It's been a busy year and the 2009 show season has finally come to an end. We finished the year off with a trip to the Ram Tap Championships in Fresno. Holly (riding Rigs) and Gill (on Cash) were both qualified for the Novice Championship class. Both riders put in competitive dressage tests, Holly with a 32.5 and Gill with a 35.5, however x-c day wasn't meant to be. Holly had a very good go until about 2/3 of the way around the course when a small down bank into the water surprised Rigs and they had a very uncharacteristic stop on course. Holly made a good recovery to finish with just the one stop. Holly did have a fabulous sj round on Sunday, but finished out of the ribbons. Cross country day never came to be for Gill and Cash, when Saturday morning Cash came out of his stall very lame. Luckily after some probing by the show vet, it was determined he had an abscess. So Cash was withdrawn before the fun even began. Look out for them next year!

The best part of the show was Bob riding his own Lady Claire. Despite a few minor spooks in the dressage, Bob rode Claire around x-c and stadium with determination to finish on their dressage score! This was their first recognized away event and the first time Bob has completed a recognized show. I am so proud of Bob!

The summary of the event is for me very indicitive of the way the year has gone. A pleasant surprise, a hiccup, and an unavoidable lamness. I am very much looking forward to 2010!