Saturday, August 30, 2008

Back from the breed show

Well, it was a good day! I did not fall, get trampled, or pass out. In fact, Riley got a first place and a third place, with two scores of 73%. His scores for conformation were his highest area, 7.8; his scores for trot were lowest, 6.8 (judge called it elastic but not uphill). The first place class was a surprise -- he outscored a stallion prospect that was nationally ranked last year. I didn't see this youngster go, but I imagine he misbehaved to the point the judge couldn't evaluate him. In subsequent classes this horse blew away the competition. How did I do as a handler?

Riley stood up nicely and I could easily adjust his position. I was so absorbed in him I suspect I was in the way of the judge's view at times.

My 2 year old Riley was a perfect gentleman the whole day. A young girl --maybe 8 years old? -- asked to pet Riley as we waited outside the ring for our afternoon class. I was worried, but showed her where to stand (to the side) and suggested she pet his jowl/cheek. She stroked the side of his nose, and he loved the attention, droppipng his head close to her shoulder and closing his eyes. The little girl was delighted, and her parents were charmed.


During the trot triangle I felt I was flying, and it seemed like Riley was offering a HUGE trot. Well, that's what I thought, anyway. In reality he was barely moving out. I was running flat footed to stay balanced on my feet. A bad idea. You've got to sprint on your toes like you're in a race, which is risky in terms of personal safety. The judge had to remind me to run the legs of the triangle in a straight, not a curved line. I ran way past the triangle on the long side (trying to get a bigger trot), but I'd do that again.


Riley showed a good walk and scored 7.5 and 7.6.

One more brag and then I'll stop. The judge added her own comments (different handwriting than the scribe) On one scoresheet she circled the text "character, presence, and temperament needed for training," drew an arrow to it and wrote "yes!"

This was a fun experience and I'm glad I did it. But if winning is the goal, Bruce and Staci Griffin will be my choice. Handling is harder than it looks.


7 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great day and he got some really nice scores.He's a beautiful horse and seems very sweet, especially with the little girl.Congratulations!

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  2. Wow, Riley looks great! Woot, he's number one. I was wondering how he did all day, lol.

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  3. I am glad you had such a great day! I was just nosing around the Dressage at Devon site and did you know they have breed classes now! I know you did the hunter show with him in the spring...any chance of going back in the fall? And congrats on now showing your own boy in hand!

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  4. Bravo Riley! Excellent to hear it went well. Congratulations to both of you!

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  5. Congratulations on a wonderful day! I am really enjoying reading of your adventures with him.

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  6. He was such a good boy! The judge could see his good temperment in a short period of time. That speaks volumes.
    Btw- my mare loves peaches. You will get loads of tongue action then!!

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  7. I can see why he did so well from the photos! Are you going to keep him to ride yourself? If so, what are you going to do with him (jump, dressage, etc)?

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