Very proud of both of us!

[Rakeli]

I did my first dressage competition of the year on sunday! I am so proud of Jazz, he went really well.

I came third in the Prelim 18, out of juniors, and fourth overall (out of 14!) and third again in the Prelim 4, sixth overall. He was so calm and relexed, totally different to what he used to be, and I'm especially pleased that we did this without having any lessons for four months! (hopefully getting one soon).

But... does anyone else find that other people competing are so unfriendly? I smiled at everyone that went past, only one or two smiled back! And in the warm-up, does no-one know the rules of the school? I got glared at for trying to pass left shoulder to left shoulder, whilst somone else cut across on the diagonal in front of me whilst I was on the circle, forcing me to stop! Only two people were polite to me, out of 30/35? Such bad manners!

[Shiny McShine]

I think, or I hope alot of the rudness comes down to nerves. If you are worried about something you tend to pull into yourself and I would imagine this is the case for alot of people. Either nerves or thinking about their up-coming or past performance. There are always going to be some people who just think they are better than the crowd though.

I think it's a similar situation in the warm-up rings. They are all consumed with their own problems. I don't think that makes it alright though. Safety and consideration for others is always my number one concern! (maybe that is why I don't win more often).

[Kelly_Milton]

Well done on your test.

I did a prelim on saturday at the College EC in Bedfordshire, if you ever get a chance go there. It is a completly different atmosphere. In the practise area they have music playing and everyone is so relaxed, even the horses. A fantastic place to compete. Very nice judges too.

[galadriel]

Congrats to you and Jazz

[Rakeli]

It probably is just nerves, Shiny McShine - but it was really starting to upset me. I was begining to feel like a bit of a freak!

Thanks Galadriel and Kelly, unfortunately I don't think I'll ever be able to compete there. Never mind, though it sounds lovely! I'll just have to put up with the stroppy riders down here !

[Lgd]

Well done! As others have said the straight faces are more to do with concentrating and nerves. However, that does not excuse the poor ring etiquette. If you rode like that at an affiliated competition the other riders or the steward would sharp correct the offenders.