Blainville Summer National and CDI Classic 2009

We had another very successful year in Blainville! This year we competed in the FEI 6 year old Division and National third level and Whiscalina went like a star.

We arrived in Blainville on Sunday evening, it was a good trip and Whiscalina traveled well. We started schooling lightly on Tuesday and Wednesday and the National show started on Wednesday. Whisca and I showed third level test I & II and I was very pleased with my rides:

Third Level Test I 64% Third Place
Third Level Test II 66% First Place

The CDI jog was also head on Wednesday evening and Whiscalina certainly made it through that without any problems. On Thursday morning we competed in the FEI Six Year Old Divison and Whisca put in a very nice Preliminary Test. The judges comments were very nice and they're very pleased with Whisca's performance and way of going! They awarded our ride with a score of 7.2 and first place!

On Friday afternoon the CDI competition continued and we rode the FEI Six Year Old Final Test. Although, this test is more complicated then the preliminary test it went better! They awarded her with a score of 7.38 and first place. The comments again were very positive and the judges said that Whiscalina was very well developed on the training scale, she has a very bright future in dressage, willing attitude, and nice type! All very nice comments to receive after working hard for several years and preparing her for these young horse tests.

Below you will be able to view a video of the award ceremony for the Six Year Old Final Test. Whiscalina got very excited in her victory lap and showed everyone that she has some fancy athletic moves. Everything went so quick and fast and the camera couldn't even capture it all. Whiscalina definately had fun and after working so hard for those tests she deserved to make a little jump of joy........

On Sunday morning we competed in Third Level Test III and Whisca and I had once again a great partnership that was rewarded as the winning ride!

Third Level Test III 68% First Place

Overall, it was a wonderful week and I was very happy with Whiscalina. We also learned a lot by watching others but we also received coaching from Canadian Olympian Cindy Ishoy for several days. This was the third year Whiscalina went to Blainville and once again she was a star! She won 4 out of the 5 tests we entered!

Whiscalina is now back home and on a well deserved break. She has been working very hard over the past few months in preparation for Blainville and she has once again gone beyond my expections! She's very special.....

Enjoy the video and pictures!

Blainville 2009 Six -Year Old Award Ceremony

A little video of our victory lap. Whiscalina got very excited.........

Blainville 2009 Pictures

Whiscalina entering the ring for our Third Level test III: 66% & First place













Whiscalina & Bello













Waiting to enter the ring for FEI 6 year old Ceremony













FEI 6 Year Old Preliminary (7.2) & Final (7.38) Winner

Dressage PEI Spring Gold Show

This past weekend Whiscalina and I traveled to Crapaud to compete at the Dressage PEI Spring Show. It was a very quiet and well organized show!

On Saturday Whiscalina and I worked through our FEI 6 year old tests. Although, these had to be ridden Hors Concour because of rules I received some nice comments from judge, Elaine Banfield.
Whiscalina went well and I was pleased. In our preliminary test she gave us a 7.2 while the final test was more relaxed and was rewarded with a 7.6. I was happy to have the opportunity to ride these tests to prepare myself for Blainville.

On Sunday I rode the regular third level tests and we started with test 3. Although, it was the first time we rode this test I was very pleased with Whisca's effort. A score of 70.69% was rewarded with the first place ribbon. The first part of our test 2 was amazing! However, unfortunately we were not able to keep it together till the end and had a few hickups. The final was 63% but I was thrilled with the collection and movement Whisca showed. Our goal is to move on from here and be able to consistently ride tests with the collection/impulsion she gave me in test 2. It felt like there was a part of my horse that I never experienced yet and it felt super so I can't wait to find out what the future has to bring! On Sunday we did receive the Third Level High Point Award.

On Saturday we will leave for Blainville. Our plan is to stay in New Brunswick for one night and arrive in Blainville Sunday evening. The national show runs from Thursday - Sunday and the CDI is Friday and Saturday. We are hoping to return home safe and sound on Monday June 23. More stories then!

The beautiful pictures were made by a very nice student of mine, Toby Hill. Thank you!