Combined Test in the Heat Wave

Last Wednesday we ventured over to Hillcrest Farm to compete in a schooling show at the Novice level.  I had the confidence to move him up to Novice after an excellent lesson the week before. 

Houston and I worked until we were ringing wet the entire week before to be as ready as we could be.

We were fortunate to ride at 8:45 am that morning, it was humid, no breeze and stifling.  Houston was fantastic, we moved more forward than normal, his transitions were smooth and then he gave me a little buck before the canter depart.  I wasn't upset and I smiled after it happened because if my 21 year old feels like bucking, more power to him.  We received a 34.5 which is really good for the non-dressage queens that we are.  The judge was tough and so was our competition.

Shortly after dressage ended we geared up for the show-jumping round with lots of bending lines and tough turns.  My handsome old guy handled it like a pro and bounded through the course was ease.  We even got into a tight 1 stride and came out like this.

So many times I'm reminded just how lucky I am to have this amazing ex-racer as my eventing partner.  He tries his heart out for me on a daily basis and never ceases to make me smile or feel more blessed to ride him.  Houston was able to take home a distinguished yellow ribbon after his strong efforts last week.  This 21 year old has a lot left in him and I'm excited to see where it takes us.