Dressage Show

“Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight,’ declares the LORD.” -Jeremiah 9:23-24

I rode in four classes at the dressage show. The first was Intro B, which I received a a 69 at, and the second was Intro C, which I also received a 69 at. Those were both with Duncan. The third was 1st 1, which I received a 72 at, and the last one was quadrille, which we received a 100. Overall I was very pleased with this show. Here is a run down of my classes...

My first test with Duncan I was a bit nervous for. I hadn't ridden him in the indoor in awhile and he can be spooky about some sides. Well, I can be spooky about some sides if we're being honest. But in a show I know I have no other choice, and we do it. This leads me to believe that we could do a lot more if I would just tell him we could. He does play off me a bit too for his own good sometimes. I was soft and waited for him to go round and then I gave. If he didn't, I used my leg to get his attention and did not force him at all. It was really a calming ride after a hectic warm up, and was actually fun. the judge helped a lot as she was so kind and really looked for the best in everyone. I can not tell you how much I appreciated her kindness. Duncan had a great first test and was very calm. The warmup there was a lot going on, but I remembered what I did when I first started riding with Walter, and mimicked that in the warmup. I started by petting him when he relaxed and just calmly walking him around and letting him relax. One he was relaxed I picked up on the reins gently, and waited for him to come to me. He had moments, but when he was distracted I slowly brought him back. He was able to do a free walk with his head down and stretching in the chaos. I was proud of him.

For Intro C it was a bit of a mess. I did not warm him up at all for a few reasons. The first being that he did not like the warm up ring and it added way too much stress, and the second being that Et needed to be braided and that was the only time I had to do it. It was very hectic there for a little while. I put my bridle back on him and walked into the ring, mounted and proceeded to do my test. I did not memorize it fully because I had 4 tests to memorize and that was the one that got neglected. My friend attempted to read it, but read it very wrong and late and quietly, so I did not do the pattern exactly as it called. I still ended with a 69 in the class because the judge liked the way I rode him. He was more relaxed in this test and was listening pretty well. He had very nice moments where he gave and was round. He only missed his lead once and did the free walk beautifully. The judge said it was refreshing to see a horse who trusted their rider and was not forced. It was nice to hear, as I was anticipating a bad test. I loved how the judge appreciated true riding that was in progress over bad riding that appeared fancy.

My first level test with Et was AMAZING. I have never ridden a test so powerful and true. The night before I was praying for both tests, and truly feel that God enabled us in that test. I was worried that Et would be tired after his first rider got on him and rode her first level test, as he is older and does get tired easily. It was also intimidating because I was going up against everyone from the upper level dressage class who had worked on this test a lot more than I had. Not to mention I had missed a few classes for vet things and wisdom teeth issues, so I had not gotten much help on the test. I have ridden first level before, but it was not a very good score and I was a lot younger. My basic thing for riding Et was to give to him. Every time he did what I asked I would give in my elbow, just enough to give him a release without throwing him away. The more I gave to him, the more willing he was to give to me. I spent the entire warmup walking him on a loose rein. He did not need to work, he was warmed up from his previous test and knew what he was doing. When we went into the ring I worked on transitions at the walk and trot. And then would almost walk him and then trot. This seems to help keep his attention and keep the energy. When we went into the test he perked up quite a bit and knew his job. He was alive and ready to preform. We entered the centerline and halted square. Our trot work went well and we did a good one loop, which we had struggled with inside before. The first lengthening was good, and then came the canter. That canter was incredible. I asked for power, and he gave me power, and then some. My abs have never worked so hard to ride everything that horse was pouring out to me. I asked for a lengthen in the canter and that boy gave me that and more. He was going so much I could barley keep my but in the saddle to ride it. He started to get a little tired at the second canter, but luckily I had spurs to give him a little encouragement and we were off again. He did break a few steps early, which brought us down half a point, but I don't think he's cantered that well all year, so he was pretty tired. When I looked up I saw people coming over just to watch this test. The power that horse gave me was unreal. The last lengthening I let him go as much as he could since we had nothing left but the centerline. Just as we got over X his legs were flying off the ground and I could feel him flying. It was so big I could almost not post it anymore. He knew what he was doing and he gave it to me. This test was profound and a gift from God. It was almost as thought I could feel the mighty hand of God picking Et and I off the ground as he carried us through the movements. Nothing felt better than saluting that test not only to the judge, but to the creator of the horse who had just places his heart in my hand.
I will never forget that moment. This leaves me in awe of the power of God with horses, and the only thing I can do is boast in His greatness. It was not me who rode that horse from my talent, but God who gave me that opportunity. The people he gave me to learn form starting when I was 11. The combination of horsemanship and dressage in order to know how the horse works best. The passion He gave for this sport, and the horses He made, knowing that one day I would be on him and have that very test to His glory. I want to ride in a way that honors Him, and today I did.

Nate

After much procrastination I rode Nate today. When I first got on him it was a little rough. I didn't pick up on the reins at all because he seems so touchy about them. I asked him to trot - with literally no contact and he bucked, so I sat down and squeezed him again - and he threw his hind end a little and did a little canter step, and then continued on his way trotting. This is the exact same thing he did with Jalene in her lesson with Steve. I'm not really sure why he does it, or what command I was giving him incorrectly. After that I had a lesson on him, which was very helpful!

We started out by just giving him as much time as he needed to loosen up, and it was colder than normal so I'm sure that wasn't making it any easier on the poor guy. We walked a lot and then picked him up in the trot, with contact but nothing more than a light contact, asking him to think about going round, but not forcing it. As the time went on he naturally put himself there when I got my aids correct. It started out as a split second in the trot where I would get everything correct and he would lower his bead and relax his back. As we went on those moments became longer and longer until eventually he stayed round pretty consistently. The canter could have used a little more forward, but he seemed relaxed and comfortable. I attempted a flying change, but tensed up and wouldn't let him finish it, so we got half of one. Poor guy was really trying, and I completely got in his way. But just the fact that we could even attempt one after the beginning of our ride made me really happy. He certainly isn't an easy ride, but one that will definitely improve your riding skills! Very thankful for the opportunity to ride him and look forward to learning more from this great teacher.

Greatness

5 Great Things About Today!

1.) Chapel was fantastic and totally prepared for what was to come. Inspirational. Emotional. Godly.

2.) How fortunate am I to have a God who not only gave me Duncan, but made Duncan? And I believe the creator who made him can do whatever He chooses to him. What no vet can.

3.) Running is so much more enjoyable when not running up Mt. Centerville.

4.) A God who gives verses, songs, stories, and hearts at the timing we need.

5.) Breakfast was actually pretty fantastic. Ezekiel bread and coffee. mmm :)

This one doesn't have a number. God. God is enough. Always. People disappoint you, horses hurt you (or themselves), and life is unpredictable. But Jesus - he died for me. He loved me so much that he died to save me. And he continues to love me through all of my failures, and when I walk away. God alone is enough to be happy. It is well with my soul.