Post by harveydales on Aug 18, 2008 5:25:50 GMT -1
Tanya rode Harvey again yesterday at a local Affiliated dressage. Harvey got 3rd in the Prelim and 2nd in the Novice! 
I was thrilled, especially with the Novice as it was a particularly difficult one for him imo (N26 for those who know).
Tbh Harvey wasn't at his best yesterday. As soon as his bridle went on he closed his eyes and said he was tired. I usually put this down to his way of showing nerves and after a warm up he gets back to his usual self. Tanya thinks it is partly that Harvey picks up the vibes from the riders and riders don't seem to like this particular venue. Also she feels Harvey is "a thinker". ie likes to stop, think and take everything in before acting. It is so nice to have a talented rider like Tanya on Harvey but one who also takes the horse's emotional needs into account.
As well as Harvey, Tanya had 3 of her own horses there - heaven knows how she has the energy to compete so many. Anyway, she won the Novice and Elementary Qualifiers with her more experienced horse.
I was really pleased because watching most of the competitors I felt she really deserved the wins and it is not always the case that the judge agrees with me! 
I was thrilled, especially with the Novice as it was a particularly difficult one for him imo (N26 for those who know). Tbh Harvey wasn't at his best yesterday. As soon as his bridle went on he closed his eyes and said he was tired. I usually put this down to his way of showing nerves and after a warm up he gets back to his usual self. Tanya thinks it is partly that Harvey picks up the vibes from the riders and riders don't seem to like this particular venue. Also she feels Harvey is "a thinker". ie likes to stop, think and take everything in before acting. It is so nice to have a talented rider like Tanya on Harvey but one who also takes the horse's emotional needs into account.
As well as Harvey, Tanya had 3 of her own horses there - heaven knows how she has the energy to compete so many. Anyway, she won the Novice and Elementary Qualifiers with her more experienced horse.
I was really pleased because watching most of the competitors I felt she really deserved the wins and it is not always the case that the judge agrees with me! 
Pam you must be so pleased with Harvey..if he can do that well on a day when he is tired think what he can achieve on one of his better days.
