[crazychickmia]

Backstory: We bought Spud two years ago to be my next competition horse after Bobbie. He'd competed Aussie Intro and Prelim and one Pre Novice event, and trained higher.

We bought him sight unseen from interstate, but he was injured on the transport truck. He fell, which can happen, but what angered us was that they NEVER got a vet to him...the vet really wasn't sure he'd live when he first laid eyes on him.

It was 12 months before I was able to ride him for the first time! Then because of the EI outbreak everything was cancelled...

Finally, FINALLY I have been able to take him out and about! So exciting!

First of all: Training!

We went to a dressage clinic! Spud is the big bay, throws a hissy fit...I'm either wearing a pink shirt or dark green one (depending on the day).

This was the first time I had ever ridden Spud in the company of other horses. He is a "hot" horse and became very stirred up in the first lesson because of a chestnut mare that was playing up.

He ended up settling down for the other lessons though and considering it was his first outing in over 2 years I was very happy with him!

YouTube - Dressage Clinic

Second of all: Preparation!

I was able to take him to a show a week before our first event. I decided to take him in the hacking in the morning in the hope that getting out in the ring would help him settle down before the jumping.

Erm, right.

He actually got more and more excited each class I think we scared the judge She gave me an ENCOURAGE ribbon and I was riding in the EFA AFFILIATED ring. How embarressing! She told me I did a great job and needed a less bouncy horse, lol.

Then he was a fruitcake in the lower level showjumping. Just really naughty - either ignoring my half halts and checks or stopping dead (not fun right in front of a jump).

Then we came out in the 100cm class and he just settled down, "Oh so we're actually going to do something worthwhile now!" and we ended up with a 2nd and a 3rd

YouTube - Spud at Gymkhana

Finally: Eventing!

Our first event together! How exciting!

Especially the spectacular dressage test...hehe...it didn't help that (surprise surprise) the test cantered on his worst rein, the left, first. We're doing the same test this upcoming weekend and at the state champs so all I can say is "I hope we improve!" There's plenty of room for it!

He actually wasn't too bad in the showjumping. Still ran through my half halts a couple of times but other times listened really well. Considering it was only 85cm not 100cm that's really good.

Mum only got the first two cross country jumps on video, the camera and she had a disagreement over the rest. But was AMAZING cross country. An out of control feral in the warmup, the moment we were on course a different horse. Totally listened and could easily have jumped two grades hire. It was just SO much fun

YouTube - Spud Eventing

Sorry there's no photos for any dialup people. I'll see if I can get some uploaded

There's an event this weekend, then a dressage clinic the Saturday after and a cross country training day on the Sunday. Then we're squeezing in a Wendy Schaeffer dressage and jumping clinic, then state champs (only have to complete one event to qualify, which we've done), then a jumping clinic, then our local horse trials...busy busy busy lol!

[dare2jump]

congrats... all ur hard work payed off

[Zypheir's Ring]

I LOVE your horse! He looks like a really fun ride! I like the horses that aren't boring and 'dead' when they throw little "Surprises" in there it makes you a better focused rider and IMO its fun.


Congrats