In addition to all of our rides posted on you tube, I have included a video of "Itchy Veronica." Prior to coming to FL, I had never even groomed much less tacked up Veronica myself (thank you Claudia & Erica), so we had a huge learning curve to make with each other. Well we surpassed the norm, as it is fair to say that Veronica and I officially have a LOVE AFFAIR happening. After 6 weeks together, we are total partners in every way imaginable. If she hears my voice, she knickers for me. If I am beside her, she hugs me. If I groom her, she grooms me back. This is one very special horse that makes me question why I have ever heard ANYONE say they are 'not a mare person.' What an experience those closed-minded people are missing -- a GREAT MARE is the most rewarding feeling EVER. A great mare allows professionals to remember why they are in the business......FOR THE LOVE OF THE HORSE. Luckily for me, I already know that I love the mares, especially my Baby V, as I admirably call her.
On Sunday, The weather was deplorable......constant rain and winds...it was chilly!!! I hate this type of weather, but I also knew that it was important for me to get a feel for how Veronica would respond to such sloppy ring conditions, much less heavy rain hitting her body while we rode (nope, we had never ridden in the rain before much less gone thru puddles!!). No surprise, her big ears were-a-flopping, and she was completely complacent to do as I asked. Her Tr 3 test, in less then ideal conditions, placed her 4th behind Friesians, in a huge class. Judge indicated I needed to let her to go in a longer frame.......heck, we may not have gotten baby legs out of foot-deep-corner-slop if I had not carried her thru....HAH!!!! I earned a new respect for Baby V's work ethic and total confidence in ME on this miserably rainy day........
The conditions in warm up for our 4yo practice test was not quite as bad as later in the day had proven to be. But, the random plastic table and chairs located 3 feet away from 'B,' in the coliseum proved to be our challenge of Sunday's test. Judge had many wonderful comments on Baby V's talent and my riding ability to maneuver thru test, but the tension due to monster eating table/chairs kept our score at only a 72%....2nd place out of 4 horses in the class. The exposure in the covered arena was invaluable, though!!!!! I was impressed with us both -- after only 4 months under saddle we were a viable pair in the 4yo classes. Just imagine where we will be after 5 months together??????
I do not warm-up Baby V for more then 20 mins before each class.....and, even then, it always seems to be 'WAY MORE TIME' then what we need. So, as she always attracts the attention of ring by-standers, I am happy answer their questions about her breed, bloodlines, and the fact that she is inevitably for sale. This interested party pictured here, is actually the handler from the Stallion Showcase, that I had the opportunity to watch just a week prior to the show. He is very familiar wit the Jazz line and could not believe Veronica's brain. Little does he know that Vinca put a genetically programed brain for her to please her rider. But, I suspect that he will figure this out sooner then later as Veronica's success in FL has led to Vinca breeding several top quality mare in the sunshine state. These offspring are sure to turn some heads at the 2013 breed shows where he will be handling......Woohoo, GO Vinca!!!!
Ahhhh....What a beauty Baby V is!!!!!!! I say it all the time....I am the lucky winner that has the opportunity to get her ride. Thank you to ALL involved to make this happen. I know in my heart that this wonderful mare has a bright future ahead of her as both a FEI horse and International competitor.
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