Performance and NPS Area 4

[laura]

A VERY mixed weekend for Bob and I!

We went on Saturday to the DPS Performance show - first went in the Court Farm, which for some reason I got HIDEOUSLY nervous about - not sure why but never mind!!

However I was absolutely THRILLED with Bobbie, he did the best 'go-round' and show for me that he's ever done - it felt really controlled and fluent, just great!! Anyway, we ended up 4th, really happy with how he went though!

We also did the Open Ridden and got another 4th, and Handy pony which Bob loved, and we came 3rd - was just a bit of fun really but he was such a good boy for doing it!

Today.....was a different story...

Went to NPS Area 4 to have a go at our last Olympia qualifier - as ever just went for the experience and to have a go. I don't know what it is about the big classes but I just absolutely love doing them and have loved doing HOYS and Olympias this year - I think it's because I go in with no expectations whatsoever (because the standard is always SO high and I know I've a lot of work to do before I can match up to that standard!) and therefore can relax a little bit more (although still get very nervous before going in!) and just enjoy being in with ponies of such calibre, and going in fantastic main rings like at the Royal and like today, in the main arena at Great Yorkshire Showground!

Anyway, went in today...and Bob did NOT want to play the game Walk and trot were fine, hit canter and Bob basically pretended he was hunting and carted me round Throughout the class when I came up to the judge I got various comments such as "Someone's got a sense of humour, haven't they?", and "I think he was enjoying himself there, but I was thinking to myself "Hold on!!""

Bless him, Bob has such a pony-ish character and he just gets so excited and happy about showing...Needlesstosay, we weren't placed

So today was the last of Bobbie's 'big' shows, and now I'm planning on doing a lot of schooling, dressage and hopefully some winter shows. It's been fab being able to do bigger shows with Bobbie this year, I have enjoyed going out and about with him so much

Sorry this is such an essay, I'm nearly finished! Apologies if this is totally incoherent, I'm rather tired this evening!!

Pics:

Just wanted to put one from the very start of the year when I first got Bobbie, his first show I did with him - I think he's come a long way in the 8 months since I've had him; I'm so proud of him!



And from yesterday:







And finally, Bobbie's new outfit...I thought red and blue would look quite nice together, but didn't really think about how it would make him look like a superhero.....

SuperBob:


;D

Sorry this is sooooo long, a bit of a reflective report but really is the end of Bob's season so thought I'd do a bit of a comparison!

[cadeby]

Well done laura - I think you should be really proud of all the things you have done with Bobbie in such a short time. I'm looking forward to following your progress next season.

Have a fun winter "rest" with "SuperBob"

[mickey]

Well done- he's come on so well, and looks to be going very nicely
I dont envy keeping him clean though!

[greydales]

I think Bobbie is stunning, and you've done brilliantly with him in the time you've had him Laura ;D

You are bound to get times when things don't go to plan - this is what having horses and ponies is all about (been there got the book, video and t-shirt LOL!). But so long as you are enjoying him that is the main thing.

You should be justly proud of what you and he have achieved

[harveydales]

What a lovely post, Laura. You and Bobbie have come such a long way in just a few months and you have built up a wonderful bond between you. Rosettes and placings at shows are always great to have and a big achievment but the partnership you and Bobbie have built through day to day ups and downs means such a lot more. I thought you and Bobbie looked superb on Sunday, he is a real credit to you. Very well done!

[dalesponyrider]

How very heart-warming reading this post Laura! You have done ever so well with Bobby in such a short space of time and he is an absolute credit to you. I'm glad you are still smiling even if he did cart you round a bit fast - he is D's half brother you know - what do you expect? LOL! The important thing is, he has got lots of lovely forward going energy that you will be able to do loads with. You have already brought him on wonderfully and a winter of schooling and dressage will polish him up nicely I'm sure. I'm looking forward to his next season! Well done!

[morris]

He looks lovely - I did notice him on Sunday at the Performance Show but didn't have chance to have a chat with you being so busy myself. The hard work this summer has obviously paid off.

[DalesLady]

Laura, the difference in both Bobbie and yourself is amazing. Main thing is you and Bobbie are becoming a proper team now and working together much better than at the beginning. Youa re a good rider with a caring attitude and next year I think we will see a lot of success from you two. Just remember what I always say to you and keep smiling too.

[sunny]

Until now I didn't realise what a short time it is that you've been working with Bobbie and as I've seen your recent performances with him I'm so impressed with your partnership. He's a fabulous horse... such a head turner and he moves so powerfully... as i guess he wanted the judges to know!!! He will always have his fan club (my kids) however he behaves.
Keep doing what you're doing with him- you both look great

[rachelg]

gosh you two are really doing so well together,what a fantastic summer...keep it up