Jess P
Well-Known Member
Hi guys!
I am finally home from nationals!
IT WAS SO MUCH FUN.
I arrived there Wednesday after flying down, mom drove the horses down, and it was downpouring. I immediately had a lot of stuff to do. I had to finish getting the stalls ready, check in, go to youth judging, quiz bowls, the luau, and get my horses measured. I was at the barn every morning until late at night.
My first day of classes were the obstacle classes. My mare isn't very good at obstacle and I wasn't expecting much. It was a tough course! One of the obstacles you had to ground tie your horse on a map and sit about ten + feet away at a desk. There were many loose horses. Chantilly didn't want to stand on the map at first, but when she did she stood still for me. I was proud! We didn't place but I was thrilled I finished the course. I did place under two judges.
Waiting for obstacle.
Then was obstacle driving! The course was similar and Chantilly took it like a pro! I had trouble pivoting in the hula hoop, however, because it was so small! But I did my best with her and we placed 8th. This was my first time EVER doing obstacle driving!
Then the next day was Zeus's halter class. There were only six because junior geldings aren't very popular. He was being a brat and doing that saddlebred-rocking-horse stretch a lot, but he placed Reserve Champion!!! I am thrilled!
Preparing for his class
We watched some costume...
Then it was time for showmanship :new_shocked:
I practiced with Chantilly and her pivoting quite a bit before her class, and she did it perfectly for me most of the time!
When we were in the class she did mis-step a couple times during the 360, but we got 6th!!! That is a HUGE deal to me!
The following day was halter. Chantilly got 10th out of 10. She is short for an over mare, so I was expecting it. She showed well for me though.
Driving was that night and IT WAS SCARY. Chantilly was tired so she was pokey, and some people do not know how to drive safely in the ring. Many times I was passed VERY closely by competitors, and I was sure there was going to be an accident. We didn't place but that was okay!
And finally on Sunday was the youth ceremony. My team got high point and we got these very nice coolers with our names on them.
We have been driving since Sunday afternoon. We got home around 11 today =)
Its good to be home.
I can't wait for nationals next year! Hopefully we will be bringing more horses!!!!!
I am finally home from nationals!
IT WAS SO MUCH FUN.
I arrived there Wednesday after flying down, mom drove the horses down, and it was downpouring. I immediately had a lot of stuff to do. I had to finish getting the stalls ready, check in, go to youth judging, quiz bowls, the luau, and get my horses measured. I was at the barn every morning until late at night.
My first day of classes were the obstacle classes. My mare isn't very good at obstacle and I wasn't expecting much. It was a tough course! One of the obstacles you had to ground tie your horse on a map and sit about ten + feet away at a desk. There were many loose horses. Chantilly didn't want to stand on the map at first, but when she did she stood still for me. I was proud! We didn't place but I was thrilled I finished the course. I did place under two judges.
Waiting for obstacle.
Then was obstacle driving! The course was similar and Chantilly took it like a pro! I had trouble pivoting in the hula hoop, however, because it was so small! But I did my best with her and we placed 8th. This was my first time EVER doing obstacle driving!
Then the next day was Zeus's halter class. There were only six because junior geldings aren't very popular. He was being a brat and doing that saddlebred-rocking-horse stretch a lot, but he placed Reserve Champion!!! I am thrilled!
Preparing for his class
We watched some costume...
Then it was time for showmanship :new_shocked:
I practiced with Chantilly and her pivoting quite a bit before her class, and she did it perfectly for me most of the time!
When we were in the class she did mis-step a couple times during the 360, but we got 6th!!! That is a HUGE deal to me!
The following day was halter. Chantilly got 10th out of 10. She is short for an over mare, so I was expecting it. She showed well for me though.
Driving was that night and IT WAS SCARY. Chantilly was tired so she was pokey, and some people do not know how to drive safely in the ring. Many times I was passed VERY closely by competitors, and I was sure there was going to be an accident. We didn't place but that was okay!
And finally on Sunday was the youth ceremony. My team got high point and we got these very nice coolers with our names on them.
We have been driving since Sunday afternoon. We got home around 11 today =)
Its good to be home.
I can't wait for nationals next year! Hopefully we will be bringing more horses!!!!!
