Saturday, June 20, 2009

The First 68%

To qualify for the USDF Regional Championships in the Open / Professional Division at Training Level, two scores of 68% or more must be earned in Training Level Test 4, each at a different show.

This weekend, in his first show of 2009 and his first ever trip to Vermont, Piper earned his first 68% at GMHA.   He also earned a bonus 69+% in the same test on the second day, but was eliminated due to me using equipment which must be preapproved by the judge.... Ear covers to protect from flies.

These same ear covers were allowed at NEDA Spring and at GMHA but I later learned it was only for specific Young Horse classes.   Oh well.   A lesson for all!   Do not make any assumptions when using marginally legal equipment.   Check on a daily basis what is being allowed.

Overall, Piper was really good and I am very happy with how he went.   A wee bit of spooking, but nothing major or traumatic as in the past.   He even marched across the famous stream next to "the dust bowl" several times.

Next week, we compete at the University of New Hampshire for the first time.   There, we will try to get the final qualifying score at the University of New Hampshire!

Monday, June 15, 2009

2009 Season Begins for Piper

After a long lazy winter vacation, it is now time for Piper Warrior to compete again.   Entries have now been accepted at 3 different USDF Recognised shows.   Before the 2009 qualification season closes in August, a couple more entries may be sent in for other shows as well.

The 2009 Plan

Piper's training at home as progressed to the point where he is much more likely to cope well away from his home environment, ride happily past the judges booths, and be able to settle into good work in the warmup arenas.

His first show will be in mid June, at the Green Mountain Horse Association's venue in South Woodstock, Vermont.   We will ride a few Training Level tests over two days.

Piper's second show will be in late June, at the University of New Hampshire's June Dressage Show.   There, he do the Training Level and First Level qualifier tests.

Piper returns to GMHA in late July to again do the qualifier tests at Training Level and First Level.

The 2010 Plan

Piper's training is now working towards collection.   With his lateral progressing well, nice steady shoulder-in's, light travers, and acceptance of the aids for the half pass in trot, one can easily envision him progressing this summer towards Second Level.

The Dressage Queen of the barn, Jeddien, will soon be retiring.   However, the throne will not remain empty for long.   Piper is coming into his own this year with a great attitude towards the work and learning.   It is very exciting to see, and feel!