Dressage Show

Last weekend Mow and I competed in our first ever dressage show!  We have been taking dressage lessons for about two years now and I finally felt ready to take him to a local show.  He exceeded my expectations and we actually won two out of the three classes we entered!  Here we are warming up before the first class.

My trainer, Heather, lives nearby so she was able to come and coach.

 

Here we are during our first class, an introductory level dressage test.  (Basically, a set pattern that everyone rides and you are graded on each movement).

 

The tests are ridden in a standard-sized space that is marked off with these white fences. Someone can "call" the test for you, but these we very simple patterns so I just memorized them.

This photo is from the end of our second class (another test).  Dressage tests start and end with a salute to the judge, who is at the end of the arena.

 

Mow and I competed in one other class where we rode with other riders and were judged on our equitation (riding ability) with no set pattern.  Here we are with our ribbons, I'm one proud lady!  Next time we will be moving up a level...

Special Olympics

I spent last weekend in Gainsville, GA at the Special Olympics with a local horse therapy group called Horsin' Around.  They borrowed a horse trailer but did not have access to a truck so I volunteered to haul their horses for the five hour drive. This was my first experience with therapy horses and their riders but it was wonderful!  The kids (actually, the athletes) really enjoyed showing off their horse skills and earning ribbons and medals.  We're already planning next year's trip!

 

All of the volunteers with the three athletes and two horses.  Many family members also came to cheer them on. (And many other volunteers helped to get them here)

 

Emily riding Zantana.  She earned a gold and a silver medal!

 

Joseph with Prince.  He earned a gold medal, a silver medal, and a fourth place ribbon!

 

Ralph earned a bronze medal and a fourth place ribbon on Prince!  Safety is always number one for therapy horses so each rider has at least one, if not more, volunteers with them in case they need help.

So many smiles, such a good weekend!

Anniversary Dinner

We celebrated our four year anniversary a little early this year (on Monday) due to both of our travel plans but it was as delicious as ever!  I can't believe it has already been four years...