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 

Eventing Season Kick-Off

Houston and I kicked off our Eventing season with a Hillcrest Schooling Combined Test at the Novice Level.  It was a bit chilly on a brisk January morning, but with multiple layers for me and a warm toasty blanket for Houston we were ready to go.

 Houston performed an excellent Dressage Test, minus my poor position.

 Jumped like a superstar

 Got 2nd place!! So proud of him!

Our wonderful groom/support!

Houston & I are going to venture to Why Not An American Ark tomorrow to confront the water complex and school until we're comfortable enough to face it in the next event. 

After our 7 am ride and Houston's bath he decided it was nap time.  He really looks ready for tomorrow.  Rest up big man!

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.

The Men in My Life

I'm fortunate to have two wonderful men in my life.

This is the most recent photo I was able to share with them both.

Both bring a smile to my face on a daily basis and most of the time don't even have to say a word.  I was blessed to spend the weekend with both of them and reminded of how special they each are.

First Trip to the Carolina Horse Park

Derby Day, Cinco de Mayo and Carolina Horse Park all in one day!  May started out with a bang.  Houston and I packed up at 7:30 am to travel 2.5 hrs to the Horse Park for our first horse trials of the season.  Neither of us had competed at the horse park we I was very excited/nervous and he was very talkative.  He talked to everyone in warm-up, everyone in the barns we passed and every horse that passed him. 

The heat rose to almost 80 before we even rode our dressage test- whew!  But we got through it with a decent score for us and Houston even greeted the judge upon trotting down the center line with a huge neigh.

2 hours later the cross-country was walked and we were gearing up for a quick show-jumping round and then off to cross-country we went.  Show- Jumping was flawless- I love this horse!

Houston & Jason watching the division ahead of us.

Excited to go Cross-Country

We started cross-country with gusto and Houston was a machine soaring over everything and keeping the perfect pace.  We approached number 10, the water complex and he stopped dead 10 feet away and refused to have anything to do with the water.

This is as close as we ever got.....

 After about 3 minutes we were eliminated.  Houston was genuinely scared and thought something was going to happen if we went in the water, he's not one to refuse or do anything dirty.  We will plan some water schooling days this summer and try again in the fall.  Nothing changes how amazing he was during EVERYTHING until the water.  I'm very proud of my old guy and look forward to the next event.

Happy 21st Birthday Houston

My wild, crazy, lovable Houston is 21!  His birthday present arrived this week.