One of my daughter’s friends – and fellow Maine-iac – Lily O’Brien made the Area 1 North American Jr. Young Rider Team (CCI*). They made this video to introduce the team. I’m so excited for them! Emily is hoping to qualify and be considered next year.
Meet the 2010 NAJYR Area 1 CCI* Team! GOOD LUCK GIRLS!
My daughter has struggled with dressage. It’s one of those things that, when at a show, we all hold our breath to see what her face and reaction is after the test … then we judge how long we need to “stay clear” before we can talk to her.
Before I go any further – if you are a mother mucker too, I ask you … does your rider do the same thing?
This was our first trip to Fitch’s Corner in Millbrook, NY. I can assure you, it won’t be our last. I knew before we left that it was probably one of the most beautiful events in Area 1 because I designed their website and had all the beautiful photos from Connecticut Photo to choose from. It was exiting to meet the Fitch’s Team I’d been emailing for a year. I especially enjoyed the fantastic competitor’s party that Fernanda & Friends put on for everyone. WELL DONE!
Back to dressage … even at training level, dressage was always Emily & Billy’s sticky part of the 3 phases. They can perform outside the ring, but when the nerves kick in, things get a little fast and usually leave her at the bottom of the pack and pushing her way back up to a ribbon during the jumping phases.
It was her first time performing the 2010 Prelim Dressage Test C – which she liked alot. Thanks to Babette Lena, who was there coaching other riders, she gave her a little boost in confidence just before entering the ring. Except for a wiggly halt at the salute, the test was FANTASTIC.
Smiles were on her face. Billy got big pats. Placement – SECOND after dressage.
Fitch’s Corner HTs were held all in one day, so within a couple hours she was off to cross country. With her first fall in 2 years, she was quickly out of the game at jump 6. But knowing that she could have success in the dressage ring was accomplishment enough for both rider and Eventer Mom.
Next up – Young Rider Camp at GMHA and then the GMHA horse trials on August 13, 2010.