Monty Winter RC dressage qualifier. Merrist Wood. 13-11-11

So, Monty has been on his hols following our last event at Coombelands. He hasn't been in the school since a few days afterwards when we had our last lesson, he hunted a couple of times then had 12days in the field. Was meant to be bringing him back into work next week but midweek the RC got in contact and asked me to step up from reserve into the team for today's Winter Qualifier. So, Friday was spent reclipping the hairy beast and generally tidying him up a bit, then doing a bit of schooling. No time for riding yesterday as was at Your Horse Live shopping and more shopping!

Well, a lack of preparation is obviously the way to go. In the warmup he actually gave me shoulder-in in trot for the 1st time, and on both reins. 3wks ago he couldn't do that - must have been practising in the field lol! We have been consistently near the bottom in all our recent eventing dressage tests so wasn't expecting much. Have changed his bit to a hanging cheek and changed noseband from flash to drop which I think might have helped a bit although I'm sure it was the new bling browband that just dazzled the judge into give us big scores  

Managed a personal best of 71.67% with just one 6 and a nice smattering of 8's including one for his 2nd centre line. Not one comment about being crooked on the centre line (and there are 3 of them in P18) which makes a nice change and he did the most lovely, perfectly square final halt  All 7's for collectives. Judge said he was very willing but just need to work on suppleness to the right and that it was well presented  We ended up in 2nd place and our team came 4th so very good start!

Next step is BD on Saturday - trying N34 as well as P13 so fingers crossed he is feeling as nice!!