What a day! First let me tell you that the goal was just to get to the show and arrive back home in one piece - without any major trauma. After all it was our first time out to another arena and all new surroundings. Being the first ride at 8:00am there was not much time for warmups or introductions, so when our name was called, into the arena we went. Yani was playing over the speaker system (also a first!). The sun was coming up over the surrounding mountains, filling the arena with big scary horse consuming shadows. Then there was the judge's booth, loud speakers, and strange new dressage letters and arena markings. All this had me quite worried on how Prezley might react.
Prezley and Jennifer entered the arena, as we all held our breath. Much to our surprise the big black mare, halted on que, whinnied to the judge and proceeded through her class as if she had been doing it all of her life. The music, her tempo, and her cheering entourage, brought tears of relief and joy to my eyes. Not expecting to come home with any ribbons, we came home with two! - Both second place for each class, and some very nice and encouraging comments from the judges!
In between shows Prezzy stood at the trailer untied with her lead rope draped over her back, quietly munching on hay. She was the most well behaved warmblood (or horse for that matter) at the show!
So, Prezley is now a show girl and Jennifer is getting new riding boots for a job well done!
More to come......
