TOABH: Shining Star

This week, Beka asked:
Let's talk about the biggest achievements your horse has accomplished.  I'm not talking about you as a rider - I want to know what your ponykins has done to make you proud.  Is there a glorious satin collection, did he/she figure out some dressage movement that took months to learn, or are is it just a great day when your butt stays in the saddle?

I would have to say this year is extra significant in how proud I am of Ypke!  While we had a rather rocky start with some spooks and her almost tossing my sorry bum off on numerous occasions, there was a major attitude change in late spring.

No more of things like this under saddle!

In June - August we got extra serious about preparing for the week long fair (Ypke's first show ever).  Ypke was consistently being ridden five days a week and she was usually an angel.  She was always very willing to try anything and everything - even when she was hauled out to new locations.   Usually she wants to throw notable tantrums at least once  every few rides, but that hasn't happened in months.

Then of course, there was the fair.  Despite a tack changing disaster, me being a nervous wreck, and her being in an extra crazy, stressful environment at our first show together - she took it all like a pro - even during our first class when I rode like a sack of potatoes.   She never spooked, she never tried to take advantage of me, she was just a dream to ride.  We even did our dressage test in a bit she had only worn once (and disliked... but it was the only legal one we could find) and Ypke was seriously like a push button ride. 

Plus, she won grand champion in all of her classes besides showmanship... I have proof that for once we managed to get our act together!

 

Grand champion + blue flat in stockseat