Myself (Ashley Cline) Getting ready for the Under Saddle in the Adult Amateur Hunters 18-35 Winter Equestrian Festival Week 5
It was my first horse show back since 2010 on a horse named Onyx. I showed in the Adult Amateur Hunters 18-35. This class had a huge turnout with over 20 entries! Unfortunately the weather was changing all weekend at the Winter Equestrian Festival, which made it difficult in my case since the horse I was showing hasn’t shown (or jumped much) since October. He was excited to be back in the ring of course, so our scores did not make the cut. In the first 2 rounds on Saturday, I had a deep distance in each one because I was pulling him anticipating a stronger horse. On Sunday, unfortunately screaming children were rolling down the hill at the end of the ring, which caught his attention and also made for a tough ride.
However, We received a 5th in the under saddle class! Onyx is a lovely mover, so we were happy with a pink ribbon (especially with 20+ entries!)
If you notice, I did wear a lighter gray riding coat in the Under Saddle class. Normally in the hunters and equitation courses, riders wear dark colored riding jackets like navy greens and browns. I was determined to “stick out” in the crowd and be seen easily by the judge, and I think wearing this color helped. I also debuted my Ariat Challenge Field Zip II boots- So comfortable!
It was a great first show back, and hopefully more to come this season! Champion in the Adult Hunters 18-35 division was After Five ridden by Stephanie Danhakl, and reserve champion was Lansing ridden by Sheila Motley.
Fabulous horses, great riders, and tons of Fun this past weekend (That’s what matters most!)
Even as a spectator, show jumping is really cool experience!