My sincerest apologies!
So nothing really went as planned since last I wrote, nearly two weeks ago!
That Sunday, the show was cancelled. It had rained and rained and rained all week, so they just 'postponed' it until June...really? So needless to say, Patrick and Eden hit the backburner while I prepared Bella and Bailey for Culpeper. Wednesday afternoon, my mom and I loaded up and made the 2.5 hour haul to Culpeper, Va. It was a pretty easy drive, minus the fact that I got a spectacular redneck sunburn on my left arm from hanging it out the window of my truck while I was driving.
The girls settled in pretty quickly. It was pretty awkward at the barns because I was stabled right next to my old barn and Amanda was also one of their students and still boards her horse there. I was a little worried things would be weird, but it didn't come to anything.
The whole week, both girls were fantastic. Bella started in the level twos on Thursday, mostly because I was a chicken. She handled it like a total champ and jumped around clean. Friday and Saturday I bumped her up to the level threes, and yet again, she was amazing. We were 5th on Friday, and that was against several professionals! I do have a video of the level 3 on Saturday, where we pulled a rail because the footing was dreadfully soupy and I overrode her to the jump. Oh well! I'd rather have to blame myself than my horse! It went so well, that I'm actually going to try her in a level four next time:)
Bailey gave me a few bronco shows, but once I got her moving she was great. The occasional buck, but nothing unmanageable. I'm really excited to get her going. My goal is to have her in the level 0 by the next show, and then I want to aim her towards the 5 year old divisions, which means she has to be jumping 1.20 by next spring...that's a level 5! Ahhh, that's nerve-wracking, but I know she's talented enough. I just have to find the confidence within myself and believe in us both!
I did order three fantastic photos of Bella and I, and as soon as they come in I'll post them. The video will go up as soon as I get it loaded as well! Between work and the weather, I haven't ridden since the last day at the show, so I'm off to finally sit on the horses since I have a gorgeous weekend to play around with!
Tomorrow a woman and her 15 year old daughter come to see Patrick. I'm hopeful. It sounds like it could be a good match, and I would LOVE to get him sold! Not only would it make my life easier and give Patrick the attention he so desperately wants, but the money would definitely fund my show season:) Then I just have to get Eden going and sold, and I'm on my way! But, let's not get ahead of ourselves!
I'll keep in touch! How is everyone doing?
