High Point enjoyed another beautiful weekend at GADS. Jessica McTaggart [2nd from right] experienced a tumultous ride Saturday, during which Ray of Light spooked at the C end of the arena, settled a bit as he moved across the arena, only to re-agitate himself at C again. Because she is rehabilitating his confidence in the show arena, Jessica chose to be excused after Ray took a big breath. Sunday, in contrast, he offered her tremendous trust. Together, they won both PSG [with a score of 67+] and Intermediare-1 [with a score 63+]. Despite two blowups, they recovered beautifully.
These scores, in addition to a previous PSG score, qualify Jessica to represent the Cayman Islands in the Central American and Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico this July.
Jessica's success did not end there. She rode her sister's horse, Pallas Interagro, to a 3-3 win and a qualifying score. Another HP competitor, Zanne Singmaster-Hunt, succesfully navigated Konsalik's tendency to get worried in the show arena. She used the time to train him to move forward and to hear her, regardless of the pressure he puts on himself. Peri [below, far right] challenged her event horse Jumping Zach Flash with a weekend of dressage to help strengthen his dressage for her eventing. Her take on the weekend: "While I would have loved higher scores, I cannot argue with the comments from the judges. He is definitely accepting this part of my sport with better confidence." Another eventing enthusiast, Shelby Bradley [2nd from left], showed her new horse Livesco to a 1-4 win with a 67. Riding sale pony Me and My Shadow, Julienne Donaldson, became much more consistent and raised their scores from last show.
Dennie Kludt and her student Caroline Lofland [center, below] joined High Point at the show. We had a great time watching Dennie debut her lovely mare, Hosanna, as well as Caroline's horse, Yungue VIII.
Left: Jessica McTaggart and Pallas Interagro, owned by Jodie McTaggart | Right: Dennie Kludt warming up Hosannah
On the surface, dressage shows apear to be placid, genteel affairs. Beneath the surface, though, they are fraught with ever-present dangers that may take trainers and spectators unawares, often from behind.
Thus, it is a great comfort to know that our canine protectors have our backs.
The Segers and their bodyguard are on the left; Cindy and the ever ferocious Chanel, on the right.
