Friday - Day 2 at the Virginia Horse Trials

Let the events begin!

It's been a busy day for us all here at the Virginia Horse Trials. Yesterday gave us all a chance to settle in and get used to layout and grounds. Today has been work for everyone.

It was Susan's first day of competition: Dressage and Show Jumping. After the usual 6 AM feed, groom, and walk the horse, Susan and I set out to walk the Intermediate cross country course - which includes an impressive downback called "Geronimo". When Suan stands next to this jump on the down side, it is ALMOST as tall asher. HOLY COW!

Upon our return, Susan began the routine of braiding and getting herself and her horse ready for Hershey's FIRST Intermediate Horse Trial ... that in itself set the excitement for the day!

In the mean time, Emily and I (Debbie the show mom) set off to volunteer: first as runners for dressage (bringing the tests from the judge to the scoring box) and then helping out with show jumping.

As runners for dressage, we were fortunate to see the all the upper level horses ride, including Susan. Her test was great and Susan was happy with Hershey's performance. We heard the judge say that all the horses in this group rode very well and their score reflected it. All the work Susan and Hershey put in prior to this event paid off!

At 2 PM the show jumping phase started in the VERY IMPRESSIVE Colliseum. This is a large indoor arena with stadium seating in the center of the Virginia Horse Center. It was awe-inspirinG and immediately had you sitting taller in your seat - whether you were in the stands or on a horse.

With Emily as ring steward and I in the timng/scoring booth overhead, Sue and Heshey entered the colliseum ready to go! The Intermediate course was tough and one fence in particular caused some trouble for many riders, including Hershey. Besides that one rai, the rest of the round was perfect and Susan was thrilled with his performance.

Tomorrow Hershey runs Cross Country. Susan has walked the course 2 times already, and as I type this, she is out walking it a third time with long-time friend Karen O'Connor for some last minute tips.

This is so exciting! Can't wait to wish Sue a GREAT RIDE tomorrow! At that time, Emily will also be riding dressage and show jumping. So it looks like another busy day here at VHT!