Took Monts to Frensham Manor on Sunday to try and grab a few more points for Summer Regionals. Wasn't expecting to get all 6 of them but needed 5 from a Qualifier so hoped we might get them.
He was nasty in the warmup - resistant and not going forwards. He did do a lovely left canter half pass that looked fab in the mirrors, not so good on the right and there were some other nice bits but he felt stuffy generally, a bit like he had in the warmup at Hambleden but I'd put it down to the hard ground there.
First test was N39 - it's a tough test but I like it as plenty for him to do well and pick up marks on. A lot of it felt pretty resistant though. I'd even given up on the test by the medium walk and kicked him on to give me more which meant he jogged. I thought it wouldn't even get a qualifying score and contemplated going home! Decided to stay and warm up for Elem and see how he went.
Got back on for Elem and got told we'd won the Novice outright on 71.4%!!! Our first plus 70% score - couldn't believe it! He got an 8 for his first bit of medium walk (the bit without the joggin!), 8 for his canter-trot-canter on the left rein and 8 for final bit of trot, down centre line, walk and 8 for for final halt. Collectives: 777, 6.5 7, 77, 87. Eight for my riders position and seat - whoop! He got a 5.5 for breaking in the walk, 6.5 and 6 for the medium trots (which I thought were non-existant) and otherwise all 7's and 7.5's!!!!! "A lovely partnership and obedient transitions. At times could take hocks more under especially in medium trot" - Margaret Drewe. Next closest score behind us on 68%!
So, warmup for Elem was better - more forwards. Ran through bits of the test as never ridden it before and we were first in for Elem so warmup mostly to ourselves. Never ridden E59 before - think it is a test that could really suit him but it needed a lot more polish. Pleased with the attempt though. Same judge as the Novice. He came 3rd on 66.562%. He got 7.5 for his leg yield left and 7.5 for final halt. I kicked him in the medium walk again so he broke a tiny bit but still got 6.0 - he really is chucking away valuable marks by not walking forwards in his lovely walk that he can do so must work on this next 2wks before Badders. 7's for entry, first 1/2 circle, 2nd 1/2 circle, free walk, canter left and canter-trot-canter, G&R reins over A in canter, first part of simple change right to left. 6's for medium trot, first medium canter and final medium trot down centre line, otherwise 6.5's. 7,6,6.5,7 for collectives. "Horse trying very hard but now needs to take hocks more under to aid balance and ground cover"
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