Once again, the MG/Pink Horse team did a super job at a horse show! This month Addison and Emily rode in their very first dressage test!! After a little grumbling about how ‘boring’ dressage is, they willingly ventured into the new world of combined training. Using cones and jump rails, Keren made the end of the arena into a dressage court so the girls could practice. They dutifully memorized their tests and practiced over and over. The practice paid off as both girls rode very accurate tests to the judge Charlotte Trentelman. I think I’m going to have them chew gum next time as both girls unconsciously kept clucking to their horses to the tune of a 2 point deduction! Nevertheless, both girls earned respectable scores and even managed a few 7′s! Well done ladies!!

In the jumper arena, the girls were thrilled to wear cute polos and matching saddle pads. They bravely warmed up over schooling jumps in an open field remembering to keep the ‘red flag on the right.’ Even Valentino seemed

to enjoy himself and managed to keep all four feet on the ground…except of course when he was jumping!

I honestly thought Addison would be conservative with Valentino when she went in to jump her courses but she took me seriously when I said, “Go rip it and stick it!” She put Valentino into high gear and eagerly ate the jumps like a pacman game!

Emily has been mastering the game plan and keeping Riley in front of her leg. She heard the whistle and put Riley in Go mode and galloped around the meandering course with her eyes up and heels down!

Both girls left all the rails up and discovered the ‘optimum time’ requirement. Next step…learning Meters per Minute speeds.

It was wonderful to see their smiling faces as they picked up their plentiful ribbons and proudly wore them on their belts. The sportsmanship of these two riders is exemplary. It was a privilege to coach them today.