Hillcrest Schooling Horse Trials

Coming off of a tremendous combined test and Houston feeling like a superstar, I quickly entered him in the Hillcrest Schooling Horse Trials.  Nervous about the water complex, Houston and I called upon our awesome trainer, Hillary, and went over to Hillcrest to school the water.  20-25 mph winds make for a very interesting schooling day in March.  However, Houston never looked at the water once and went right in the first attempt.

Feeling more confident about the event we were all set!

We competed in the Novice division with 10 other competitors, one being Hillary :)  We rocked out the best dressage test of our career together (31.5).

After rocking out on stadium, Houston had some trouble making a turn on cross-country and his rear end slid out from under him but he immediately picked himself up and jumped the coop right in front of him.  I was worried and asked that he trot out of the woods so I could tell his he was injured or not.  Being a 22 year old ex-racer he pulled against him feverishly and launched himself out of the woods and back on course.  We completed the course effortlessly and had zero issues with the water.

After a tremendous effort from Houston, we finished 2nd to Hillary, not shabby!  Couldn't be more proud of my man.  We received an extra special treat with a shout-out in an article on EventingNation.com