CW Event Team Blog

We just returned from River Glen Horse Trials in New Market, TN. The warm weather on Saturday gave way to a steady rain on Sunday for XC. I took Simba and Forli’s Match down to compete as well as coaching students at various levels.
Simba had a wonderful dressage test, yet again and had a nice show jumping round as well. With the steady rain falling for almost 3 hours before my XC ride on Sunday, I contemplated scratching him, since he has no shoes and River Glen is known for its steep terrain. After thinking it over, I was confident in the balance he carries himself in and decided to run him.
Simba was wonderful everywhere. He jumped though the combinations nicely and was spot on at the one stride at the up banks and at the free standing corner in the ring. He jumped bravely into the waters that can sometimes be trappy for greener horses. I was thrilled with his performance. We did pick up 60 penalty points at the very last fence. For those of you who have not been to River Glen, they have an old shed that is parallel to the river that has a table in it. The exercise asks the horse to gallop 2 strides into the shed and jump a max preliminary table, land and canter 2 strides out then through the finish flags where there are usually people standing, waiting on their riders. There is a lot happening there at that one fence. The horses are also somewhat tired at this point also from the terrain. Simba has never seen anything like it before in his life. He slowed way down so I let him take a look, took him out circled in front of the shed, then back in the shed and over the table. He was unsure but showed huge confidence by jumping the table in the dark shed! We received an unfortunate 2nd “stop” for my circle outside the shed.
Forli’s Match had a wonderful dressage test. He was settled and very relaxed. For show jumping, he was a little worried about something but I was able to work him through it and have a respectable round. This very athletic horse keeps getting better and better on XC. He cantered right around and kept a great pace. I am very excited about his potential!
I went down without my groom, Mandy Alexander, but still had plenty of help! I got in early enough to unpack the trailer and hang my sponsor banners. I was setup by the time other started to arrive. Just the way I like it! My students had great rounds as well. I want to thank everyone for their help this weekend and congratulate everyone for a JOB WELL DONE!
Next, my horses head to the KHP for May Daze! Hope to see everyone there!!!
CW