A, B, C, easy as 1, 2, 3--yeah right....Dressage Day!

The Area VI crew endured an early morning today as we prepared for dressage. Both the girls put in solid tests to start off an exciting weekend of competiton, while Ainsleigh the "manatee" spent some quality time with the dressage judges in their booths and the technical delegate from Brazil- who is also doing a lot of work for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. 

Post dressage, Michael and Casey underwent a quick wardrobe change and headed onto the cross country course to school some jumps on the grass. Both horses jumped great, so the Area VI team(and the farrier) forgave Michael for his unwillingness to cooperate when trying to put in and take out his studs. On the ride back to the barns Ainsleigh and Kelly reunited with their Jack Russel friend Dublin, but unfortunatly he was not as excited to see us as we were to see him--nevertheless we will be back for him later this weekend. Hopefully we will have the willpower to resist shoving him in our suitcases. 

The Cutest Manatee of Them all, Ainslegh and Dublin

We then cleaned up around the barn, and us four girls piled in golfcart Bob for a joyride. We took Bob to the Land Rover challenge, but needless to say it was a failed attempt. Golfcart Bob has actually been pretty abused in recent days, and only has a few decorations remaining. Today we even found a beach ball that was once attached to Bob's roof rolling around in the road, but on the plus side we have been appearing less and less scary to the horses. 

We ended our day at a rider meeting in the Alltech Arena, eating pizza and listening to a very inspiring conference with our US Olympic coaches, David O'Connor(eventing), Robert Dover(dressage), Robert Ridland(show jumping). In addition we got to hear from the US reining and endurance chefs this. It is so encouraging to hear how much emphasis that these highly respected men and women of our sport put on the up and coming young rider programs all over the courty. They have great plans for riders in the US, from kids on ponies all the way to the senior teams. The United States will surely be medaling in the next few years at world class competitions with these incredible people leading us. 

Robert, David and Robert 

Finally, Brynn and Natalie wanted to share their feelings about today's rides- enjoy!

(Brynn and Michael)
Hi guys! Michael was pretty amazing today. I really could not be happier with him! Our warmup was some of our best work. I lost a little of it going into the ring but for where we are right now in our training it was a great test. We were forward, which if you know Michael is kind of a big deal. Overall it was a very pleasing dressage day and we are currently placed 18th with a 56.7. Thanks to Kelly Loria, we were beautifully turned out and Michael looked like a rockstar in his Grand Meadows Saddle Pad. Michael has also earned himself some new names: Most Dapper Michael, Magic Mike, and L.L.M.- Ladies Love Michael! He has become quite the team cuddle bug. Later on we were lucky enough to jump school with Dayna on the grass. It was awesome to test some studs out and get a feel seeing as I have only ridden on grass one time before, in the 1* at Rebecca Farms last summer. Michael and I were ecstatic to do some jumping! He came back to the barn with a little jig in his step and I had a huge smile on my face. Saturday please come faster!

Brynn and Michael

(Natalie and Casey)
Dressage today was amazing. Of course we all have little things we would like to fix, but really, I feel very satisfied with my test. We can only go forward from here! Every ride feels better and better. A tip for all, saddle glue can be your best friend for sitting, but your worst enemy for the posting the lengthenings. Casey was fluid and forward in the test within his trot and canter work. He was enthused to see all the plants surrounding the judges booth. So much that during our familiarization he wanted to take a snack break. During the test, Casey was very relaxed as he listened to the classical music on the loudspeakers. One of my moments of relief during the test was when the song from Pirates of the Caribbean began to play. Being a Disney lover, that definitely helped relive the stress. All in all the day was absolutely amazing and I can't wait for the cross country on Saturday!

Natalie and Casey