Wictory!!!!11!11

So today the Xenophon show happened, which was going to have happened last week on Sunday only we were having a hurricane at the time and no one really wanted to ride in it. Also we didn't know if we'd be blown away or swimming about through the tests. Anyhow - hurricane date was today, courtesy of the judge (Kathi Bruce, "L") who said she could make it today. So we had about 2/3 of the riders, and many strange schedule changes, and it was fine, and relaxed and pretty funny.

I rode Image in First level test 1 (again) and did NOT go off course this time and nailed all the canter bits (8s on the circles and 7s on the canter lengthenings) and did well enough on the rest that we got 64 and a bit. Which felt triumphal enough, except no one else riding First level did as well (all five of us, doing various tests) so I got to bring a blue ribbon home.

I am absurdly pleased with myself, and Image. We warmed up so well. Doing one test was easier to cope with. It still got incredibly hot, and I was dripping sweat for hours after which sucked. But I didn't get overwhelmed, or worried, or forget the test, or just give up. I kept pushing him along, and working on improving each shining scale movement, even the ones where he was resisting like a giraffe, and getting to better places each time.

But but but - I have ridden first level on two different horses this summer, and I have made this huge jump in .... something. Skills, or boldness, or bravery, or capacity to take tests, or something. I really feel ike I've graduated.

Go me!