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Lynn and d'Artagnan Extended Canter
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DRESSAGE IN THE SANDHILLS - May 2007
Here we were. Rested from Florida with the first show of the season upon us.
Friday was a lovely day, and we started out our weekend by winning the open Prix St.
Georges class with a 68%. But the weather reports for Saturday were ominous. Terrible storms
were predicted for Saturday afternoon. I was scheduled to ride at 2 PM.
But how often are weather predictions correct?! The sky was beginning to get dark as I
mounted for my warm-up. As my ride time approached, the black clouds moved closer and the
thunder got louder. As if that wasn’t enough to set d’Artagnan’s nerves on edge, here came
the cargo train, rattling on the tracks, going 50 mph, blowing its warning whistle quite
loudly, not 100 meters away from the arena. Understandably, d’Artagnan lost his cool.
Spinning, twirling, leaping through the air. The spectators collectively held their breaths,
hoping that I wouldn’t become unlodged. I hung in there. But needless to say, d’Artagnan was
more than a bit wound up. No time to settle him before entering the arena. Not only was this
the Prix St. Georges Sweepstakes class, but more importantly, I wanted to get a good score
since this was a qualifying class for the USEF National Developing Horse Championships for
horses competing at PSG between the ages of 7 and 9. (d’Artagnan is 8 years old). So even though
he was barely under control, we started down the centerline. I couldn’t help comparing him to the
freight train that had just gone by. Suddenly, all that excitement transformed itself into power.
I had this amazing horse under me that I didn’t have to push... only balance. It felt fabulous!
The judges awarded us a score of 70%. Judge, Joan MacCartney, commented I like the rhythm and balance
of your work you make this look easy. Good work. What a compliment!
Not only did we win the class, but that score was high enough to earn us FEI High Score for the show.
Many reasons to celebrate on Saturday night!
We awoke Sunday morning to fog, but the storms had blown through. Since the show had to be postponed
after my ride on Saturday was over, the entire Sunday schedule was rearranged. Today was my Intermediare
Freestyle Sweepstakes class. No thunder or lightning. No trains. Just lovely music to dance to with my horse.
Marlene Whitaker has been working non-stop to put the finishing touches on our freestyle. I found a
few places that still need adjusting, but the ride was good enough to win the class with just under a 70%,
and much appreciative applause from the audience. All in all a good weekend.
A special round of applause for Kristi Williams and Graphite who won the Second Level Sweepstakes class.
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