Sam's first complet

[racaille]

It was a bit bittersweet, Sam's first complet and his last for a while as the teenager is now away at uni.

I took them up to our favourite venue but it had rained heavily there and we were aghast to see that the dressage arena he was assigned to had been partially ploughed around the piste and a strip in the middle. Sam was going great on the grass but really struggled with the deep mud - you could see him going nicely where he crossed the grass but the mud was just too much for him. The mean judge didn't like him either and seemed to mark him down for lack of character although we were at a loss to understand what she meant. Poor Sam, he'd warmed up so nicely on the grass.

They were lying 12th after the dressage (out of 15). He was honest in the XC, didn't like the water but went through it anyway and saved the teenager over one tricky jump immediately after a large step down. He slipped down it, she landed on his neck but put her leg on for the jump and he did it anyway. Nice pony! But she was reluctant to let him 'go' as the grass was so slippery and of course he wasn't wearing studs like the other horses. She let him go on the last straight - and you could see he'd been a racer - but they still got some time faults.

The SJ was going fine until he almost stopped at a nasty filler - she urged him on but they were unbalanced and he got a pole.

So no rosettes but she was very pleased with him. He tried hard and she learned a lot about how he needs to be ridden in a complet. We were a bit misty-eyed afterwards as it was the last outing for a while.

[zara]

Although there were not so good bits I think it was an excellent outing for Sam and ex-teenager; Sam is reallly growing up and showing what he's capable of. Well done! xx

[brigadier]

The three phase competitions are an art really, sometimes a good dressage really sets you up, but also for a fall as well. Its tricky for the horses, I suppose that's why its the ultimate test. You are asking three completely different things.

I understand the lack of character comment- he is a neat little horse with good paces but not showy or flashy so if the judge tends to prefer that type his marks will suffer. For his type its best to concentrate on accuracy which is where the flashy extravagant horses lose marks. And only one down in the show jumping phase is excellent for an ex racer who has just had a great gallop on the XC, really shows his adaptability and honesty, so in all a great result. any pics- cant wait to see him?

[racaille]

You are right Brig, it's a tricky competition. We've been noticing that a lot more 'dressage' horses are doing it now: they set themselves up well with a good dressage score, hope they don't have a refusal on the cross and then think only four faults for a bar is a small price to pay.

Yes, I noticed quite a few flashy types and the dressage judge clearly preferred them. But there were a few eliminations on the cross. Sam on the other hand is incredibly honest, he always gives it his best shot.

There are some pix/vid around but I'll have to see if I can get hold of them as our coach was taking them.

[brigadier]

I think one of the many reasons behind eliminating the roads and tracks/steeplechase phase of our 3 day events was to accommodate the flashier horses that simply struggled with the amount expected and the pace. Sad really. Sam would have eaten them for breakfast!

[pboy]

Well done to Sam and the ex-teenager! That sounds like a good result for their first event - acceptable dressage, clear xc and just one issue on the SJ. Shame that they have a break now but I'm sure they'll come on well for it anyway

[fleabitten]

I agree with pboy - its actually a brilliant start - eventing is a tricky sport with three elements to master! Well done, sometimes a break is the best thing and everyone comes back refreshed!

I know you do miss going out and about with them! Rac you will just have to get paco out and make up for all the shows youre missing with sam!