Almost There!

Tomorrow is the day for Lynsey Rowan and Biasini to go down that centerline and perform the FEI Prix St.George Dressage test. So today we went to the Global Dressage Festival showgrounds to acclimatize Biasini. Sounds easy enough but it is a complicated business. I have not been in a show myself for three years. But I am not showing this time so why was it not easier? For a start there are lots of things to remember: saddle and double bridle to get into the the trailer dressing room, the white tendon boots and bell boots ,the wash bucket with the washing glove , shampoo, and liquid soap, oh…. and another bucket for him to have a drink as it was a hot Florida day, ice boots for after he has been working, a couple of small bottles of water for Lynsey,my thermos of water and mug with straw to drink it from, cut up carrots for Biasini, saddle pad and wool half pad. So what is so complicated about that? Also I should add I had lots of helpers. Super Groom Lexi ( that is what Biasini calls her when he is “speaking”) and Therapy Person Lori,( Lori does PEMF sessions with Biasini) my husband and Lynsey. So we got everything into the trailer dressing room, loaded Biasini and set off .The show grounds are just minutes away and once Lexi had done a skillfull job of parallel parking the horse trailer we got Biasini out and tacked him up. He stood quite still while we did this.

Then Lynsey mounted up and walked him over to the ring he will be competing in tomorrow. She walked him around the arena to let him see everthing. Then when Coach Belinda arrived they started to warm up.

Coach Belinda gave Lynsey lots of helpful comments. I noticed she liked the very expressive trot that Biasini has been showing us lately. That is the trot she wants to see Lynsey achieve for the entire trot tour of the test! I think they can do it. I’m sure of it actually. At this point I was feeling grateful that it was not me who would have to produce that fabulous trot in the show ring or that active and engaged canter.

Here is a wider shot of the ring and surroundings.

They worked on the pirouette canter and some shoulder in. You can see the shoulder in in the photo below.The shoulder in is also known as the ‘mother of collection’ so it is an ideal movement to lead into very collected pirouettes .

Tomorrow is the day and Lynsey and Biasini will be the ring at 8:42 am. I may need a nap by the afternoon!But I will be sure to let you know how it went.