On Saturday, in the USEA-Recognized Horse Trials, Gillian Cowley rode Gabriella Rosellini at Training, and Courtney rode Ambassador’s Rose at Novice.
Moving up to compete at Training for the first time, Gillian and Gabby picked up right were they left off at Novice, tying for first in dressage just as they did the last time out. They added a rail in stadium jumping, dropping a few places but then went on to jump clear and under time on cross country to finish in 1st place for their 2nd win in a row.
Courtney was competing Rose for the first time, having only started riding her a few days ago. They had a good dressage test, placing 6th and only a few points behind the leader. They added a single rail in stadium jumping and then jumped clear on cross country to finish in 8th place.
We returned on Sunday with Neal competing R Star (Hope) for the first time, and Courtney riding Clovermeade Stiletto (Pippen); both horses competed at Beginner Novice.
Neal and Hope did fairly well in dressage, but placed outside the ribbons. Stadium jumping began inauspiciously as Neal did not ride well to the first fence, and they had a stop. After representing with more focus, they jumped clearly around the rest of the course, finishing in good form. Some key instruction from Courtney before cross country had them going very well with a clean and enjoyable round and finishing in 7th place.
Courtney and Pippen did well in all three phases, placing 5th in dressage, before going clear in stadium to move up to fourth, and clear on cross country to finish in 3rd place.
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