KDA Wrap up

Back in Cleveland, we have returned to humid rainy weather, after a fun weekend playing with a couple dressage horses in Kentucky.  The show finished on a great note with Angela scoring a 68.8%,  winning 3 of her five classes, and qualifying for Regionals!  She rode amazingly all weekend, and York was up to the task of showing off his big gaits.  Goodman, also owned by Angela, blew away our expectations (honestly we weren't sure what to expect!) and placed in the top 5 every day in the FEI Prix St. George.  I could not have been more proud of him! We still have ALOT to work on, but to be in the mid sixties everyday was more than I could have hoped for with this guy.  I think that we are slowly turning some big corners, and with a bit more collection we will be in the high sixties. Goodman is sometimes tight through his back, so I tried the Cavalor FreeBute Pro the second two days of the competition, instead of the typical therapy that we give him.  He was much looser in his topline, and felt generally more comfortable with less warm up time needed.  I was pretty impressed with how well this product worked, and I will be sure to use it again.   It has been such a joy working with this horse and bringing him up the levels; I just love seeing him having fun and being successful, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to ride him!  On Saturday night and Sunday morning we took some time to watch the CDI Freestyles, where we witnessed Anna Marek (Tsjesse's previous rider) WIN the Grand Prix freestyle with a 70%, and saw Silva ride a beautiful (and fun) freestyle with Rosa Cha to Alicia Keys Girl on Fire. 

We did some shopping in the wonderful trade fair, and bought some new jumps for Angela's new stable, River Edge Farm.  This is an exciting adventure as the property is adjacent to White North, and will boast two Attwood Equestrian Surfaces for her riding pleasure.  It is going to be such a gift to have an amazing arena with mirrors for dressage and good footing for the horses to jump on!  I can hardly wait! I also got to welcome back my little Sister Mary, and her family to the show scene! Its  so good to have our supergroom back, and she did a great job keeping us all at the ready.  Its special to have Mary back with us for the summer...I MISSED HER!  Probably my clients did too, because it takes a sister to keep the other one in line!

On Monday I was invited to judge the combined test at the Bath Pony Club, and had a blast!  This is the second show I've judged, and I really enjoy it.  Maybe this can be a second career??? I tried to give each rider positive feedback and offer a helpful tip that could help boost their scores in the future while giving them a good experience.  Personally I have been on the receiving end of some tough comments from judges, and I always appreciate when the official has some positive constructive suggestions to help improve myself and my horse.   This weekend we go back to South Farm for the Combined Test, and then Grand Haven the following week for a dressage show.  Hang onto your hats, June is going to fly by!