Dressage to Music debut

This post is going to be one of those completely from the heart, thus the reason it's taken me so long to even contemplate writing it and how I would put into words exactly what I felt at the moment we were trotting down the centreline at A.

For a couple of months now I've been creating my Dressage to Music floor plan with a fantastic company that have been so patient with me. I went to them with a tricky request of I wanted three specific tracks for my walk, trot and canter and if I couldn't have them then I didn't want to do it.

Let me explain things a little….I wanted my Granddads three favourite songs and nothing else. I wanted the tracks that when I rode to them I felt like he was there with me riding every step of the way.

The lovely lady on the end of the phone listened endlessly to my "it just doesn't work" and "that sounds awful" comments numerous amount of times, until we finally agreed on the tracks and instruments.

To say I was nervous about riding this is an understatement; I was a wreck. I really don't know why. I don't know if its the meaning of it to me, or that I didn't want to let Granddad down, but wherever he is in this world I wanted him to be proud.

I really do owe so many huge thankyou's my fellow competitors who gave me ample pieces of advice before I went in and told me exactly what I needed to. But more so I owe so much to the lady - and I wish I knew her name to thank her personally - who after I came out of the arena looking a little teary told me my Granddad WAS looking down upon me and that would have made him proud. She has no idea what that meant to me and how it made me feel.

*

So, enough of the soppy. For me this test wasn't about how pretty it looked, what percentage I got and who I beat. I wanted to get round for the first time with my music. Any improvements needed to be made could be done at a later date when I had finally got over the fact I was riding to my Granddads music.

I think we ended up on about 66% and gained a respectful 3rd place. The judge was very complimentary of everything that we did. Sadly I went a little in front of my music BUT it's all practice and next time I know I can slow down and we can do it. The judge also commented that my music really fitted Ceaser and it works well with him.

Absolutely over the moon and thrilled to bits is just two ways of describing how I felt. Overwhelmed is another.

View Post

BD Senior Inter-regionals at Keyose

So I kept this a secret for so long that it was hard not to tell anyone, but I honestly didn't want to jinx it. A week before the Senior Inter-regionals at Keyose Ceaser and I were called up from reserves to compete on one of the teams to represent the Northern Region.

To say I was over the moon is an understatement. This competition was something I had put in the calendar back in January but wasn't really ever sure if I would get the chance to compete there. To be called up was fantastic and I did everything I could to get involved.

Unfortunately our lorry was in the garage having its MOT so that meant a quick rally round to get a hire lorry sorted and get as much things together in the short space of time we had left before it was time to set off!

I managed to squeeze a last minute lesson in before it was Friday which helped settled my nerves. We didn't want to start changing too much so instead worked on getting Ceaser working uphill again and doing lots of lateral work to keep him supple.

Thankfully the team colours are purple so I was already well prepared in terms of advertisement - even down to the fact I use purple shampoo! The day before I went out and purchased some purple cloth and quickly put together some banners to put outside his stable; which went down a treat. Well, not with CP, who was less than impressed!

Upon arriving at Keysoe we were showed to our stable and then set about unpacking. I had heard that we would be allowed to ride in the competition arenas that evening so I put Ceaser away for a couple of hours whilst we got our tent ready and then set about showing him around. As usual he settled straight in and wasn't fussed about me hanging the banners from his stable. Thankfully the Northern Region had been given the indoor stables which were lovely!

Ceaser felt fantastic when it came to riding that evening. He always seems to find an extra sparkle when we're out competing that I just wish he had at home. He worked lovely and although I only did 10 minutes of walk and trot walk I felt it was enough for him. This also gave me a chance to use my brand new over reach boots that Mark had protested I buy for weeks. When he found out we had been given the opportunity to ride at the inter-regionals he couldn't resist and my pleas were answered.


That evening the whole of the Northern Region gathered for a get together and we were all presented with some stunning rosettes donated by one of the riders on the team. They really are gorgeous and I'll treasure it forever as a memory of my first time riding on a Northern Region team. After that it was time for bed to get some well earned rest ready for the first day of the competition. We were due to ride around 2 o clock in our warm up test and then at 4 o clock for team test.

**

I couldn't believe it, but Saturday morning I woke up with an absolute stinking cold. In fact, looking back, it was so bad I am sure it was man flu! Not wanting to let a cold get in the way I stocked up on various tablets, apple juice and set about going to do our team proud!

Warming up for the first test was…..interesting! I tried to fight my way through the warm up ring and find space for a little one, but unfortunately my confidence that I deserved to be there got the better of me and I don't think I utilised the space as much as I could have done. However, saying that I got some really lovely work out of Ceaser and I was confident for our first test.

Overall I think the test went okay. A couple of my movements left a lot to be desired and in all honesty I just put it down to nerves. Once I had gotten half way through the test I finally felt my self relax and begin to enjoy it, however it was a little too late and we came away with just over 65%. Not bad for a warm up test but I needed to up my game for the team test.

We put Ceaser away, went for some lunch and a quick 30 minute nap, then it was time to start warming up again for our team test. This time I rode a much more determined warm up and utilised my space much better. I spent more time on engaging Ceaser's hindquarters and I felt like I had him more in front of my leg. Mark said it generally looked better and whether that was because I was feeling more confident I'm not sure - however I guess it helps!

The test; Prelim 17, went much better. Overall its a test Ceaser and I love and one we have always gained 70% or over in. I wasn't sure what my mark would be, as it was the inter-regionals after all and the judging was going to be tough. But I was pleased and the whole test generally felt more relaxed and together. There was no messy movements and apart from him dropping his poll in one canter transition I felt it went well and I was pleased. Lots of pats for Ceaser pony and a good nights sleep!

When we had put him away we walked over to the scoreboard to be met by an absolutely amazing score. In fact I am pretty sure I screeched a little! Just over 74%!!!! WOW!!! This left us in 8th place out of an impressive 30 competitors! I really was over the moon and could not believe my eyes. I know it felt nice, but WOW! On cloud 9 it was finally dinner time and I got an early night nursing my man flu whilst Mark watched the football. I swear I dreamed of that elusive 70% I once told myself many years ago I would "never get!"

**

The next morning I felt worse and really hadn't had a good nights sleep. I was ready for home and my own bed but was determined to go out and do a second good team test to hopefully be in with a chance of gaining an individual placing. Thankfully our test was an early one at 10am, so it gave me chance to get it out the way and then have the rest of the day to chill out.

Again we warmed up well. Jane Peberdy helped us warm up which really helped as she gave me an extra pair of eyes from the ground to see what we could improve on. Jane said she didn't want to change too much but to ensure that Ceaser wasn't bending too much around my inside leg, which he does do. After a bit of straightening he was all good to go!

Prelim 19 felt nice. Someone earlier on had warned me there was a group of horses in the field near the ring galloping about. Of course this didn't bother CP which made me chuckle as at home this would have been a very different story! He was foot perfect throughout and again apart from a slight dropping of the poll into canter he was fantastic. This has given me the food for thought that we must sort this problem as it is dropping us a few marks here and there.

Unfortunately upon arriving at the score board I was shocked to find almost everyones scores had dropped by at least 10% from the day before. Thankfully we ended on about 66% again so we didn't take much of a hit but I honestly feel he deserved more - and that was generally the feeling I was also getting from others around the scoreboard.

Although when everyones marks are near enough in the same bracket it isn't as worrying and so I just let it go and put it down to one of those judges! To me Ceaser felt amazing and that was all that mattered.

Finally it was time to pack the tent away, order my photos (much to Marks credit cards delight) and then get changed and dressed ready for the prize giving. I wasn't really sure how I had done in the individual placings so wasn't expecting anything but was looking forward to a more formal prize giving that I have been used to up to now!

As they started to read the Prelim individual results out they started on 11th place and worked their way down. As they got to 9th and they read some riders I had noticed on the scoreboard I really lost hope and started to zone out whilst they worked their down. Imagine my delight when they announced we had finished in 8th place! From that moment I have been living on cloud 9! I could not honestly believe it and think my smile said it all. To initially be put on reserves list, to then finishing 8th out of about 30 competitors I couldn't have asked for more.

My superstar Ceaser had done it again and proved to everyone that cobs can do dressage!

The Northern Region collected an array of beautiful rosettes and everyone did really well. It was lovely to have everyone congratulating one another and be in the middle of some amazing team spirit. If I remember right we also had two teams finish in the top 10 which is fantastic and we were all thrilled with such a result.

Both Mark and I were absolutely shattered but couldn't wait to share our news with Ceaser! All too soon it was time to drive home and back to reality once more. Even better, whilst we were driving home I received the emails to tell me Ceaser has qualified for Regionals at both Prelim and Novice level which is blooming fantastic! Whether or not I'll take him at both levels is still debatable but we'll definitely be there for the Prelim and cannot wait!!

All three of us had the most amazing weekend which saw us make some new friends and meet up with others that we had met at camp. It is all systems go now to collect a couple more scores at Novice level which will hopefully see us get selected for the Home Internationals in October. Please all keep your fingers, toes, hooves and ears crossed - this would just be the icing on the cake for us this year!

Huge thank you to all of the Northern Region for making the three of us so welcome once again. You're all purptastic!!!

View Post

Macwet Gloves - All grip, no slip

I will be honest and openly say I barely ever ride in gloves - only when absolute necessary and it's too cold to grip my reins. Not because I don't want to, but for the fact I cannot find any that both suit me and aren't too bulky. So, when I was asked to write a review about the Macwet gloves, I eagerly accepted - with the hope of finding something comfortable I could ride in. 

MacWet gloves are the 'all grip, no slip' technology advanced gloves which soon became a global sensation. Their versatility means they can be used for practically any sport or activity where grip and sensitivity are required. From Equestrian, Golf, Shooting, Fishing, Cycling, Water sports, right through to Archer, Dog Walking and Quad Biking, MacWet gloves will ensure you don't lose your grip in any activity.

I was sent the Sport Gloves in black. 

Upon opening the MacWet gloves package I was rather impressed to find the packing was made of a good quality plastic with information on both sides about their product. The packaging also features a hand measure to help you work out what size you are should you try these on at a show, in a shop or at an event. For those buying off the internet there is also a really good hand measuring tool on the MacWet website, which helps you find the perfect size too. 

My initial reaction was that the packaging was decent, but surely nearly £30 for a pair of gloves was a little extreme. I have paid this before for some good quality showing gloves however every time I have gone to wash them I haven't been able to use them since because they have gone hard and crusty. MacWet had a lot to live up to. 

As soon as I put the gloves on they felt nice and not too bulky. For once I didn't feel like I couldn't move my hand and fingers when wearing a pair of gloves. The inside was nice and not itchy like I have found other gloves to be. I felt like I could ride using them and still get the "feel" of the rein, unlike with other gloves which are too bulky for my hands. They fasten up using a durable Velcro strip which is elegantly finished off with the MacWet gold logo.

During a lesson in the pouring down rain (yes I am really that mad) the gloves still sustained their grip and didn't feel like I had to peel them off my hands once I had finished. When I got home that night I was also able to put them in the washing machine and although I worried about them going hard and crusty like my previous pairs they didn't and I was able to use them again.

Equally, when I hacked out in the boiling heat the day before I wasn't left with sweaty, clammy hands after taking the Macwets off. I was impressed!

I rarely show jump, but ensured for this review I did a bit of everything, from hacking, to dressage to jumping and even putting the jumps away afterwards. One day it was pouring with rain whilst using the gloves and another the sun was belting down. However the fabric used in these gloves allows the hand to breathe so I was ensured a comfortable grip without getting too hot nor too cold. They really are made for a variety of weather climates. 

Not once did I feel like MacWet couldn't stand up to the test of what I wanted them for and what made it even better is I literally forgot I had them on at times because they are that comfy. 

MacWet gloves come in a variety of both sizes and colours including: Green, Black, Brown, Navy and White. 

Although a little apprehensive at first, I would highly reccomend MacWet gloves to anyone like myself, who has spent endless amounts of wages on gloves that just don't live up to the test. MacWet can offer something for everyone despite what sport you're involved in. They have definitely got me on board as a new customer.

Now, if anyone wants to treat me to a white pair for dressage - feel free! :)

5/5 for these fantastic gloves! 

View Post