Dakota was wonderfully well-behaved and cooperative at his very first dressage show (R's first dressage show, too)!
The show was held at the barn just around the corner -- about a seven-minute-walk across a field away. R walked Dakota over in hand, and I loaded up the tack and drove it over. Dakota actually boarded at this barn for a few days when he first arrived in Texas. I didn't really expect him to be silly since he knew the barn and arena, but the weather went from 85 yesterday to low 60s and very windy today, and you just never know. He walked over like a gentleman. R arrived with him right when they had a break, so she was able to walk him in the arena for ten minutes. He called to every vaguely bay-looking horse to see if it was Clair, but he was by no means frantic about it. He just missed his Clair. Then we had a bit of a wait until R's first ride. Dakota was very patient--he is just so sensible.
Intro A went very well. Dakota was a little fussy with his head, which is a thing he has been doing a bit more as R has been asking for more prompt canter departs. Dakota has started anticipating canter--a completely normal stage. He wants to show off this new thing he knows! It was still a very respectable test; he was quiet and obedient. We were all thrilled with his debut: 65% and blue ribbon!
Intro B was beautiful. R rode Dakota a little more forward, and it was just so fluid and pretty. 68.75% and blue ribbon!
Intro C has canter, and Dakota is not super confirmed just yet. Right lead went fine, but left lead didn't happen. The trot work was once again superb! 62% and red ribbon! By the next show, the canter will be there, and I'm sure R and Dakota will start training level. I'm so proud of them!
I had my gallbladder out on Wednesday and was told no riding for two weeks. I'll probably give it ten days.
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