As is to be expected any day leaving for an event, I was very busy. I rode Penny to practice my test (good preggie pony ). I was pleasantly surprised that it was actually good. I mean good-good, not good-for-Penny-good. She was really soft and didn't rush the lengthenings or stretchies. She didn't break to trot while walking (silly hot TB mare). And, the add icing to the cake, she gave me a supple, soft, square halt. Good girl.

Eddie then got foo-fooed. He looks really cute now... except I forgot to do his bridle path. :slaps forehead: Oh well. Maybe I'll try scizzoring it tomorrow.

We got to the show and we were able to practice in the dressage arenas before tomorrow. Ed's problem with dressage is that he is good in the warm-up arena, but then he gets all hyped up in the show arena resulting in a horse who is tense and bracing. Not exactly what one is supposed to shoot for with this whole dressage thing.

Now, for a little background. Back in my jumper days, Ed would be a bit numb to me at home and just kind of make our way around the given exercise. At shows, however, he would put on his "game face" and always rose to the occasion.

That has yet to happen with dressage. Until today. My trainer and I decided to warm-up in the warm-up arena and then go over to the dressage court. The goal was to simulate a real dressage test and to get him to mess-up and go from there.

No need.

Ed now has a dressage "game face." That is huge! Our lengthened trot was amazing. I really felt him lifting in front like a real dressage pony. I'm so proud of him! He knew he did a good job, too. We were both beaming as we came back to the barn. Someone watching actually didn't recognize me from the last show (rather dismal performance) and didn't believe my trainer when she said that I was the same rider.

Yay!