So I competed in my first dressage show ever a few weeks ago, and figured I would put up some pictures.  It was ment to be a joke, as I was riding Holly, a Suffolk Punch who had never been in a show before, and I normally do not do much dressage (all the kids at the barn look at me weird when I'm in a dressage saddle, and not going over big jumps).  However, we came in second in the novice division with a 64%..... maybe we have a new calling??  Anyway, here are pictures of us!

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 Waiting in the rain for our turn in the ring

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I need to learn to use spurs without turning my toes out.....

 If my toes weren't sticking out, I would love this one... isn't she cute?

Cute butt!

So proud of my girl!  We managed to finish just before the rain really hit.  The other cool part of the day was that I got to scribe for the upper level tests.  I must say, it did increase my appreciation of dressage, I may even take a few dressage lessons this summer!

Im sure the judges completely fell in love with you're stunning mare!  Drafty type horses are all the rage in dressage right now, you should totally work with this mare on it!  You'd clean up!

 Wow, a Suffolk Punch, you don't see those every day! The two of you look terrific together, and I love the way you braided her mane. Congratulations on such a fine score!

Congratulations -- I can only see some of the pics, but you two look very cute! 

 I love your horse, she's gorgeous. Congrats on doing so well!

 I don't think 64% is a joke - great job!!!  Your mare is very cute.  I love the last picture.

Isn't scribing fun?  The upper level tests are good, but there's usually so much going on, it's hard to watch much of the test.  If you get the chance, scribe for the test you rode.  You get a great feel for what the judges are looking for and a different perspective of the test.

 Thanks guys!  I've had a lot of fun working with her, I'm in the process of teaching her to jump so we can do some lower level events at this point.  Remmer, I agree, a 64% is not a joke!  I wasn't expecting to do anywhere near as well with her.  My goal was to stay inside of the little white fence, and maybe make a circle or two.  Apparently our hard work paid off though!