April 7, 2018

This weekend was suppose to be the first pairs competition of the year, but the was calling for a foot of snow so the competition cancelled. Then Friday night the snow cancelled! It was crazy enough to have a foot of snow coming in April anyway.

Since I had the day free I took Poe over to Carol Ann’s and met up with her and Natalie for a games practice. And note, it did flurry pretty much all day. Pretty heavy in the afternoon.

It was a good practice. Poe was a bit sluggish, and a little lacking in his responsiveness towards the beginning of practice. But we got our jell as we went along. I am particularly happy with our ball and cone. Each run was nice and solid. It’s still a total hit or miss in competition depending on Poe’s attitude for the session. But we are not playing it at Mid-Atlantic #1 next weekend anyway (no complaint from me).

I am also pleased with my mounting. I had quite a few mounts and all felt strong and successful. Sadly several of the mounts were so to oops in races. None were that bad except for my 3 mug. It’s not a good race for Poe and I to start with and I am trying it in the opposite position which is just stupidly painful. On past ponies this has been a race that has that sweet rolling feel. But Poe and I just do not have that slickness in this race.

This is the first time I have really gotten to meet Natalie (other than a brief hello I. Passing last year) and her pony, William. This would also have been their first competition this weekend. I was pretty impressed with how far along they are in their games training for being so new to the sport. I can’t wait to see how they do next weekend.

Carol Ann, as always, was on par. Her and Puck were rocking some skills. That pony has come a long way, and he is quick too.

I think we are all ready for the weather to clear and the games season to kick off next weekend.