Just returned from the 2010 Virginia Region Show Jumping Rally in Manakin Sabot, VA. It was held by the Deep Run Hunt Pony Club, so we got to play on their turf 🙂 I’m too tired to write a lot about it right now, but our kids did great!! I was the captain of the ‘Horseology’ team, which included 3 younger riders and a stable manager. We struggled a little with the horse management, just in the learning process for those guys, so we actually ended 18th in horse management!! Not the best, but I think we all learned a lot (as always!!). Overall we did a lot better, and ended in 9th. I think all the teams did great! The officials also made a comment at the end of rally about how the vet on call thought the horses and ponies all looked very well cared for, so that made me pretty proud.

Individually, Wanda was an absolute ANGEL this whole weekend. Her ground manners were perfect even being stuck in a small stall, and her jumping was very good. We only had one clear round, but only one rail in each of the other three. I knew exactly what I did wrong (don’t you hate that?!?). Our ‘take your own line’ round went a bit odd when I forgot my pre-planned course, but somehow we made it over each jump and through the finish! Also, it was pretty neat that I was the highest rated (B) and oldest competitor at the rally. One kid asked me if I was married!

Also, Wanda did her thing again and won us the Dancing Weather Memorial Equitation trophy. It’s given out to one competitor each year by the judge who thinks the horse/rider are a good-looking pair and do well during one of the rounds. Just so happens that one round she jumped clean and got all of her leads 🙂 I’m very proud of her again!!

(FYI: The “Dancing Weather” Memorial Equitation award is presented to the rider exhibiting outstanding skills in position, control, and horsemanship. This trophy is given by the Reistrup Family in memory of Gordon and Catherine Reistrup’s horse “Dancing Weather”. “Dancer” anchored numerous regional and national rally teams throughout the ‘80’s in Show Jumping, Dressage and Combined Training. The recipient is determined by the Riding Judge with input from the Chief Horse Management Judge.)

Our team ribbon and the Dancing Weather Memorial Equitation Award

Complete results, once posted, should be at this website:

Virginia Region Pony Club Rally Results