24 October 2022
We haven't competed now since June. But we've been working hard on our flat work at home and enjoying 6 mile solo hacks together and the odd jump.
On the anniversary of mum's passing I had planned to do a dressage competition at home. I'd originally thought of doing Prelim 13 and Novice 27, but Jayne encouraged me to try Elementary. Time to stop messing about with Prelim's and try something more challenging. And so I set about learning Elementary 44.
When the weekend came however, my anxiety was through the roof and what with Chepstow on the Friday and picking up pup on the Sunday, I decided to withdraw and wait for the next one.
And so on 24 October, we entered and did our first ever Elementary test - and my first elementary test EVER too. Fred warmed up beautifully. I was so proud of him.
I froze going in to the arena, I didn't really give Fred much of a lead and with a tight bum and tight shoulders it meant he found it harder to give me his best. BUT!!!
We still scored 61.4%
I know that some people would scoff at that. But after 5 months, being ring rusty and crippled with anxiety, I'm really proud of doing it. :) Yes I made silly accuracy mistake. Yes I didn't relax and Yes I was 4th out of 4 (same score as 3rd but 1 point in it on the collectives) BUT I DID IT!
And now I need to put myself through the anxiety agony again but overcome it and do it again.