Flipping freezing! Wrapped up in my normal layers for hunting in the hope that would keep me warm and it did work quite well.
1st test was BE92. Worked him in at home for 20mins as not been ridden since jump lesson on Sunday. He worked quite nicely so then did another 20mins when we got there and it was ok, but not really submitting on the right rein as per usual. First test opposite end to mirrors, quite tense going round the outside, never really got him on side really. Got 7's for first centre line, first TWT on R rein, 20m circle L in trot, 20m circle R in canter, canter to trot to walk on R rein and an 8 for the FWLR. Rest got 6's. 7667 collectives. Mostly comments about needing to be rounder. He wasn't connected or submissive at all. "Some pleasing rhythm in trot but at times needs to stay into a more consistent outline, Lots to like" 64.5%, equal 2nd out of 8. Winner on 65%.
Walked round for 10mins then picked him up again and into the mirror arena for BE102. They had left a pile of white boards in the corner which were apparently far more scary than the ones marking out the arena so we had tension due to those. It wasn't a great test. He kicked out in the first canter transition although judge missed it and gave us a 7. Then in the walk to trot after the FWLR he did a lovely walk to canter and took several strides to come back to trot which meant we missed the starting point for our 10m loop, handbrake turned and never made it to the centre line before having to come back again to the track and somehow the judge gave us a 7 for that too - utter madness (esp as she only gave us a 6 for our first loop which was far far better!) Also got 7 for first TWT on the diagonal, the transition to canter R and the final 3 marks for the change of rein BE in trot, final centre line and halt. Both centre lines commented on being straight. Not so sure about her eyesight given previous marks but be nice to believe he was straight after all our quarters right issues. Judge in other test also gave a 7 for centre line so fingers crossed they have improved. More comments about needing to be rounder. 7666 "Attractive horse. Very obedient and looks as if he listens to you (not quite what I think but anyway!) Could be a little rounder in outline and be more connected between your hand and leg for higher marks. Well done" 64% and 6th out of 11. Winner on 72.5%
Although 2nd and 6th doesn't sound too bad I'm pretty frustrated with how he went. He was going so well when I had that dressage saddle on loan and it's gone all horrid again now I'm using the GP. Not sure if it's because I was riding completely differently in the dressage saddle or he just felt most comfy and able to use himself properly in that but this total lack of submission is driving me nuts. He's probably worse now than he was at the beginning of last season and I've had a whole year to work on it. This winter was meant to sort it out and yet we're 5.5wks away from the beginning of the season and it's still utter pants. Wish I hadn't caught the eventing bug so badly or would just keep him as a hunter and SJer but that's just not my cup of tea - have never been any kind of SJer. I'm happy it's nothing physical as physio is happy that he looks sound and moving freely, saddler said the same so it's just the same old, he finds it hard and just doesn't want to play ball. Grrrrrrr.
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