Show Recap: Stoney Ridge June 2016

This past weekend was Stampede’s first attempt at jumping in a show since the end of August in 2014. We’ve been through many issues since then, but most notable were the abscess from hell (and here and here well and a few more, lol) and the extended saddle fitting debacle with the CWD. So basically just getting back to jumping was a big win for us since it was a big unknown as to what his back would be able to handle. Making an attempt at showing was really just a bonus, and Stampede being good was just icing on the cake. We signed up to do the Adult 18-35 hunters at 2’6″.

Was I good?

We schooled over fences on Thursday and the beast was a little sticky in the corners but went right around like he usually does on schooling day. He had Friday off and we just went for an extended hand walk to help keep him stretched out. On Saturday I didn’t sign up for the warm up class as I was unsure if I needed it or if it would help, plus I wanted to minimize his jumping efforts if possible. As I was warming up I saw two people fall off in the same spot, all because of the judge’s red jeep parked in partial shade by the judge’s stand area. One actually required an ambulance (she’s okay, got a concussion) which really extended my ride (which wasn’t the best for Stamp’s back). We made it through the wait though and headed into the ring. Of course the beast immediately zeroed in on the scary jeep which led to our first round being pretty crooked down that line and I’m pretty sure we added as a result. He was also definitely a bit rushed and nervous otherwise although he did listen to my requests to slow down. There were 4 of us in the division but a friend circled mid-course so we got 3rd in that one. Second round was better, just a little sideways heading in the line but made the strides and the other lines were good although Stamp was a bit tense yet. We took first.

He likes to gawk at things 🙂

Sunday we only had one over fences and one flat so I added the warm up after Saturday’s issue. I was very glad I did because the judge for the day had his green convertible parked by the stand in another spot and Stamp tried to 180 and leave when we went in for the warm up round. I convinced him to go over there then gave him a pat, which he promptly spooked at and made the judge laugh. We continued on then and the round wasn’t bad but he did trip several times in the wet footing (it had rained quite a bit the night before and while we were warming up) and kicked out once when I legged him on after a trip heading into a corner. The best part of the whole day was that when he went in for the next course he didn’t hold onto any of the bad stuff from the warm up. He trucked right around and came back when asked and while it wasn’t perfect it was very consistent and good and helped us win the round. I was most pleased that the tense horse from the day before seemed to have faded away.

Swag!

Lastly we had the hack class. I trotted right in so Stamp could stare at the car again since he would have to get closer to it than he had jumping but he was polite about it even though he was a bit unsure. The hack is really where he excels and he was very nice and soft so we did our thing and took first there as well.

So that’s how my pony ended up champion in his division for the weekend!

Derpy outtake

Thanks to everyone who crossed the crossables and knocked on wood for us! Now lets see if we can do this again another time! You can bet I’m not telling Stampede when the next show is.