Daughter competed this w/e (w/ pics)

[Nimbus65]

My 12-year-old competed in our yard's Challenge Cup this Saturday . . . it's just a bit of fun. She rode in Class 1 (dressage and jumping) and came 4th out of 12. Class 2 was for older novice-y kids - same test as Class 1 but w/ bigger jumps. Class 3 was for the bigger/more competent girls - dressage (a proper affiliated novice test), jumping and then cross country. Em won her class last year but she rode more (ahem) challenging ponies this year so she's pleased with her result. Class 2 next year!

It was a lovely afternoon - everyone rode well, no injuries and then everyone celebrated with a barbecue and tug-of-war (staff versus the children).

Here are some pics.

Getting ready for dressage:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/TillysPlace/Challenge%20Cup%202008/Emily%20Challenge%20Cup/DSC_0062.jpg

Sorting out stirrups (little grey pony is Molly - my 10-year-old competed on her a month or so ago):

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/TillysPlace/Challenge%20Cup%202008/Emily%20Challenge%20Cup/DSC_0067.jpg

Posing for the camera and warming up:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/TillysPlace/Challenge%20Cup%202008/Emily%20Challenge%20Cup/DSC_0082.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/TillysPlace/Challenge%20Cup%202008/Emily%20Challenge%20Cup/DSC_0085.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/TillysPlace/Challenge%20Cup%202008/Emily%20Challenge%20Cup/DSC_0081.jpg

Jumping (ok, no actual jumping shots - I was too nervous) - little chestnut-y boy is Monty:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/TillysPlace/Challenge%20Cup%202008/Emily%20Challenge%20Cup/DSC_0096.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/TillysPlace/Challenge%20Cup%202008/Emily%20Challenge%20Cup/DSC_0095.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/TillysPlace/Challenge%20Cup%202008/Emily%20Challenge%20Cup/DSC_0098.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/TillysPlace/Challenge%20Cup%202008/Emily%20Challenge%20Cup/DSC_0094.jpg

Watching the big girls go across country:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/TillysPlace/Challenge%20Cup%202008/Emily%20Challenge%20Cup/DSC_0427.jpg

I didn't even get a picture of her collecting her rosette - I was too busy scoffing a hamburger - bad Mummy!

Such a fun afternoon.

N

[scottishterrier]

great pics, looks like a fun day x

[immi]

Fab piccies - the grins show it all - well done - sounds like a really good day.

Thanks for sharing

[laceyfreckle]

great pics...she looks like she's had a great time:D

[Soot]

Look at that smile!
:D
That's what it's all about

[S_F_S]

Does she ever stop grinning? Lovely heartwarming pics!!

[Mary Poppins]

She looks like she is having such a good time. Really lovely pics.

[elaine@dow-evan]

Looks like she didnt stop smiling all day...lovely pics thanks for sharing.

[orbvalley]

Ditto re the smile, she looks sooo happy. Nice to see as sometimes I wonder if the tiddlywinks that ride at my RS are happy to be there. Long may she continue to enjoy it.

[Nimbus65]

They all had a good time - it was a really lovely afternoon. I have a fabulous photo of the winner of Class 3 crossing the finish line on the cross country course w/ the most enormous smile on her face. We only had one faller on the cross country course - one girl came off twice at the same fence but got back on (w/ a smile on her face) and finished. We had tears in the showjumping . . . two youngsters in Class 2 had run-outs on their (own) ponies, but both completed. Other than that, it was smiles all round. Next big show is the Pairs competition (showjumping and cross country) and then the Christmas Cracker - mine certainly won't be doing the Pairs, but I think they both want to enter the Christmas Cracker.

Thanks for all your kind comments.

N

[posie]

bless her - she looks like she had a fabulous time! i love the fact she has an ear to ear grin in every picture - shuch a refreshing change to sullen looking riders!
x

[dansmum]

Ahhh what a bonnie wee girl she is and is obviously loving every minute of it - well done:D

[Skippys Mum]

Well done. Ditto everyone else, doesnt she look like she's having a ball:D

[Camyds]

Smiling kids, shiney ponies and lovely sunshine, FANTASTIC!!! thats what fun with your ponies is all about................takes me back!!!!!!! ****sigh****

[Trundlecat]

What fantastic pics! They really capture the spirit of the day. Thank you for sharing :)