What a Show!! February 27, 2009

 

My mom says pictures are worth a thousand words!  We had a great weekend at Raleigh Indoors II! 

 

The show week started with a late night evening on Wednesday before the show.  My mom got off work and we went straight to the barn to pack up for the show and load up Ritchie.  Thankfully, the Hunt Horse Complex is only about 20 minutes from the barn.  We arrived at the show around 7 p.m.   We got the stall ready with shavings and water buckets and then unloaded Ritchie.  It was pretty cold over the weekend so we made sure we had his extra blankets.  After he was all settled in my mom and I headed for home and some sleep. 

 

On Thursday morning Lisa picked me up at my mom’s job and we headed for the show.  I spent most of Thursday taking care of Ritchie and having a lesson with Lisa.  I made sure to clean my tack and wash all the white markings on Ritchie really good.  On Friday, my mom and Lisa decided that I would stay at her office instead of spending all day at the show.  They said I am still little and get really tired by the time my Schooling Pony classes start.  My mom said I could use a nap at lunch time.  I laid down at the office but could not stop thinking about the show.  I was so excited and could not wait to be in the ring.  Finally, after lunch, Lisa came to get me and we headed out.  My mom works on Friday’s so she sends me to get ready with Lisa and usually misses the Schooling Pony.  There were ten ponies in the Schooling Pony.  This show I understood I had to get the correct strides.  My first round was good but Lisa said it was a little bit “unpolished”.  I went back in for my second round and it was fantastic!  We took a 3rd in the first round and a 1st in the second round.  In the hack I worked hard to make sure that I kept Ritchie balanced.  We won the hack.  It was a great afternoon and way to start off the show weekend.  We took champion of the Schooling Pony division at 2′6. 

 

 

 

Saturday was an amazing day!  My mom and I got to the show early to feed and unwrap bandages.  It was very cold so we spent the morning sitting with Lisa in the heated indoor and watching the rounds.   Finally, it was time for my rounds.  Lisa decided that I should do the Pony Warm Up.  It went great and she told me that was a fantastic round.  Our other two rounds went well.  Lisa said I could still polish up my rounds a bit and we talked about that.  When the day was done Ritchie and I took three blue ribbons back to the barn to hang up.  Lisa said our warm up round was the best.  I was so happy and a little tired.  We gave Ritchie lots of treats and then said goodbye to Lisa.  Me and my mom hung out at the show until it was time for Ritchie to eat and get ready for bed.  After he was all settled we headed home.  I had a hot bath and went straight to sleep.

 

Sunday was very windy.  The weather was calling for possible snow.  At breakfast in the indoor several people were talking about what the day would be like.  I like when the shows have donuts and bagels for breakfast.  I wondered what our day would be like.  Well, it turned out to be a great day!  In my first over fences, I chipped into the first single jump.  The rest of the round went well but it was the second round that was the best.  The last line for everyone was a little tricky.  Lisa talked to me about jumping in and then balancing Ritchie so that the line worked out perfectly.  The whole round went well and all that was left was the last outside line… I saw it… I saw that I needed to whoa a bit and I did it!  The line worked out great and we got a first place.  We took a 2nd in our first over fences and a second in the hack.  Ritchie and I were Children’s Pony Champions!  I felt great.   Lisa has worked so hard with us this past couple of weeks and it was a great win for all three of us!  With the showing over we packed up and headed home with a lap full of pretty ribbons!

 

This week has been back to work and practice.  We have two weeks until our next show in Raleigh.  I will continue to ride as much as I can. 

 

Yesterday, I got to go and visit Skittles.  It was so good to see him.  I got to have a fun ride and we even did some jumping!  He was really good.  I gave him a huge hug and treats.  I know the new little girls that will be taking him will just love how adorable he is!!