We had our first jump at Gilbert's today and Ninja was very good. I think I was a good student but next lesson I must get videoed so I can see how I am riding. Certainly I am continuing to try to be more correct as a rider and that has been benefiting me more this whole trip with flatwork and jumping. It does also help that Ninja is stronger for equestrian pursuits than he has ever been after being a racehorse. The trick will be to keep improving and not lose what I have gained when I get home.
We are only a week away from the trot up for Aachen and I am feeling like Luhmuhlen was a good heads up as well as an introduction to two new, quality coaches, both of whom will be at Aachen and beyond (whatever that means)
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I went with Craig and Prue Barrett and family to a regional 5 day show where Gilbert was competing in a 5 year old young horse jumping class. There were all sorts of horses and riders there but the standard was quite high. Gilbert was 4th in the first class and I think probably was even better in the second bigger class. It is good to see your coach and other protégés ride. They were a class act amongst that field.
My wife Jade and ever helpful groom Liz will be arriving on Monday but I will only get to Aachen on the Tuesday so I look forward to catching up with them then.
Until tomorrow,
Murray.
PS When I wrote the first part of today's blog, Ninja was being clipped. As this was happening the second massive storm in 2 days came over and flooded the stables for the second day in a row. Apparently this has never ever happened before. All the bedding had to be removed and replaced. I couldn't walk away so I have only just got home late and saturated, but happy to have pitched in.
