Part 2 of Family visit!

Here are the photos of the non horse activities from my family's visit.  I am very thankful for the opportunity to travel a bit and see Europe while I am here.  I hope to plan more small excursions on my days off.  For now, it's back to work!  The horses are doing well, although it is already getting chilly and the hours of daylight are dwindling.  I love the cool temperatures, but I'm worried about the fact that there will only be 7 or 8 hours of daylight everyday.  Denmark is far from Florida :) 

Advertising for the European Eventing Championships on the walking streets in Sweden.

Ocean looking across to Denmark.

Cool architecture in Sweden.  

Stumbled upon the XC course from the Championships! 

Copenhagen market. 

Found some horses, can't be away for too long.

Window reflection.

The pretty canal in Copenhagen.

 Nice to see blue skies!

 Artsy photo of an art exhibit.  

Toured the Carlsberg Brewery with Dad.

Number 2: 

http://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50-winners/

Pretty street. 

Street art.

More street art in progress. 

Part 1 of Family visit!

I had a great visit with my family!  During the week, we traveled to local towns to look around and then ended their stay with a weekend in Copenhagen.  I will post photos of our non equine activities in the next post.  It was sad to see them go, but things at the barn are getting busier so there isn't much time to dwell.  

I was lucky enough to watch 3 days of competition at the European Championships in Herning.  As amazing as it was to watch the finished product from the grand stands, I had an equally great time watching the warm up.  It is interesting to see how the top riders access their horses gears.  It is also quite exciting to watch the grooms and pit crews in action.  The whole venue and atmosphere of the championships was infectious!! 

 View going into the arena.

 View from our seats for the Grand Prix. 

 Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro warming up.

 Ed Gal and Undercover getting ready to go in the arena.

 Watching the warm-up in person and the competition on a big screen.  I'm spoiled!

 Charlotte's crew moves in.

 Last minute words. 

 Like the outfit of the Dutch grooms!

 So awesome.  Teammates!

 Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill heading to the arena.  

 Playing with the babies.  

 Bob on the prowl! 

 Dino and I. 

Tyson. 

Just Photos!

Long time no blog post I know, and I have no excuse as things have been relatively quiet here.  When I was looking at all the photos I've taken since my last entry, it is very apparent how much has happened!  Things continue to go smoothly, horses are good, all is well.  I am going to The European Championships in Herning tomorrow so I will be sure to post a detailed update soon.  I am so excited! Enjoy the photos, there will be more words next time :) 

 Working hard :) training Bob!

 Bob helping us clean 

 Treats from Germany.

 Delicious and artistic! 

 After work trip to Aarhus.

 Aarhus.

 Can't walk by an ice cream shop without stopping... 

 Cafes and shops Aarhus. 

 Neat bike! 

 Found a Fjord farm on a bike excursion!!! 

 YUM.  We got a generous scooper today. 

 First rainbow in a week of many.

 Biking after the storm. 

 Babies and field horses. 

 Love the hair!  

 More rainbows... 

 Night check.  The sun is back! 

KunstCentert Silkeborg Bad fountain.  

So disgusting (and the smell!) but somehow beautiful.   

Silkeborg Show

At out most recent show right in Silkeborg, sitting at the side of the arena, I was reminded of yet another valuable piece of Pam's (Goodrich) advice: Don't win the warm-up.  I got to watch a good bit of both warm up and competition.  I was watching an L class, which is equivalent to First Level (this is also the level I competed in.) 

I saw both young horses with professionals, and school horses with inexperienced riders.  It is intimidating to see some of these young horses move... they are unbelievable.  The combination of being well ridden and environmentally stimulated (thus moving with their toes around their ears and their hocks hitting their stomach!) makes them seem unbeatable.  But I observed many horses go into the competition ring and change. For some, their gaits became earthbound when the whip was taken away since it is not allowed to show with a whip here. Some hot horses were unable to deal with the change of venue and were excused. I saw some sloppy riding and careless mistakes. It was a good reminder that every movement counts equally, whether it is an extended trot or a halt.  

It seems obvious to take your best performance into the competition arena, but it is also easier said than done.  Test riding is a skill that is completely different from the ability to train and ride a horse at home. During a competition, it seems nearly impossible to make a correction that looks effortless, continue to ride an accurate test, and most importantly, train and help the horse so it doesn't happen again. I have always tried to figure out what exactly makes a good show rider because I personally find it difficult, as I think many do!  It is so frustrating to have a great warm up, but then upon entering the arena have things fall apart. I am constantly trying to figure out this odd mixture of criteria.  I was happy with my second test on Dino because I was able to ride through it and he was right there with me.  It is a lot to ask of any horse, especially a 5 year old! 

 Precious.  Bob likes the bike too! 

 Yearlings, 2 year olds and pony.  New field yipee! 

 Learned a new braiding technique.  

 Dino and I at the show. 

4th place, 69%!

9:45 pm awards!

 Volunteering as jump crew at the show (Kathryn in red hat)

 The jumping field.

 Volunteering in the kitchen at the show.  Out of my comfort zone!

Off road.