This message is from: "Dave and Patti Walter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Just had to write, and brag a little on a few of the Fjords on the farm. I brought 6 horses to a Dressage Schooling Show on Sat. Nov. 1st Three Fjords and Three Non Fjords.The riders were 3 children ages 9-12, 2 adults and myself. The Fjords were Heather, my mare, Rokida's Niklaus, standing at stud here and owned by Mike and Susie Sadlon, and TUF Voss a fjord gelding we use as a lesson horse. We use Nik as lesson horse as well as Rhett Butler, my TB,& Ginger, a welsh pony. Cassie Rodewald, who was boarding here, brought her paint horse along as well. Nik did VERY well in his 2 introductory tests. Priscilla who rode him, has never done any dressage and has never done a dressage show. She learned about bending, straightness, softness and tempo with energy this summer on Nik. They did very well with scores in the low 60's. She got a 2nd and a 3rd. Voss, was ridden by Ellie, who is 11 or 12. First show ever, doesn't really know much, is learning but doesn't really have a clue. :-) She had one test better then the other, learned ALOT today and Voss took care of her. Gotta love Fjords! They placed in the one class 5th. My TB and my Welsh Pony were cute cute cute. Rhett my TB has lovely movement and had the best scores of the lesson kids. Low 60's I believe. Both riders also learned ALOT and had a GREAT time. All the lesson kids were fantastic, makes for a GREAT day! Rhett and Andrea got a 4th and a 6th. Heather, my mare, started out the day a little up , but gave in quickly and rode beautifully. Nerves kept me at 65.5% for our first test, second test, we were more focused and we got a 72%. Was thrilled. 1st in both classes. They were just intro. tests, still working on her canter which is better but not ready for a test yet. Do realize this is a schooling show. The scores are always more generous at these, they wish to encourage you to continue on, but we were forward, straight, accurate, relaxed with energy and obedience. Few of the lower marks were rider error, room for improvement, I was super happy with her, great way to end the show season. Especially since I had 5 months of NO riding this year. We just started back up the end of Sept. I did drive Heather all spring/summer, so she was kept in shape but now am Happy Happy Happy to be back in the saddle and riding at a show!! Was a huge class, 20! Competition wasn't that stiff, but love dressage, cause you really can just look at it as a personal achievement and reflection on the scores and not who else was in the ring with you. This show also wanted to keep in the theme of Halloween. They had a parade of costumes at noon. Nik and Priscilla went as Marines, Voss and Ellie were Mummies, Ginger and Sammi were Goth Fairies, Cassie and Wyatt were Harry Potter and won best costume, Rhett Butler and Andrea were Rhett Butler and Scarlett, and Heather and myself were Helga, Warrior Princess!! Was a hoot!!! Will post some pics to my website but will be a few days. Patti Jo Walter www.franciscreekfjords.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
