1st Leg of Dressage League..

[Niamhy]

Well it was an interesting start back to competition in 2010.

First off the fat pony had a bit of a cough during the week, so he was rested and given AntiB's, leaving me no time really to practise the tests or the music.

Then on the way to the show, he nearly fell over in the box leaving the yard, (he was basically lying on the middle partition with his legs stuck in the corner of the box. We kept going, but the same thing happened when we pulled into a petrol station, except it took him longer to stand up properly. Luckly I always put over-reach boots on his hind legs, so there wasnt a mark on him.

He was shaking and sweating, and I didnt know what to do at all. So we decided to swap them around. (Usually its Nelly the elephant on the right and Captain Fat boy on the left).

I hoped he would be ok on the right, as I had brought him over to the saddle fitter 2 weeks ago, on his own. So we changed them around in the car park of the garage. He walked straight into the box and started eating hay! Go figure.

Got to the show anyway and he was grand, he had even dried off, and not sweated up on the way or anything.

Did a short warm up (didnt want to push him too much cos he was off, and cos of what happened on the way, just took it gently to make sure he was ok). But being the true fat pony show man he is there wasnt a loss on him!!

Here is the DTM.. Music is Sigor Ros, Hoppípolla

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNCYoGODKwY


We were second. (Judge liked the other persons music more which was Michael Jackson, so I lost by a point).



Then it was the league class, so I got off him, and he had a sleep by the arena, while I was waiting for Tina to go. I was on fairly soon after that.

So when Tina was finished I got back up, had 2 people between us. So i just did another little bit with him, and in we went.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJZjvZnC7Vo


We won the class on 71%! which was great considering the day I had!!! (And I could have killed him for jogging in the walk, but anyway).

He is a little star that pony, nothing really phases him! He just went out and did his job. And then went home in the box (on the right) no bother at all!!

[Squeeley]

Wow N, you and Captain really are a team now!

I can't watch the Videos at work, but will have a look at home later x

[Spaniel]

What a good lad he is - well done Nim!!

Was getting better as the test went on too especially after you had the first canter, it really improved the trot work and stopped the slight overbend. You deserved to win that mate.

Big hugs to Captain Fats from me and Hippo!

[Niamhy]

Thanks guys. He is only really 2 and a half weeks back into work, after all the crap with the weather, so while there is still alot more to work on, at least I have a starting point now.

[Alibear]

Woo well done you. Nice to hear Captain is back firing on all cylinders.

[ihatework]

Thats brilliant, well done. What a great find Captain was for you!

[Niamhy]

Thanks guys, am very proud of my fat pony, he pulled out all the stops despite what happened on the way!

[BonBon]

Well done N, Captain is such a poppet. The tests are lovely - second one looks better, he seems to be more relaxed and stretching out a bit more in the trot.

[Niamhy]

Ahh yea the second one was better alright, I didnt ride like such a spanner in it!

[Bossanova]

Brill results, especially after such a drama!!

Well done

[Bella]

You know how much I adore Captain. Lovely tests and great results. Well done to you and Captain Fats.

What a drama though on the way. I bet you were super stressed by the time you arrived.

[Niamhy]

Thanks guys!!

Bella, I was fairly stressed getting there, but once I Let down the back ramp and saw that he was dried out, and was no longer sweating, I knew he was ok, and once I started trotting I knew he was on the ball, and hadnt hurt himself!

And then I was grand!