We have been so fortunate that during this dumpster-fire of a year, that we were allowed to compete from July to September, and we took full advantage of it. The competitions themselves were not that radically different, except the whole wearing a mask in oppressive heat for the 12 hours every day that you’re at the show part. The one improvement that this pandemic has brought, is that all of your dressage tests are scanned and emailed to you which I really enjoy and makes it easier to keep them all in one place to reference. I could not have been more impressed with Centerline Events, their dedication to our region and our sport is the sole reason we had any competitions at all this season, and I am immensely grateful.
The farm in general had a truly spectacular season, and here is a brief run down of how Regional Championships went.
Knight and I have had a pretty great season so far, and placed 3rd in our I1 Regional Championship’s class with a 69%, which allowed us to wildcard in for Dressage Finals! Also it would figure that the first time Knight and I ever get to be in an award ceremony you have to wear a mask and their is no victory lap, but we were still excited to be there :)
Michelle’s first Dressage test was on a spectacular cold and windy spring day, and in the middle of her first test with Cory the wind lifted the ring up, and blew the whole long side into Michelle and Cory. Cory managed to jump the moving 60 meter wall coming at him, and miraculously Michelle wasn’t even unseated, but this insane event left a truly terrifying experience that Michelle, Cory and I have been working through for the past four years. Michelle has done more work on herself and her own fear than anyone I have ever known, and her dedication and persistence has been slowly paying off. She is now our resident nerves guru, and I have consulted her many a time when I personally start feeling anxious in any riding setting. In a truly full circle moment, on the coldest and windiest day of Regional’s Michelle earned her last score for her Bronze Medal with Cory and I could not be more proud and excited!
Andrew and Wristow had a truly spectacular first full season together at Training level. They hit the 70% mark twice, and they did so consistently well that their median for USDF year end is a 68.3% and they are in the top 20 in the country for AA! They placed 6th with a 67.8% in their Training Level Regional Championship class (Andrew’s first ever time at Regionals) and I am so impressed with these two!
Claire and Annika crushed it in their two-show season after Claire wasn't able to come out and ride for three months from the shut down! They were 6th in their First level Regionals class, and consistently scored within a point or two of 70%!
Lara showed not only her own mare Dior but the Farm’s OTTB Dragon and did such a fabulous job at Training level! They averaged around 67/68% in most of their tests, and I am SO pleased with what a great job Lara did showcasing our young lesson horse!
Lara and Dior destroyed at 4th level consistently hitting 70%, and are not only first in the country for JRs they are 9th in the country right now for horse of the year! They capped off the season with winning their Fourth level Regional Championships class with a 69%, woot woot!
