Otie's First Outing

Remember the first day of school?

The nerves, the excitement, the glances at other kids on the bus to see who might be your new best friend? The heart stopping fear the first time you raise your hand and then the enormous satisfaction that you answered correctly (clearly already the teacher's star pupil)?

Well, little Otie had his first pop quiz at the Pipe Opener 1. He got off the trailer and scanned the field for future friends. He tried his best to catch the eye of the dressage judge and make sure he was her favorite. He raised his hand sooooo high when he knew the answer in stadium.

And then he wanted his milk and cookies and a nap.

The stadium video was a little tough to follow because of sunspots, but he handled his first warm up like a champ. As part of my show strategy I got to warm up first and let him take it in before the crowds appeared.

He put in a solid first centerline to score a very respectable 30.0 which put us in first, then a little baby bobble in stadium sent him to the back of the class. It was a big day for him and I'm so very proud!

Coby was, of course, thrilled to be back in the ring. He did NOT handle the whole "light winter schedule" in stride. In fact, he was so offended that Otie got off the trailer first that he ripped his hay bag right off the wall and then rocked the entire trailer until it was his turn.

We dusted off the cobwebs in the Training CT and he was stellar. A 30.5 and beautiful stadium for 2nd place (1st was occupied by someone with a 24, oh to see that someday).

This week is Full Gallop and we will continue to shake off the Winter doldrums in the PT division. Southern Pines HT in March will be the return to Prelim and Otie's recognized debut (Novice). Helmet cam to follow.

Also in March there will be a little lady joining the fray. A good friend his sending her new (and stunning) Dutch Warmblood for 90 days of "Miss Jennifer's Finishing School for Girls". Lot's of updates on her new girl to come. She comes from a lovely breeding program and has already produced one foal, she is now going back to being a riding horse and just needs a refresher.

Tasmin and Kelly, in the wintry north of Maryland