[KrazyTBMare]

Today my GMO (Northeast Florida Dressage Association) held our championship show. Just like the recognized shows, you have to qualify with a high enough score for your level at the highest test of your level by two judges. Then at the championship show, those in your class/level show against each other in the highest test of the level. We do not know our scores or results until we do the awards presentation.

I was able to qualify Rex for Intro B (we do not include C for championships so that those who are not yet cantering in classes can still have a w/t division). This whole showing thing has been a real roller coaster with him. Its very different showing a big, baby warmblood for the first time vs an OTTB. I have received my highest and lowest scores ever (even from riding Layla) with Rex. We have had 4.5 and 8s in the same test. Up until last month, his 5th show, we have always had at least one big spook/balk/rear/spin/etc per class. The judges booth has really been our issue.

Last month however, I approached the judges booths before the bell and asked each judge to just pet his nose so he would see the booth and the people in it were not going to eat him. That seemed to work as we had NO spooking and had received our highest scores yet with a 67% and 62.8%.

I have been having some just *amazing* lessons with Dean Graham lately. The work Rex is giving me is just awesome - trotting me right out of the tack! But this past Tuesday and Thursday were NOT good rides. Thursdays was particularly bad. I was frustrated that I seemed to be losing it just before the show. I mean, its INTRO. We have to be able to pull that off!

Of course, my girlfriend assured me that all would be well and having a bad ride before a show means the show will be great. I was going to go with that but then I found out we were having not just one, but TWO judges (one at C and E) so I had to deal with two judges booths!

I had bumped Rex up to 60g of MagRestore starting Wednesday morning (normally hes on 40g). When we arrived this morning, he was super laid back and just taking it all in like hes done this for years. Last show even though we didnt have the spooking, he was pretty up in the AM and I actually had to lunge him prior to getting on. But today, totally different.

At the show venue there is a very tall, big covered arena, warm up arena, two permaflex arenas, a smaller, lower covered around, and another dirt warm up area. We had everything for our club except the big covered arena. Going on over there was a 4H show and they drive up and park their trailers right next to the warm up arena, on the other side of a chain link fence. That was def a distraction for Rex but my goodness, considering how he has been in the past, it was nothing today.

Warm up went really well. Trot was better than the walk as hes busier in the trot and has to focus more. Too much time to look around in the walk. But he was working really well and just seemed at ease, no tension or anything.

Our judges were Charlotte Trentelman "S" @ C and Betsy LaBelle "L with Distinction" @ E.

When it was our time to enter the arena, I made Rex trot between the judges booth at E and the rail. He hesitated for a moment but I just did as Dean has told me, asked him to flex away from the booth, leg on, inside rein forward so he did not feel trapped. Went by the booth with no issues. Came around to the booth by C, a little spook and then he was fine. As we went around the outside of the dressage arena, the wind really started picking up and the palm trees were really blowing and that caused another spook from him but immediately after he continued on with business. And that was it for the spooks.

He went in and was just AMAZING. Best test he has ever given me. Was it perfect? No. But that didnt matter. He delivered when it really meant the most. This was our biggest show, lots of spectators, more energy, it was in the 50s, cloudy and damp, and gusting wind. And he went around like a pro.

Im such a baby... after our last halt and salute, I just started crying (not sobbing but still) as I was just so proud of him and it was just everything over these last two years with all of the injuries and set backs finally coming together and everything went into place.

I rode at 8:21 and had to wait until 12pm to know our results.

There were 8 rides in the class. I had watched the girl who rode after me and she had a killer test. Super cute horse, forward, good geometry, just a really solid test. I figured she had champion and at best I would get reserve or third. I didnt see any other tests.

They start with the lowest placing and work their way up. Finally get to the reserve and champion results. I was honestly 100% shocked to hear the other girl got reserve, which obviously meant we got champion! And to the tune of a 75.41%!

We did our victory "gallop" (trotting) with music blaring, all the horses trotting behind us, the crowd clapping and cheering, and again, he kept his cool.

I received a 77.5% from Betsy LaBelle and a 73.44% from Charlotte Trentelman. And anyone who has ever ridden with or for Charlotte knows she does not give you ANYTHING. You work for every point and she is very fair and honest. I have never received so many 8s on a test either. Just beyond thrilled!

I am so irritated with myself though b/c I prepped for everything and even charged my camera batteries, only to leave the memory card at home! But my hubby had his cell and he videoed with that so while its not a good video, its still video. I grabbed some stills from it. They arent good but again, you can see them. A friend of mine who is a pro photographer was there today taking pics of everyone so I am hoping she got some good pics of us.

So after a year (well really 7 months) of showing, we get through the very low and the very high and end on a great note. Training level in the spring and who knows what the fall will bring next year.

Now for the good stuff... pics! Im trying to upload the video but even though its a cell video, its taking some time.

First, my girlfriend and myself representing for Carla @ Performance Equine USA and her awesome MagRestore!
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...79043376_n.jpg

Enter at A (8 and 6)
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...14654145_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...38685498_n.jpg

Track left at C (8 and 7)
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...40522735_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...19163441_n.jpg

Circle left 20m at E (7.5 and 8 )
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...19186918_n.jpg

Heading towards our walk transition between K and A (8 and 6.5)
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...28231174_n.jpg

Free walk (8 and 7.5)
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...79909297_n.jpg

Medium Walk (8 and 8 )
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...80282717_n.jpg

Working trot right (7.5 and 8 )
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...61097822_n.jpg

Circle right 20m (7.5 and 8 )
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...82439817_n.jpg

Heading towards A
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...76971125_n.jpg

Final centerline, x halt, salute (7.5 and 6.5)
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...73959509_n.jpg

After our test
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...75047948_n.jpg

Look at his poor little forelock.. he has like 6 hairs. I dont know how my friend got it braided.
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...34800231_n.jpg

Super proud of him
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...42412507_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...81418850_n.jpg

This is right after they announced who got reserve so I knew I got champion - big hugs for the baby horse
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...55591711_n.jpg

Getting his ribbon
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...79927690_n.jpg

Victory trot lol
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...60446411_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...54245122_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...39710250_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...33004442_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...93062587_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...78121130_n.jpg

I am hoping to have some good pics from my friend but she took over 1000 photos so she has some work to do.

[DancingSeahorse]

Ya'll look GREAT!
CONGRATS!

[swmorse]

That was great!

congratulations

[KrazyTBMare]

Thanksssss!

[Long Spot]

GREAT JOB!!!

I love this pic because the gal in the background looks so pleased for you she's actually hugging her heart. https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...60446411_n.jpg

And this pic says so much. I hope you are framing it. Your relationship is palpable.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...78121130_n.jpg

[EqTrainer]

Ahhh this is funny, I am verklempt. Congrats!

[KrazyTBMare]

Awww Eq! Thats how I felt all day!

Long, the girl hugging her heart is my BFF who could basically be my sister. Ive known her for over 15 years and we have been through a lot together. I was in her spot and she in mine two years ago just before she had to give her horse away due to divorce. I noticed her in the pic too and it made me smile.

[Valentina_32926]

You know when Charlotte gives you such a great score that you earned every point! Congradulations!!!!

[KrazyTBMare]

You know when Charlotte gives you such a great score that you earned every point! Congradulations!!!!

Thanks so much! It is very true as Charlotte is tough but very fair. I knew it was a good test but getting the marks I did and reading the comments really brought it home for me.

[johnnysauntie]

Awesome! Very well done! And so gratifying!

[KrazyTBMare]

Thanks Johnny!

[CFFarm]

I scribed for her once and gained a lot or respect for her insight and opinions.

[rprincess73]

You both did a great job! And to think where his mind was in the summer, spooking at everything, to now...

Looking forward to the Spring!

[ACMEeventing]

Aw, really great pictures!

I think I recall a thread from a few months ago (your first show with him maybe?) and now look a you! Really happy for you.

[LarkspurCO]

Congratulations on your scores and the snazzy ribbon for your Oh-So-Handsome boy.

[KrazyTBMare]

Thanks guys! Sorry Ive been busy with Tday and all.

Heather, I know - spooking at some of the stupidest things too! Fingers crossed hes finally over that! Did you get any photos from championships? I hadnt seen any other than Bobbys.

ACM, oh photos like this?

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...02026975_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...74350827_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...03115953_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...34980281_n.jpg

LOL