After a 40 hour drive the horses came in a big air ride van to Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois, which is just outside Chicago, for the finals (August 21-23). There were five horses on the van and they all had box stalls. They had hay and water and were not tied up, so they all rode very easy and safe. The horses arrived at 4 a.m. on Sunday morning and we were all there to meet them.I had a double stall for Taison at the show and he was very happy to be safe on the ground when he arrived. I traveled with a great group of riders from California and we had so much fun. The time went by so fast, thanks to the super camaraderie, friendship and support of the group.
The show grounds at Lamplight are very nice! It has a wonderful layout, good footing and is green with lots of flowers and plants. I thought that the weather could be a big problem for my big black horse: hot and humid. But we were lucky. It was no problem at all--just very nice!
The jog for the vet was on Thursday and Taison passed with no problems. Excellent start! My first ride was on Saturday. The test that day was Prix St. Georges it counted 40% of the total score. Taison came in 4th and was very close to moving up, but this time the scores were not on my side. I was very happy with my ride and Taison felt great in the ring. He jigged a step or two in the extended walk and stuck in one of my walk pirouettes. Both mistakes were expensive, but that was almost the only thing we did wrong. So Good Boy!!
On Sunday, we rode the test of the Developing Horses. In my book that is not an easy test for any horse, but especially not for a big horse, big mover like Taison. They changed the test from last year and I think it will be changed again. Hopefully they will make it more "Developing" than it was this year! I was the last to go and I was so inspired to ride. We were so ready and I wanted it so bad. I think we rode a great test--just some small bobbles. We were close again to the riders in front, but it was just not enough. We ended up in 6th place and that was just fine. One more point and he would have been 5th. But that is how it is and I'm so proud of my lovely horse.
I am looking forward to the Fall and all the work to move him up to Grand Prix. I know he will try hard to do his best and so will I! I will keep you posted.
To my wonderful friends from the show who made it so much fun; to Marci who came all the way from Canada to help me out; to Anna who flew out for the fun weekend and who always makes everything perfect for me; and to my horses: THANKS!!!
