Florida!

Goodman and I had a truly amazing trip to Apopka Florida, showing at the Sweetheart Cup. It was a long trip and we arrived to the show grounds around 8:30pm. This meant that Goodman didn't get to see the showgrounds till the next morning which actually had me quite worried due to his little sstage fright. After tucking him in for the night, Rose and I proceeded to the Hampton where I was pleased to find out they do not allow dogs. At this point it was about 10pm, and I was beat. I looked at the lady and explained what a small cute little dog Rose is, and that she is "more of a small human than a dog, and will never even know she is there." After much prodding (and threatening to cancel my reservation) I was "allowed" to sneak her into the hotel through the back entrance. Rose made herself right at home (check out the picture on Facebook) and I think I was asleep before my head even hit the pillow.

The next morning came quickly and I was at the show by 6:15am. Goodman was perky as I braided and shined him up; he taking me for a walk instead of the other way around. I was lucky enough to be stabled with Nancy Smith, the trainer I work with back home and her team of lovely people and horses. Kathy Dennis was kind enough to offer to read for me and off we went for our 3rd level test 3 qualifying class. Goodman warmed up well and I kept hearing Silva in my head saying "Tell him medium trot but don't go. Dont Go!" We went in and had a good test...not a single spook, and fairly good except for the left walk piroutte. I was so proud of Goodman going in there without having seen the show ring and trying his best.

I was just finishing pulling his braids out when they announced the results of the class last to first. When they got to 2nd, and still he had not placed, I thought the judge must not have liked him. However, much to my suprise he WON THE CLASS on a 67.9!!! I was thrilled. I called Angela right away and let he know what an amazing job he had done in his class.

Sunday came and while Goodman was a little tired, he still tried his heart out and made a good score of a 60.2 for his first time at 4th level. I can't tell you how excited and proud of this horse I am...it wasn't too long ago that we were stuggling with acceptance of the bit! Thank you so very much to Angela Hambrick his owner, for trusting him to my diligent care, and giving me the ride and ability to train this exceptional horse. She has made so many opportunities come to fruition and I am very grateful for her continuing support.

The drive home was very long... there are no highways once you get to a certain point in Georgia, so you end up on state routes going through little towns with a single flashing light...(think the town from the movie Cars) and it seems to take FOREVER! About a half hour from home Nancy called to tell me that Goodman was Reserve Champion at Third Level for the weekend. Now if that doesn't help time fly by I don't know what would. For someone like me, who if I'm honest, was a little intimidated to compete in Florida, showing up in my Dad's SUV and a borrowed trailer (thank you Kathy Goss!) to end up Reserve Champion was more than I could have ever hoped or expected.

For now its back to work on polishing up the Fourth level tests...lesson tomorrow with Silva!