remember what it meant to move in front of my leg. We worked on getting him moving. I felt better on Roscoe than I did on Comrade which says how bad Comrade was feeling. It also gave me a confidence boost. Roscoe decided to spook around the arena as we got ready to enter. Thank you wind.

But we did at least have a better halt than last time.

"Forward... what?"

"How about step under..."

He was tight in his trot, but he delivered a canter with "lovely energy." I actually felt like I was able to get the right shape on the circle. He tensed on the downward from canter and to walk.

Yay we can canter

Okay Roscoe, now we have to trot

"Fine we can trot"

Then he our free walk was more of a coughing session. Roscoe did actively walk as he coughed. The judge wanted more stretch.

 Coughing put tension in Roscoe, which was reflected in his upward transition. Things improved as his trot continued and we got a 7 on our canter circle and I finally managed to sit up and straighten him to get a 7.5 on our canter straight.

My favorite shot

 Since I put him together, my transition earned us an 8. Icing on the finish was a 9 on the final center line. Roscoe took care of me and I can't wait to be able to actually be better for him. The judge was pleased with him and scored him well, but I know we both have more to give.

"Are we done yet????"

That said, Roscoe delivered this season. He improved every show and became so workman like. Though he only did three intro tests at this show, he managed to nab 3rd overall in Intro against people who have ridden the tests much more.

He ended the season with a 68.47% at Training 1. Mom took video, but I have not had a chance to transfer it off her phone yet. Comrade would have beat Roscoe since his scores were higher. Instead he got bute for a few days and next week he will get adjusted. Hopefully he will feel better soon. Everyone gets a break in November, then we show in December. Since the end of December begins my month of inventory, I may even have Lauren show him in January. For now we will stick to the schooling shows until I can get him sharper and in front of my aids.