The 3 day event!

Over the weekend, Demure and I competed in the Coconino Summer II Horse Trials in Flagstaff. A brief description of what a horse trial is is as follows...

From Wikipedia - "Eventing is an equestrian triathlon, in that it combines three different disciplines in one competition set out over three days (three day event)."

The first phase is dressage - "The dressage phase comprises an exact sequence of movements ridden in an enclosed arena. The test is judged by one or more judges who are looking for balance, rhythm and suppleness and most importantly, obedience of the horse and its harmony with the rider."

The second phase is Cross Country - "Cross Country requires both horse and rider to be in excellent physical shape and to be brave and trusting of each other. These fences consist of very solidly built natural objects as well as various obstacles such as ponds and streams, ditches, drops and banks, and combinations."

The final phase is Show jumping - "Show jumping tests the technical jumping skills of the horse and rider, including suppleness, obedience, fitness and athleticism. This phase is also timed, with penalties being given for every second over the required time, and for any rails being knocked down."

So, now that you are all caught up on what the heck a horse trial actually is, I will tell you how we did!

Demure after eating... He is a messy pig! I love it! Getting my game face on... And my hairnet.
Finishing getting geared up. You have to always wear your helmet!

Heading down to the showjumping ring. (PS-all of these pictures and video were taken by Chad. What a great "horse show boyfriend!!!")

On Friday, Demure and I went out and had our best dressage test ever, scoring a 27.9. (The lowest score is best.) We had never scored that well, and it put us in first place! Of course, the next day we had to go run cross country. We set out on course, and went clean! No jumping or time penalties at all! It was so much fun. The thrill of galloping through the woods, jumping fences, ditches and water was as big of an adrenaline rush as one person can take!

So, since we were clean on Cross Country, that kept us in first, but the competition was not far behind me. We went into showjumping, and could not knock ANYTHING down. If we had a rail down, we would have been bumped to fourth place! So the pressure was on. The person that was in last, went first on course, and so on and so fourth until it got to me. So there I was, just waiting for everyone else to finish. Whew, that was tough! Chad videoed the final round...



And now the awards portion, where I got to lead my first "Victory Gallop!"



On a side note, Chad competed in a racquetball tournament in Flagstaff over the weekend too! (It was a very sporty weekend.) And he won too! Here are some pics of him in action. I am pretty sure I embarrassed him by taking pictures, but we know how much I care about that!

So all in all, it was an incredible weekend for the residents of the little house on Founder Circle. We went out and celebrated last night, Buckeye style! Where else? At the Olive Garden! WooHoo!