Aspen Farms had a jumper derby this weekend. Since we are planning to go to Aspen for our first recognized Horse trials in June, I wanted to take the opportunity to get up there and get familiar with the surroundings (again).
We only entered in one class, so it was a one shot deal. Ride the derby course for time and accuracy. The course looked really fun; lots of cross country jumps; up and down bank, water, coops, table, kayak and only one stadium fence... good stuff!
Deuce was most distracted in warm up and I did not do a great job getting him on task. (another something for me to work on!!) He wanted to go, go go and be stiff in his neck and jaw. Erin came to or rescue and helped us get better focused and then we headed off to the field. Deuce stood quietly waiting his turn to go and studied intently all the others horses as they were on course. I am always amused how intent and interested his watch is on course. Its not like he gets excited anxious or worried, he just stands quietly and watches and waits until its time to go. What a poised eventer he is coming to be!
As it got closer to our time, we warmed up a little more and then into the start box for count down and off we went! Deuce popped out of the box with slightly hesitant energy so I encouraged him on though as soon as we turned to our first jump, his lighter caught and he was on fire! Jump the log, turn back through the field, long canter to coop, along the hillside, up and over the box, up the bank, down the bank (weeee, one of his favorites!) roll top, and then around to the water and out to the beautiful carved kayak, another airy looking roll top, around to the stadium fence, a vertical, and finish line! What a fun ride! I could feel Deuce grinning! He was a little strong, I did not use my half halts as effectively as I could, but we were straight and forward to everything and I even remembered to breath! Fun! So we are ready for our first horse trials now and really looking forward to coming back to Aspen for our debut to recognized!
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