Between last week, when I left after spring break, and now, Cody had made HUGE steps. He's lighter and softer in the bridle and I can also move the bit in his mouth, which was a huge problem before. I can't thank Kristin enough for helping me get Cody show-ready and practically transforming him into a different horse in just four days! He still has a long way to go, but he is taking steps towards improvement. I can't wait to see the difference at KDA.
We started Saturday off with a bang! I had my First Level Test One first, and my Training Three Qualifier later. Having not ridden him since last Sunday, I was a little nervous to see how he would react. Well, he totally surprised me and just gave me everything. Although, we had a bobble in one of the transitions, we pulled off a 68% at his first test of the season! Not to mention that we hadn't ridden that test since September. I was stoked considering just last week we were having arguments over canter transitions. I was a super proud momma and headed into my Training Three with the confidence that I really needed to get through. We received a 67% on that test with some very nice comments from the judge.
Sunday was an eventful day. We started off with First One, again. I fixed a lot of my issues from yesterday and it paid off when Cody actually picked up the correct transition. We scored several 8's on our 15 meter canter circles and our stretching trot.
I headed into my Training Three unsure of how things were going to turn out. He was already pretty tired from yesterday and this morning. But I hoped for the best, although it didn't work in my favor. The first half was great and we scores more 8's on our canter circles and another on our trot transition from the canter. However, when it came time for the walk transition, I didn't prepare him as well as I should and he slammed into the walk. Then, he continued in the slowest walk I have ever seen a horse walk. Half of it was that he was super tired, and the other half was that he started to get an "I'm done for the day" attitude. So, I squeezed and squeezed with my calf to no avail, and I nudged him With the spur, but still no response. Erg. Until, I picked up my reins, then he decided to jig, and then I got him back to the walk, and he stuck his neck in the air. So, I quietly put my hands done and pushed him forward into the trot, which was better. He started anticipating the canter transitions, but at least I wasn't having to make a big deal of it to get him into it. But, I made sure we ended on a good note and gave him some treats (because I always feel bad when I don't) and Kristin said that his canter transitions were the best that she has seen them. We managed a 68%, which I will take any day.
Even though we had our bobbles, I am super-duper proud of my little guy, his improvement was huge. But, shows aren't always going to be perfect. We had our shining moments and our little fights, but at the end of the day, I have to give him credit for all he's put up with and how well he has done for the first show. I can't wait for KDA and everything else that awaits us this year!
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