We all got up very early this morning for the Grand Prix Special at the Ontario Championships and the weather  had changed drastically from yesterday’s very warm temperatures to a brisk and somewhat rainy day.  Belinda went first with Anton and I told her to really go for the great expression over the technical accuracy because she always rides almost perfect tests so I don’t have to worry about mistakes too much with this combination.  Well, let me tell you, Anton looked so gorgeous as he was going around that O Judge (not officiating at the time), Elizabeth McMullen, said she was thrilled to see such animation from him.  And even though he went a little over the top and broke from the extended trot, the pair still earned over 70% again today.  Love it!

Bonny made me so proud because I gave her my wish list for today’s ride and she carried out my instructions like the true master she is.  I asked for a perfectly clean canter tour as well as rhythmic, cadenced trot half-passes and that’s exactly what she gave me. Now I feel her confidence shooting up so that combining a strong commitment to forward plus the throughness and cleanliness of the test is absolutely right at hand for this pair.  And when Pikardi is on and clean, you can bet that a huge score is not just possible but probable!

Both riders as well as Victoria who did the clinic but not the show, came out of this exercise knowing exactly how they need to train during the next days before we meet up again in Lexington on September 15th.  I could not be happier with where we are and feel we will peak the horses perfectly for the WEG’s! Again, thanks to Robyn, Tony, Belinda and Wendy for a wonderful 3 day clinic at their farm and to Lisa and her great staff for putting on a super show!

Cheers!

RD

Posted: Saturday, September 4th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Filed under: Uncategorized