Of Course the black mare Talon, was first on the list, then Jessie, as they did pretty good last time, and then on De Nior, who was ridden by Simona last time he entered a show.
Talon was as always very unruly in the warm up arena, she does not like to be around so many unfamiliar horses. She started her routine with small rearings up and bucking, not wanting to move forward with her ears pinned down, as soon as other horses come near her.
Julie was unsure, whether to pull the mare from the show or not "she is just bananas mom!!" She said, letting go of the reins, so the mare could finish her tantrum "Sometimes I'd wish she was just a regular old boring horse!" she gently urged the mare forward "but then it wouldn't be Talon, and you never would have learned all the things you have learned" I said in my most 'non preachin' voice. Julie look over at me, like 'Just shut up, right now!' but she sighed "yes yes i know, but like, still, I even settle for old Wally" a little smile showed in the corner of her mouth. So she hadn't lost all hope, i giggled for myself.
Talon was a lot more cooperative in the showring, but she chomped at the bit a few times and threw her head up, maybe next time we will try a different bit or go bitless, but overall they had a good round, keeping in mind that awful warmup.
She went into her pocket, for a treat, and gave it to the mare "you did good little J" she said with a big smile rubbing the mare's neck.
The warmup was good, and the experienced stallion jumped steadily and with great confidence.
When they entered the ring, that changed a bit, Nior suddenly became very forward going, jumping to early on some jumps and late on others, his face lit up, and he focused on getting his long legs safely over every jump.
Julie fell over in the saddle hugging the stallion, thankful that the round was over, as they exited the ring, she told me, that she was totally the one to blame for the choppy and frisk tempo.
"I was just awful mom, and he just saved me over and over" she sighed slouching over in the saddle, she stroke the stallions long neck " he really is amazing" she said and smiled.
"well now you have tried an advanced class, and you didn't even fall off or anything" I said smiling and winked at her.
We both laughed a little and went out to cool De Nior off.