First Show & Rolex

[Sport Horse]

So this is a little off breed because I'm talking about my Thoroughbred, but I'm excited to report that we'll be heading to our first show tomorrow since her colic surgery nearly 3 years ago. I can't believe its been that long since we've shown! A year after her colic surgery (spring '08), she had a nearly catastrophic hock injury that landed her back in the vet hospital for nearly a week. Then last spring, she ripped her knee open. Thankfully, she's made full recoveries from everything and I hope she's done with her near-death experiences. We're showing Training 4 and First 1 tomorrow. The goal by the end of the show season is be ready for 2nd.

In other news...is anybody going to the Rolex this year? I'm REALLY excited to announce that we're in the final selection process for being an outrider at the ROLEX! I am SUPER excited about this. We got the invite because they were looking for a sidesaddle rider with an experienced horse. Although she's a Thoroughbred, my mare and I have done just about everything from demos and parades to cowboy mounted shooting. I'm really lucky to have such a fabulous horse.

I hope everybody has a fabulous weekend!

[Graymare]

If you get chosen to be an OR, be sure to watch for my friend, Barb, on her 18 hand Percheron/TB cross, Thomas! You can't miss her: she'll be in full hunt attire, riding in her Ansure Treeless Dressage with Thomas in a Dr. Cook's Bitless Bridle

[CieloAzure]

You better get photos and post them!!!

[Sport Horse]

Well, we had a great first show. We competed at Training Level Test 4 and First Level Test 1. Training 4 was the worst of the two with a 60.5% and a 3rd place finish. First Level Test 1 went pretty well except that I gave myself 6 penalty points for going off course, talking to my horse and talking to my reader (2 pts per occurrence). Even so, we finished with at 64.4%, which was good enough for 2nd place. I probably would have won the class had I had my act together. Ha ha! Regardless, Jewel did fabulously and I'm really pleased with her.

I haven't received the official notice yet about being an outrider, but I've been given the "you're pretty much in" notification. I'm REALLY excited. I'm sure there will be tons of photos! I'll keep everyone posted!

-A

[Harley]

First of all, congratulations on the show and Jewel's success back in action! I'm just proud and thrilled for both of you. You must be on cloud 9. I'm sure it has seemed like a very long road, one which might not have had a successful end.

We went to Rolex spring of 2008. Its an amazing experience. And the shopping!! I can't even imagine being there under saddle! I'll have my fingers crossed that you guys make the cut. What's the criteria?

Blane (husband) and I will be leaving for England on April 24th (the day of the Rolex cross country) for the Badminton. 4****. Take lots of photos and so will I. We can share!!

[Sport Horse]

As it turned out, I didn't make the cut. Bummer. But then, I do believe it rained most of Rolex weekend and I was quite glad to have not been there soaking wet. Everything works out in the end, doesn't it?

I saw one of your pics from Badminton in another thread. How cool is that? Do you have more posted somewhere? I'd love to check them out!

[Harley]

Hey Amy,
We had a ball at Badminton. We attended Rolex spring 2008 and became dear friends with a couple that were over from the UK to be XC jump judges. We've been over several times to visit since. They live in a village that is part of the Beaufort Estate and are literally in Badminton's backyard. Emma and Martin fence judged the National Grassroots Championships on the Badminton course on the Friday before the 4**** started the next day. It was super cool being there with locals that go every year and know everyone.

I have a whole album from Badminton on my FaceBook page. I'm at harley@cozewith.com, or just look me up Harley Cozewith. Friend me and you'll have access to the album. I got some pretty cool shots. I'm not nearly as talented as you are, but I have a decent camera and like to take photos. Would love to share!

HC

[Sport Horse]

I think you friended me, so I'll look up your album later today or tomorrow when I have some time. Looking forward to seeing your pics!