Biasini and I won the Reserve Champion award at the White Fences Championship series! Crack open the bubbly! But it should be known that we did not win because we had fabulously high scores, or because we won all our classes. We got the award because we turned up, we went in the ring seven times over the three months and in three separate shows. We turned up and we did it. We got some good scores, some mediocre scores and one downright bad score. But the Championship points were not based on scores but placings in the class and the number of competitors in the class. This is such a good idea in a subjectively judged sport. Some judges will score all the riders higher and others are more conservative with their scoring. So the placing being used for the points levels the playing field !
So Biasini and I did well enough to accumulate enough points to come in just one point below the Champion. I was very happy with that. But there is something else I was happy about. I had a real break through with Biasini. He can get very strong and be tricky to ride and usually I just try to make everything look OK and get through the test. Both of my coaches have been encouraging me to DO SOMETHING and CORRECT HIM when I am in the ring. Horses know they are in the ring and that their riders will not correct them as they do at home. Biasini certainly knows this. I know it too but I have not been able to really stay on top of it in the ring. All that changed in my last ride.
We started our test and I had resolved that I was going to ask him for all the brilliance he can give and constantly remind him that we had to stay together. The extended trots were wonderful . Then came the walk and he was good in that too. On to the canter and the zig zag. As we turned onto the centerline he darted sideways in a move that would have been suitable for a cutting horse separating a cow from the herd. Not for a dressage horse in an advanced level test. I got him back for the half pass left of the zig zag and it was excellent. Then the change and half pass to the right. What ? He did a corkscrew movement and I thought; “That’s it! Enough!” So I halted him and backed him up a couple of steps. This was to say “that is enough of your nonsense” . I could hear the judge say “oh dear”. Well I knew I had the extended canter next and if I did not get him in order it would be a debacle.
I had halted in the middle of a dressage test! That was a first! I had thrown down the gauntlet. Biasini is a very talented horse but not an easy ride and I finally had the courage to call him on his nonsense.
Winning the Reserve Champion award was icing on the cake for me. We got a beautiful ribbon and a very smart and useful bridle bag as our prizes. My thanks to Lou Denizard for always encouraging me and to my husband David for being such a great supporter.
HorseAddict 
This teaches what we will get when we love what we do. (I did comment in previous two posts and it was not there, I can’t understand what went wrong)
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I did get one previous comment. I will check spam to make sure the other did not end up there. Thank you for this comment.
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Congratulations, Anne!!!
The hardest part is getting that kind of ribbon home. No unwanted wrinkles, no unwanted creases and folds. 🙂
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And it had to go into a packed car! But we managed to get it home in good shape and it is now hanging from the lamp standard beside my desk. Biasini will be home on Friday and I will take it to the barn so all his friends can see it then. But it will live here in the house for safety.
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Your love and devotion has paid off. Well done!
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Thank you for this comment Gavin and Wyatt!😀🐎
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Wow! That is so great for you and Biasini. Seems like you both learned a lesson at this competition. Well done! ❤️
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Thank you Irene!
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Wonderful! Congrats.
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Thank you!🙂
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Oh, happy happy day! Congrats on both the reserve win and getting Biasini’s attention! Sometimes the dang horses are just too smart for their own good, figuring out a million different ways to get away with something. And that lovely ribbon is quite a gem too!
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Alli I agree with everything you have said here. Thank you!
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Congratulations!
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Thank you Gayle!
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Congratulations!!!
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Thank you!
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Congrats!! So happy for you; a well deserved award!
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Thank you Claire!
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Congrats to you, Biasini, and your coach!! Stick-to-it-iveness!
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Thank you Robert. That is it exactly, work hard and just keep at it !🙂
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Well done Leueen – that is fantastic!! You are a constant source of inspiration! I know how hard you have worked. Looking forward to seeing you and BB back in the True North. Safe travels, see you soon.
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Thanks for commenting Sue. I’ll see you soon
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Congratulations dear Anne and Biasini, well done to both of you, you’re an amazing team! 🤗🎉🥂🍾🐎🥕🥕
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Thank you Xenia!
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Fantastic!! Way to go! Congratulations to you and your awesome team and awesome horse!
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Congratulations!!
Well done and what fun to win that beautiful Reserve Ribbon!!
Xox that is a keeper !!
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Thank you Janne! The ribbon is definitely a keeper!
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Congratulations to you and Biasini!
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Thank you Sascha!
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Congrats!
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Thank you Mark!
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Wow, Anne that is great – congratulations!!!
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Thank you Robyn!
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Woohoo! Well done, all around!
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Thanks so much!
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Congratulations Anne!! And good for you to finally take control in the middle of your test. It’s a tough decision but you did it!! And your reserve champion ribbon is BEAUTIFUL and well deserved. ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for sharing, I feel like I’m there as you write and explain so well, we are always rooting for you in our virtual world. Wish I could be there to watch in person. 😀🐴🐎❤️
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I would love it if you could be there to watch in person. And it is a stunning ribbon. I’ve never had anything like it before. Thanks for this comment!
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Yayyyyy! Hard work paid off! Beautiful photo!!!
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Thank you! As you know it is quite a journey with horses but such a good one!
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That’s fantastic, congratulations to the entire Anne team. A wonderful confirmation of your hard work. Celebrate!! until the next victory !!!!
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Thank you so much. I had some prosecco with dinner tonight to celebrate!
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Thank you back, but piseny may not get Prosecco or, (fun) nice Wednesday wish you stres free rest days!(*L*)
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Yay!!! Congratulations!!!!!
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Thanks Jeff!
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Fantastic, Anne. Congratulations.
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Thank you Frank!
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Congratulations! Lovely end to the season for you and Biasini!
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Thanks! It is a good way to finish up the winter season for sure!
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This is fantastic, Anne. Such a wonderful confirmation of all your hard work. Celebrate!!
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Thank you and we are going out for a special dinner tonight!
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Perfect!
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