Alabama Winter Tournament Association, 2024-2025 #2
Heathermoor Farm
Leeds, AL USA
Saturday 18 January 2025
Both classes with Diego. Yup, he rides & drives. What a star.
14. Masters Pleasure 50+ – 1st of 1
27. Academy Driving – 1st of 1
Thank you to the Mullins family for the debonair Diego. Thank you to Couch Courtney and the entire Stepping Stone Farm crew.
Previous show [The Winter Blues You Want, Show Report AWTA 2024-2025 #1]
Riding
We had a bit of a hard time going around the indoor ring because Diego had NEVER, EVER seen the doors to the outside, or, oh heavens, the windows into the viewing lounge, despite having been in three classes already that morning. Well, maybe? Some horses would think the ring looks different when they are in it by themselves. OTOH, some horses use spooking as an excuse for not putting forth effort. Hoof to forehead, I can’t possibly work under these conditions. I think he buffaloed me.
We made a complete hash out of our first canter transition. Took me several tries. Coach James thought I let him get into my head. I think it was the opposite. Canter is usually my strong suit. I’m so used to it working that when it didn’t, I sort of sat there and said, Wait? What? Tiredness may have made me a bit casual. Canter transition the second way was flawless, although we downshifted to trot early. I tried to regroup for a stride or two, then declared victory and lined up.
Driving
When making turns in a ring, one must completely finish the first corner by the time one gets to C, i.e. crosses the centerline. It’s easy to underturn, leaving too much work for the second corner. Particularly in a narrow ring. I am capable of a smooth, even turn.
Unfortunately, I can either steer or drive the horse. [Taking Turns see last comment]
Fortunately, Diego is wonderful and basically followed the cart tracks laid down by coach James when they warmed up. [AWTA #1]
Strangely, tricky maneuvers are easier at speed.
Coda
As always, when writing one leans on the bad moments learning opportunities for their narrative potential. There were many more good moments,
You did not misread the title. Part 1 is next. As with the previous show, I did not ride in the early classes. This time for a fun reason. More tomorrow.
Update. Photo updated. Originally posted directly from phone.
Onwards!
Katherine
Virtual Brush Box 
Go, blues!
Jane
💙