Sunday Show time

Yesterday - Sunday- we woke up early to get ready for OYY Elektra's show. It will be a long day- because Elektra is entered in both Intro tests A and B and her first training level tests.. 1 and 2. First ride time is 9:00.. so we need to leave the farm by 6:00-- chores first and braiding, etc. There's a lot of effort going into a minute and a half cameo appearance in the ring. The show is held at Pirouette Farm in Norwich, Vermont, Sponsored by Central Vermont Dressage Ass'n.

A very beautiful farm set in the mountains - A great set up-- my only complaint.. water was 1/4 mile at least from our trailer.

Thankfully, a nice sunny day for a unique change of pace. Zoe does a little warm up without her jacket though.. it's pretty hot.

Official warm up is in the indoor, where Elektra experiences her first mirror.. she likes it-- being the beauty queen that she is. Zoe has decided we need one in our indoor now !

The show stewards were well organized and well connected with their walkie-talkies .. not so much worrying about being in the right place for your ride time. Some shows.. with so much going on and several rings set up-- you can't always hear the loud speakers and are constantly checking your watch so you are up at the correct moment for the whistle or bell.

Zoe and Elektra bow together.

Here's a short little video of training level test 2 -

(you tube link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PexEzSIa0Rg )

Rain, rain, and more rain here in Vermont - our big ring is more than damp, so Zoe has been schooling Elektra in the indoor - which in some ways is good for her -- but Elektra tends to use the walls to "hold" her in the circles.. she's young yet (just turned 4) and when she is in the big ring she still can't quite get her shoulders and body working correctly-- but she's coming along well for a 'little' girl. This year is our first BIG adventure into the dressage arena.. so we are learning along with Elektra. It's been a fun experience and Zoe's pretty pleased as she has set her own personal goals and worked diligently. Over the summer Elektra and Zoe have consistently improved on their scores- higher each and every time. This show-- in the Intro Test A and B they garnered a Blue in each. In their very first training level test- both test 1 and 2 -- Their first canter.. they earned second place in each test for their efforts !

The judges comments were quite positive-- attractive horse and good job. :) Pretty satisfying outcome-- since we have done all the "training" ourselves in a venue in which we are complete 'newbies' . And from studying the posted scores over-all, we are consistently scoring right along with most everyone else.

Immediately after the show, we collect our score sheets and happily grab our 2 Blues and 2 Reds- and we are off to take Zoe's daughter to overnight camp 2 1/2 hours away. Our dependable trailer man, Gabby, takes Elektra back to the farm and knows just where she belongs- back in the pasture with her grand-mother Lilly.

All-in-all, a good day.

Today we are planing a ride together over the mountain to Grafton- about mid-way, we'll be on all brand new trail for us.

Enjoy your day ~