Region 18 Riders at the Canadians in Dressage

Elaine Ward-Turcotte and KF Almaz+// and Lauren Bailey and ESP Two Moon Junction competed at the Canadians in Regina with their Dressage Horses. Here is the report:

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Well, we are back safe and sound from Regina. No blips or major hold-ups coming back home.
Our trip started out with a breakdown, even before I got to pick Moon and Lauren up. I think back now, as it was a blessing. The fuel lift pump in the truck up and quit between Chatham and London. I managed to get the truck and trailer off the 401 without getting us killed. My truck only had 42K on it when it failed. So much for a new truck!
Thanks to Marilyn Fahringer, she picked up my trailer and Allie at the tow truck guys’ house in Thamesford, and took us to Bill Windsor's farm in Leamington. The next morning I tried to get the truck fixed. The Dodge dealer in Chatham was only 1 of 4 dealerships in southwestern Ontario that had the part, and on a Friday to boot. I felt like I won the lottery! So, 24 hours later from when I started at home, we were on our way from Leamington.
I hate Chicago. It has 2 seasons; either Winter or Construction. I guess August is a Construction season. What a nightmare!
The run through the rest of the US was fine; a whole lot different than I remember 10 years ago when I used to run those roads on a weekly basis.
29 hours later we arrived in Regina, got the horses settled, and had a long nap!
Sunday was spent getting the camp together; we had all the ammenties; fridge, microwave, toaster oven, T.V, and a brand new awning. We brought our bikes, and used them to get back and forth from the stable. The parking lots were always full, so it was real easy to weave through the stables, and park right out in front of our stabling at Milestone.
Monday, the horses were schooled, and were feeling pretty perky. Allie is a real trooper. She felt like she’d only been on a short trailer ride.
We took a trip to the RCMP training facility, and toured the museum. I also left a message for Laura (who groomed for me at US Nationals last year) to give a call so I could see her, as she is in training there right now. It was good to see her, and she is doing great. Only 4 months to go before she is a full fledged Mountie!
Wednesday was Dressage Day. Allie had to be schooled for over an hour; she was being her typical self; not focusing, and I knew that the show ring would blow her mind like last year. We did ok in the Training Level class; 6th place and good enough for a top 10.
Our First Level test was much better, but was disappointed with the same score as the Training Level test. Good enough for 5th place.
Moon was pretty good, but was overwhelmed with the environment in the show arena. He faired OK in the Second Level, but did manage to get it together for the First Level Championship. He made a Top 10, and is now eligible for his Legion of Excellence. I’m really proud of Lauren and Moon; their first National Championship show, and had to compete against professionals.
Thursday was an easy day, and we checked out more of the main ring horses.The main ring was electric as usual with lots of whooping and hollering.
Friday, Allie was a star again in the Half-Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle. Out of 22 horses, we came 6th. The US National Champions did’nt even make the cut! I was the only dressage horse to break top ten in that class. Lauren and Moon did’nt make the cut for the Championship, but with a hunter judge, I’m surprised I even made it.
We left for home on Saturday, and got Moon, Lauren and Bill home in 26 hours. Allie got to relax at Bill Windsor’s Farm in Leamington for over an hour, while we unpacked all of the “Baileys”.
I made it home at 8 last night. Tired, but happy how things went in Regina.