Groom for the day.

Judy Whyte and Solo at their first show together.

Someday's it is just a lot of fun to be the person behind the scenes.  Yesterday my friend and dressage trainer Judy had her first show with her boy Solo.  Judy purchased Solo a little over a year ago as a very immature 4 year old.  Over the last year they have formed a beautiful relationship and I really think that Judy has found her partner.  It was time to get him out to a schooling show and see how he does in the show environment.  

So, my day started off with riding my girl Bella,  She was just a superstar.  I concentrated on bringing her shoulders up and letting her frame come up through the use of her shoulders not just pulling her neck frame higher.  It was a fantastic ride and I went through the 3rd level movements and thought to myself I could show this today!  But the day was not about Bella the day was about lil' Solo.  

After my ride on Bella I pulled Solo out and started getting him ready.  I love this part of my life.  I think I was meant to be a groom.  Grooming a horse is so relaxing to me and I think it is a great time to get to know the horse to form a relationship with them.  I also love a braided main.  Something so clean and smart about it. So, of course I had to braid Solo for his first outing.  He was such a good boy stood there and let me fiddle about and didn't move around at all. 

Then we were off to the show.  Solo was a bit high and excited when we get there but after showing him around the grounds he settled down.  We tacked him up and the rest of the show was perfect (at least from my perspective).  From what I could see Judy had a good warm up, a few 5 year old bobbles but by the end Solo was nice and relaxed and ready to do his test.  And what a lovely test they did it was relaxed and beautiful.  It's the kind of test that you wish you were riding.  Judy and Solo ended up receiving a 77% at Training Level test 2 and won the class.  I couldn't be prouder or more excited for them.  I think I might be a groom at one of the recognized shows next time!