My latest competition was Friends of Werribee a couple of weekend ago. I was so excited/nervous as it was Jett’s Pre Novice debut. The run in had been fantastic with Jett performing well and everything seemed in good balance. We had competed at Boneo Park twice in August, at the Combined Training day which Jett did at pre novice level and finished second and the straight dressage day also competing at novice and scored himself a first and second, so I had been really happy with his efforts running into what was going to be a very busy and competitive event.
A round up of photos from FOW - thanks mum!
I arrived at Werribee on Saturday at around 12 and gave Jett a ride straight away to take the nervous edge off, which I always expect from him. He was well behaved but still feeling a bit fresh by the time I got off him. My test was at 3pm and the warm up area was slightly crowded to say the least and Jett can be overwhelmed in a busy environment but he coped with everything extremely well. My number was called and I was feeling confident and happy with Jett’s attitude as I made my way up to my dressage ring to commence my test, out of nowhere Jett decided to chuck the biggest tanty and did a less that acceptable test, which was very disappointing as we have been working on our dressage nonstop over the past few weeks only for Jett to throw it all back in my face and give me a lovely 58% … fail.
I decided to vent my disappointment and frustration by going out and walking the cross country course. Werribee always offers a lovely course and there were a few new personal challenges for Jett.
My nerves were running high on Sunday morning as they always do before cross country, but Jett was an absolute star. He gave 110% out on course and finished clear and under time, so I couldn’t stay to mad at him after his episode on Saturday. We finished the day show jumping, unfortunately taking two rails, one which was completely rider error and the other due to Jett's lazy back legs but I was happy with his efforts. The show jumping course was definitely a challenge with only four clear rounds in my section!
I was pretty pleased with Jett
There were a lot of mixed emotions over the weekend! But on a positive Jett has completed he’s first pre novice event safe and sound and has given himself a qualifier towards one star. So go Jett!
Jett has had seven days off after his recent event and is now back in full work and is feeling fantastic, with lots of thing to be worked on this month, including horse and rider fitness! Our next event will be the Young Rider Pre Novice at Candlebark Horse Trials in October as we unfortunately missed out on Avenel.
Congratulations to everyone at FOW that had a successful weekend.
Happy and safe riding everyone
Bianca
