Linda and Dawn at the Kaimai Equestrian Centre worked hard on some intensive schooling for Tech in the lead up to our departure on 14th March, and Tech was going beautifully for me as a result. Betty worked me hard in our training sessions and Mum carried on with our progress in between times - everyone was working very hard. Huge thanks to you guys for all your help!
On the Sunday, Thea and I spent the afternoon scrubbing and polishing Tech and getting rid of his grass-stained knees (who would have a white horse hehe!!) and he looked awesome when we left. Big thanks to you Thea for all your hard work!
Then Monday morning rolled around and Daz and I packed up the car (seriously underestimated how much stuff we would have to take with us!), picked up Tech and headed to Hastings for the exciting week ahead.
Our first test was on Wednesday morning so after settling Tech in and pitching our tent from Equip Outdoors when we arrived on Monday afternoon, we spent Tuesday chilling out and giving Tech a look around the grounds to settle him in his surroundings. Tash and Claudia, who's pony Cricket was yarded next to Tech, took a shining to Tech and took him out with them on walks around the grounds which was great. They also became my 'grooming team' and helped me get him ready and warmed up for my tests. Thanks girls! It was awesome to meet so many helpful and friendly people who were happy to go out of their way to help and guide us as newbies!
We rode our Championship test on Wednesday morning and despite some huge nerves on my part and a bit of a wobble with my halt half way through the test, we got through it and I was so pleased with how Tech went. It was his second ever dressage test and with our partnership only being 6 weeks old, I couldn't have asked for a better performance from him. We finished second to Ilona and Larado from Blenheim who rode a fab test!
Thursday morning I had a very surprise phonecall from Shiwon from ESNZ telling me I had been chosen as the Bell Tea Rider of the Day for my first ever ride at HOY on Wednesday. WOW!!! So off I went to the showjumping arena in front of the grandstand to be awarded my box of Bell Tea goodies. I still can't believe it even now a week later!
Then on Thursday afternoon Tech and I got ready for our musical freestyle. I was much more relaxed today and so was Tech - I should have carried my dressage whip really because maintaining an acive walk was quite a challenge! When my music started I felt really good and walked into the arena with a smile on my face. Once again, Tech performed so well and I couldn't have been happier or more proud of him. He is such a good boy! I had heaps of fun riding my musical. I left the arena knowing that we had both done our absolute best and felt like we had achieved a great deal in such a short time.
We finished HOY as Reserve Champion for Grade 1, with Ilona and Larado as Grade 1 Champions. They rode so well and it was great to be riding with the other para riders from all over the country.
Tech then spent Friday in another new role - as the St John Ambulance horse with Lisa. Turns out he was pretty awesome at that job too and I feel very lucky to have found such a fab, cruisey horse to be my para-dressage partner.
Huge thanks to all my support crew and sponsors who made it possible for us to get this far. Onwards and upwards from here!