Our second test 28 November ..prelim 7

[bonnyben]

I have held off posting this because I wanted to put the You Tube vid on as well but OH is presently working on it. The resaon he is working on it is because I had to do the damn thing TWICE....

It was all my own fault really but I would like your comments.

I was told as I was going into the warm up bit that "you go at the bell in the nearest arena"....(bear in mind at this point that I have only done this once before and I went in at a beep). Anyway I am riding the wee practise bit in the ring when the beep went and I thought "ah yes that's me" so I rode out and then back in up the centre line and off we went.. We rode the test accurately but not very well, Ben is still stiff and on the wrong bend and not round and I can't seem to help him.... but we didn't go wrong and I was pleased a punch. (Did think at the time, she isn't watching very closely is she? It must be too painful to watch.... )

So I am half way to the trailer when OH runs after me, "Love come back and ride the test, they didn't mark you cos you went at the beep and not the bell!!!!" Of course!! I just hadn't paid proper attention - last time was a beep so when it went this time I thought yes here we go.....

So back we went and did it again (I didn't hear the bell OH had to shout to me, it's gone : and I don't think we did any better or worse really except he seemed a bit lame to be honest at the end of it...

47% this time, 5% better than last time and comments not very different, true paces but wrong bend, too stiff, uneven steps, unsteady hands blah blah...

But why didn't the writer hop out the car and say "STOP" when I was gaily riding it....pals said "Lucky you, dry run...." but I didn't want a dry run, the first test was smoother I think on balance and he was defo unlevel by the end...hard surface in there and he was tired after the warm up etc..and I need lessons to keep him soft and focussed. He tries but we do need help.

Funny story though...when we got back to the trailer and I was changing his bridle for his head collar he put his head over my back and literally ripped the number off my back and then chewed it up...

Clear message...I AM NOT DOING THAT AGAIN TODAY SO FORGET IT MUM.....

I love my boy.... ;D

[racaille]

I laughed out loud!!!! Why would he want to do it again?!!!!

I can't understand why they didn't stop you, or just mark you anyway (they would have here). But I admire your 'get out there' spirit and it can only be good for Ben to see new stuff - although he doesn't seem at all bothered by new surroundings.

[fleabitten]

It would be good if they would put up signs or something to tell you what youre supposed to do - its so complicated isnt it!?

Anyway, good for you getting out there and giving it a go - big pat on the back!

But why was there a beep if they said a bell??

And cant understand either why they didnt stop you.

I did 2 different tests in a competition once and i thought i did it better 2nd time but my marks said otherwise - couldnt understand that.

but anyway - cant wait to see the video

[bonnyben]

Flea

There were two arenas on the go, one for prelim 7 and tuther for Prelim 13. I was in the near arena whereas last time I was in the far away one, the jdges use bells and beeps so that competitors know who is who and what is what...hurrumph....

Last time I was on the beep and this time I was on the bell but forgot...hurrumph....

Rac

Yes I couldn't understand it either, I think it might have been a bit of a punishment for being such an eejit tbh. But I am so new to this that it is all I can do to turn up!!

I got told on my sheet "incorrect salute" but the first one was good, it was a nice flourish, she should have been watching....

[duckles]

Have to say - that judge who let you do the whole test without marking it- sadist or weirdo! Even if she didn't have an ounce of human compassion for you - would she not want to make her own life easier? (Perhaps I am being unfair- maybe just a stickler for the rules who didn't know what to do)

I think you did great - myself, I probably wouldn't have gone through it the second time! I remember once being half way through a test when the judge came out and told me that I was doing the wrong one (she was right, but a few of us had been given the wrong information by the organisation running the show). I half to say it really threw me off my stride.

[fimacg]

if it was a different test they may not have had the correct sheets to mark it.

But well done for giving it a go

[brigadier]

I love the idea of him chewing your number up! I once did a test and my horse was fairly pinging along but clearly lame. the going was a new sand arena but had huge stones in it and he had picked one up. It bruised his sole poor thing! but we got great marks! I think Fi is probably right and they didnt have the sheets ready, hence asking you to go again so they could mark you. If they had the sheets I think in an unaffiliated comp they would mark you and just make an advisory note on your sheet, after all its about novice riders learning and I would be really disappointed if a judge had made you do it to be awkward.