Anakenenhof 2010

This past weekend Orion, Zeph and I loaded up in the LKW (horse semi truck) with Doreen (Heike's groom) and three of Heike's horses and headed up south to the Anakenenhof Show. Although its really starting to look like fall here, we really lucked out with the weather. It threaten to rain most of the weekend, but the wind kept the clouds moving fast enough that we only got a couple drops here and there. Although the wind kept the rain away, it did make a very stimulating show atmosphere. On friday Orion and I rode the Grand Prix test, and as we came out of the cozy indoor warm up ring to the bright colourful wind filled out door show ring Orion lost his confidence, causing me to feel equally unsure. As a result we came down the centre line to our salute very tense and threw in some one tempi's before the halt and then for our first extended trot we broke into Canter. (Not a very good first impression to say the least). As the test continued on Orion and I found each other again, and we did our best to get back some more points.  We ended up with a 63%, placing us in the middle of the pack of 32 competitors. But the score was enough to qualify us for the GP special on Sunday. 

On Sunday I promised Orion that I would not let him down and keep my nerves under control. We also had the luck that Heike's and my ride times were two hours apart so Heike was able to help me warm up which most certainly added another edge to our game. 

As a result Orion and I achieved our highest score together yet, earning a 67% add we ended up placing 3rd! Heike placed 2nd with her horse Feleciono and Alexandra Bimschas came in first place. 

Here is Orion and I in the presentations, Orion's favorite part is most certainly the victory gallop ;-)

I also took Zeph along for the road trip, so he could gain some more experience. Zeph was so proud to be number 2 along side Orion, he behaved like a show pro and I had some very productive schooling session with him over the weekend. Another exciting highlight to the weekend was watching Heike's Freestyle on saturday night with other GP horse Quantico, this horse has the personality of a seriously hyper child, but with the help of Jonny Hilberath he is truly starting to mature and build the focus needed for the GP ring. As a last minute decision Heike decided to ride to her Tina Turner music which starts off with the engine of a Harley Davidson revving, and Quantico decided to step to to the plate and show off his talent. She came in second place and the whole barn is just so proud of him.

I hope everyone enjoying a cozy fall and I promise to post a link a Orion and I's GP Special