Our club, Chehalem Mountain Pony Club, was originally going to have two teams at the Rally. Unfortunately, a few of the riders were unable to ride so we were only able to fill one team. One extra rider was left, so Natalie was chosen/decided to be a "catch rider". She was snatched up by one of the Oregon Trail teams, who was short one rider. Oregon Trail often uses Janice as their trainer, so they are kind of our "sister" club.
The weather was perfect, sunny and warm with a light breeze both days. Perfect horse show weather. I was so excited to see the sun... since it has been such a rare event these days. I ended up getting burned to a crisp, despite putting on sunscreen several times. My ghostly white skin just couldn't take all those hours in the sun. That was really the only bad part of the weekend.
Memo was a nice, calm, relaxed horse. Nat rode some of her best dressage tests yet, and received great scores. She was in the 60's all rides, with her scores going up 2 points each ride. It was a great confidence booster for her, especially after all of the cross-country drama lately.
Nat clicked with her new teammates quickly! They were a force to be reckoned with. Nat received an "exceeding standards" on her formal inspection. Memo was glistening like a copper penny in the sun. Her white socks were sparkling. The tack was polished and perfect.
At a rally, the riders are judged on their riding as well as their stable management. Natalie's team received zero penalty points the entire weekend! It was amazing! All of the riders had very consistent, high-scoring rides as well. Their horses really behaved themselves.
Turns out that Nat's team won first place for both Stable Management and Riding! What an accomplishment for them. And the best part... Natalie made some great new horsey friends. She ended up staying the night on Saturday with the team and they had a great time having a sleepover in a horse stall together! How cool is that if you are a horsey girl? And at DevonWood no less ;)
Jim will have pics on his website soon. He was bummed about all of the shadows created by the sun. Overcast works out so much better, but oh well ;) I was glad to see the sun for a change. He still got some awesome shots.
Happy Summer, everyone!! Nat and I will be sleeping in tomorrow. Can't wait!
2 comments:
woo hoo
! uspc rocks. nat too!
new friends are the best.
great accomplishments on a great weekend. put tea bags on your burns!!
miss you
oxox
si
oh that is awesome - congrats Nat! Sounds like you all had a good weekend... Look forward to checking out Jim's pictures.
Get some good zzzzz's.
Laura
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