T.I.E.C. (Part Three)

Sunday was my last day at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.  My trainer stayed for the next week of showing but I had to get back to reality and the job that pays for this obsession.  I also insanely missed my baby moose Luxxx and the dogs.  Husband too of course!

I was 7th in the order of go for Sunday's $5000 NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic.  The course was tough and I was anxious to see how the time allowed ran to see if it was tight or I could take my time.

After watching a couple go I could see that the time allowed was generous which meant I could save the inside turns for the jump off.  It was a table IIa which meant we would jump off later after everyone completed round 1.  Poppy jumped clean and was very good everywhere.  Jump 4 was right at the ingate which can be distracting but she didn't care.  She has really gotten to the point where she walks in the ring and knows her job and has fun.  

We were 7th again in the order for the jump off.  I planned my short course of turning inside everywhere and being quick and tidy.  Turning inside to jump 2 put it at a weird angle and instead of kicking out of the turn and taking the risk I pulled and chipped so we had a rail.  She was perfect in my opinion though.  I was very proud of her.  We still ribboned and came in 8th.  Some friends took video but I forgot to upload it (bad blogger).  I did snap some pictures off the video.  The quality is poor but you can see some more of the facility at least.

Ok, I know this next one is blurry but I have to share.  Poppy flicks her tail over the jumps and it is one if my favorite things about her.

I was thrilled with my little grey mare.  I just love her to pieces.  Even though we had some rails she was great and I just need to work on giving her a better ride.

I rode early on Sunday so I was excited to leave the show and head home before noon.  Unfortunately I had the drive home from hell.  I will drag this thing out for one last Tryon post and fill you in on my trip home and final thoughts on the show next.