Wed 6th Apr - Merrist Wood with the orange boys

Wed evening dressage - P14 for both boys.

Monty first.  Slightly longer warmup than normal as only one test and worked very well.  Did his best test so far. Staying much rounder and softer throughout, even in the upwards transitions. Really pleased with him.  65.83% and 5th out of 24.  He got an 8 for his FWLR and a 9 for his final halt!

Llewi up next - less warmup for him as not fully fit yet.  Took him in, bit spooky walking round on the left rein as expected.  Changed the rein, came round to the top corner and he nearly ditched me with a mega spook.  Little monster!  Then halfway down the longside he kicked up a bit of surface by having another spook which then bounced off the white board, the side of the school and landed on the ledge in front of him!  He nearly went into meltdown.  Once we started the test though it wasn't too bad.  He even managed an 8 for his FWLR.  He got 62.5% and was 11th out of 24, but only 2 marks behind 7th so v close!  He was quite tense in the canter work but a lot better than it could have been considering he hates that place!

http://youtu.be/QhFmf0XiZTc


Overall, very pleased with the orange boys.  Looking forwards to getting Llewi out more - really want to crack on with Novice as keeps his little brain busier but he needs to buildup more strength first.  And hoping that this might be start of getting some nice work from Monty and we can also crack on with Novice.  Aim to get them both qualified for Area Festivals by Sep.