SO if anyone is actually reading this please know that I have been trying and trying to load my test onto you tube but it just won't work! Until today!!! So here is my individual test. I'm sorry that the taping is so shaky but my camera girl did her best!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meICwVsykio
My Freestyle is loading now and will hopefully be on by tonight.
Monika
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Driving Home
Well we are at our last stop in Nampa, Idaho. So far the drive has gone smoothly.
In Topeka,Kansas and much of the drive before it was 43 degrees Celsius. We were all freaking out as we drove trying not to stop so we could keep air flowing through the trailer. It was in the 40's for 4 or 5 hours. I kept talking pictures of the thermometer. It's 40 take a picture. It's 41 take a picture! It's 42 take a picture. Luckily it peaked at 43. See picture above! Nuke got off the trailer surprisingly well. he wasn't sweaty and drank a whole bucket right away. We stayed the night there and woke up at four to avoid to heat. It had cooled to 37 overnight! You really can't avoid it!
Nothing exciting happened the next day or today. Luckily it cooled significantly for most of the day. It was 35 Idaho when we arrived but we were all ok. Since it's not humid it feels so much better. Tomorrow we arrive at home!!! Again, I'll post my ride videos on here asap. Here are some photos from our Team Canada sponsorship photos;
Off to bed. Up at four to get home,
Monika
Nothing exciting happened the next day or today. Luckily it cooled significantly for most of the day. It was 35 Idaho when we arrived but we were all ok. Since it's not humid it feels so much better. Tomorrow we arrive at home!!! Again, I'll post my ride videos on here asap. Here are some photos from our Team Canada sponsorship photos;
 |
| Team Canada West with our 4th place ribbons |
 |
| Team Canada Dressage |
 |
| Team Canada with our Equestrian Factory Outlet jackets!! |
 |
| Shorty! |
Monika
Sunday, 31 July 2011
And it's Over
Well I was meaning to write last night but due to a power outage we did not have internet.
As I had said quickly before, I qualified for the freestyle. I rode yesterday at 3pm. Before my ride there were huge clouds coming in with thunder and lightening. During my warm up Snukey was really spooky and full of energy. The thunder was so loud! Jan kept telling the stewards that this was not safe to be riding in but they basically brushed her off saying it will pass. Well as I walked down the ramp ready to ride my test it started to absolutely pour! Snukey was so spooky, I had to work to get him around the ring.
It was the freestyle and I halt just inside the gate. We were maybe a foot into the ring when I halted because I couldn't get him in. Then as I was cantering out towards the judge he spooked and ran towards the out gate. Luckily I just did a circle and started my half pass way behind in the music. This was not a good start. I finished my test by avoiding the edges. He cantered a few strides in my extended trot but I got a 65.7. I am pleased with this considering I was riding in the middle of a huge thunder storm and he was so spooky. This put me 9th.
Now to rant a little: Only two riders had to ride in the storm; Myself and the girl after me. The last three riders were sent back to the barn and got to ride in the sunshine that evening. The earlier riders also had good weather. I realize that it's the luck of the draw but it was not safe to be riding in. There were rivers flowing down the roads, it was raining so hard. The thunder was so loud and close. They needed to call it. I'm mostly upset because I could have had a much better ride. Oh well
After my ride we raced to the barn in the down pour! There was so much rain coming down that the gravel was washing away and we were completely soaked. I could ring out all my clothes. Poor Monica was supposed to ride one after me. She got completly soaked and was about to go down centerline when they finally called that the storm was too dangerous. She raced back to the barn just in time for the power to go out. It poured and poured for about two hours. The amount of water that came down is amazing! There are lakes everywhere now. The thunder was so loud and so close. When I get home I'll post a little video. We found out later that lightening hit the transformer for the park so there was no power anywhere.
Around 6 they started up the tests again using generators. The music was really quiet but at least it was sunny. Monica finished in silver and another Canadian got gold.Way to own the podium Canada!
Today we work on packing up. The closing ceremonies are later and I'll hop on Snukey and go for a ride. We depart tomorrow early for the four day trek home. Again I don't know how much internet I'll have but I'll try to keep updating just so everyone knows we are safe in our travels. When I get home I'll post videos of all three rides so if you're interested they'll be on blog spot.
Monika
As I had said quickly before, I qualified for the freestyle. I rode yesterday at 3pm. Before my ride there were huge clouds coming in with thunder and lightening. During my warm up Snukey was really spooky and full of energy. The thunder was so loud! Jan kept telling the stewards that this was not safe to be riding in but they basically brushed her off saying it will pass. Well as I walked down the ramp ready to ride my test it started to absolutely pour! Snukey was so spooky, I had to work to get him around the ring.
It was the freestyle and I halt just inside the gate. We were maybe a foot into the ring when I halted because I couldn't get him in. Then as I was cantering out towards the judge he spooked and ran towards the out gate. Luckily I just did a circle and started my half pass way behind in the music. This was not a good start. I finished my test by avoiding the edges. He cantered a few strides in my extended trot but I got a 65.7. I am pleased with this considering I was riding in the middle of a huge thunder storm and he was so spooky. This put me 9th.
Now to rant a little: Only two riders had to ride in the storm; Myself and the girl after me. The last three riders were sent back to the barn and got to ride in the sunshine that evening. The earlier riders also had good weather. I realize that it's the luck of the draw but it was not safe to be riding in. There were rivers flowing down the roads, it was raining so hard. The thunder was so loud and close. They needed to call it. I'm mostly upset because I could have had a much better ride. Oh well
After my ride we raced to the barn in the down pour! There was so much rain coming down that the gravel was washing away and we were completely soaked. I could ring out all my clothes. Poor Monica was supposed to ride one after me. She got completly soaked and was about to go down centerline when they finally called that the storm was too dangerous. She raced back to the barn just in time for the power to go out. It poured and poured for about two hours. The amount of water that came down is amazing! There are lakes everywhere now. The thunder was so loud and so close. When I get home I'll post a little video. We found out later that lightening hit the transformer for the park so there was no power anywhere.
Around 6 they started up the tests again using generators. The music was really quiet but at least it was sunny. Monica finished in silver and another Canadian got gold.Way to own the podium Canada!
Today we work on packing up. The closing ceremonies are later and I'll hop on Snukey and go for a ride. We depart tomorrow early for the four day trek home. Again I don't know how much internet I'll have but I'll try to keep updating just so everyone knows we are safe in our travels. When I get home I'll post videos of all three rides so if you're interested they'll be on blog spot.
Monika
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Individual test
So super quick as I have to run to a team meeting but not only did I finish in the top 15, but I got 6th! I had a super a ride and finished with a 65.5 even with a few bobbles. I'm so happy for my first year here. I rode early and actually sat in 2nd for a good part of the day. I will post the test and pictures and more info about today after the meeting, dinner and the reining finals (got to go cheer for the Canadians!)
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Let The Show Begin!
Long day:
Today things got serious as everyone prepared to ride their first test of the show. Ride order times were picked by the chef so Dalyce went first at 8:06 am then Megan at 9:50 then me at 11:56 and finally Monica at 2;30pm. Dalyce started off with a very respectable test and a score of 61.9% We were happy she was able to ride in the cool of the morning because she has been finding adapting to the heat more difficult. Megan then went in with the composure of a pro and scored very well with a 64. She was definitely the least nervous of all of us and said that compared to eventing she couldn't die out there! By the time my ride came up we were well into the heat of the day and a temperature of 35C.
An hour before my ride time Mom and I went to the trailer to get changed and put up my hair with the huyndreds of pins it needed to stay in place. When we arrived back at Nukes stall to tack up I was horrified to find the stall full of Vets! We had been treating Snookey for a gucky eye for the previous few days and Jan had noticed that it had started swelling over the previous hour so she made an emergency decision to have the vet in to look at it and flush the tear duct. Of course Snookey was not volunteering for this and had his head in the rafters while they tried to put the tube into his nostril. We were literally minutes away from my tack up time when they successfully unblocked the tear duct and I have to say I fell apart and had a good sob in the change room I was so nervous. Monica and Mom consoled me and in the end Snookey was back to normal for my ride. But the whole thing was too nerve wracking for my liking and I definitely don't recommend emergency Vet interventions minutes before your dressage tests!
We tacked up in a hurry and went out to the warm up ring. After the vet drama I felt very calm and I had a super warm up. Mom and Jan stood by the warm up ring with a large pail of ice water to sponge Snookey as he needed it. I was so keen I trotted down the ramp and all the stewards were screaming at me to slow down! Although I felt good about my ride Snookey was spooky and we had a few bobbles in our test so I was disappointed in my score of 63.575 After our test we were rushed to the steward for inspection through a large set of fans and misters and water. In the end Snookey and I coped well with the heat and we felt all our preparations had paid off.
My team was sitting in 3rd for most of the day. We new that if Monica had a good ride we could have a medal. Monica had a very steady ride but finished with a 65.05 which out us fourth! We lost the team medal by .8 of a percent. We are all disappointed but really 4th is still ok!
The opening ceremonies were after all our rides today! It was very weird! We stood out in the sun for like an hour not being able to hear the announcer! But we got pizza after so all is good :D
Tomorrow I ride the individual test at 10:47. I need top 15 to continue on to ride my freestyle. I was 23rd today..... I can do it!!!!!
Wish me luck,
Monika
Today things got serious as everyone prepared to ride their first test of the show. Ride order times were picked by the chef so Dalyce went first at 8:06 am then Megan at 9:50 then me at 11:56 and finally Monica at 2;30pm. Dalyce started off with a very respectable test and a score of 61.9% We were happy she was able to ride in the cool of the morning because she has been finding adapting to the heat more difficult. Megan then went in with the composure of a pro and scored very well with a 64. She was definitely the least nervous of all of us and said that compared to eventing she couldn't die out there! By the time my ride came up we were well into the heat of the day and a temperature of 35C.
An hour before my ride time Mom and I went to the trailer to get changed and put up my hair with the huyndreds of pins it needed to stay in place. When we arrived back at Nukes stall to tack up I was horrified to find the stall full of Vets! We had been treating Snookey for a gucky eye for the previous few days and Jan had noticed that it had started swelling over the previous hour so she made an emergency decision to have the vet in to look at it and flush the tear duct. Of course Snookey was not volunteering for this and had his head in the rafters while they tried to put the tube into his nostril. We were literally minutes away from my tack up time when they successfully unblocked the tear duct and I have to say I fell apart and had a good sob in the change room I was so nervous. Monica and Mom consoled me and in the end Snookey was back to normal for my ride. But the whole thing was too nerve wracking for my liking and I definitely don't recommend emergency Vet interventions minutes before your dressage tests!
We tacked up in a hurry and went out to the warm up ring. After the vet drama I felt very calm and I had a super warm up. Mom and Jan stood by the warm up ring with a large pail of ice water to sponge Snookey as he needed it. I was so keen I trotted down the ramp and all the stewards were screaming at me to slow down! Although I felt good about my ride Snookey was spooky and we had a few bobbles in our test so I was disappointed in my score of 63.575 After our test we were rushed to the steward for inspection through a large set of fans and misters and water. In the end Snookey and I coped well with the heat and we felt all our preparations had paid off.
 |
| During my test. (Jackets were waved) |
 |
| Walking out |
 |
| Name on score board before collective marks |
 |
| The amazing stewards who hand us water! |
My team was sitting in 3rd for most of the day. We new that if Monica had a good ride we could have a medal. Monica had a very steady ride but finished with a 65.05 which out us fourth! We lost the team medal by .8 of a percent. We are all disappointed but really 4th is still ok!
The opening ceremonies were after all our rides today! It was very weird! We stood out in the sun for like an hour not being able to hear the announcer! But we got pizza after so all is good :D
Tomorrow I ride the individual test at 10:47. I need top 15 to continue on to ride my freestyle. I was 23rd today..... I can do it!!!!!
Wish me luck,
Monika
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
The Day of the Jog
Busy day today.
Last night I woke up feeling horrible. At about midnight I puked which actually made me feel better. I managed to sleep the rest of the night until my 5:45 alarm. I still didn't feel great this morning but ate a piece of toast. I was thankful to have only vomited once but was worried that I would be able to ride.
As a team we got 35 minutes in the Rolex arena to let our horses see everything. I managed to hold it together for a whole ride. Snukey was awesome! We worked a short but intense workout. Since I didn't know my ride time for tomorrow until this evening we wanted to be sure that I could do a quick warmup and be ready for my test if it was really hot.
The jog: well I passed! I never was worried about it though. I went at about 4:30pm in the brutal heat. All of team Canada dresses the same for the jog. You can see the attire in the photo's below. I had to wear a navy blazer and long pants in the brutal sun. It didn't help that I wasn't feeling great and that our Chef D'Equipe sent us out 30 minutes before we actually had to jog! Anyway It's over and I survived!
We got out ride times for tomorrow at about 8 this evening! I ride at 11:56. It will be hot but they have waved coats for the test tomorrow. This means I can where a polo shirt. I don't even have to wear a stock tie!
Well a bunch of other stuff happened today but nothing really important. I'm going to get lots of sleep tonight and hope for a happy tummy tomorrow.
Wish me luck,
Monika
Last night I woke up feeling horrible. At about midnight I puked which actually made me feel better. I managed to sleep the rest of the night until my 5:45 alarm. I still didn't feel great this morning but ate a piece of toast. I was thankful to have only vomited once but was worried that I would be able to ride.
As a team we got 35 minutes in the Rolex arena to let our horses see everything. I managed to hold it together for a whole ride. Snukey was awesome! We worked a short but intense workout. Since I didn't know my ride time for tomorrow until this evening we wanted to be sure that I could do a quick warmup and be ready for my test if it was really hot.
 |
| Stretching in the Big ring |
 |
| Letting Snukey see everything. |
The jog: well I passed! I never was worried about it though. I went at about 4:30pm in the brutal heat. All of team Canada dresses the same for the jog. You can see the attire in the photo's below. I had to wear a navy blazer and long pants in the brutal sun. It didn't help that I wasn't feeling great and that our Chef D'Equipe sent us out 30 minutes before we actually had to jog! Anyway It's over and I survived!
 |
| At the jog |
 |
| Team Canada West JR with our Chef. (we all have chestnut geldings!) |
We got out ride times for tomorrow at about 8 this evening! I ride at 11:56. It will be hot but they have waved coats for the test tomorrow. This means I can where a polo shirt. I don't even have to wear a stock tie!
Well a bunch of other stuff happened today but nothing really important. I'm going to get lots of sleep tonight and hope for a happy tummy tomorrow.
Wish me luck,
Monika
Monday, 25 July 2011
Hello again,
We didn't have very exciting day yesterday so I didn't blog! I don't want to bore anyone!
I woke feeling quite sick. I think I got dehydrated the day before. I started to feel better after breakfast so I went and rode. This was my first real ride where Snukey actually felt like himself. We had fabulous canter work and finished with an amazing extended canter.
The rest of the afternoon was filled with relaxing and swimming in the pool. Slowly the Canadians who have sorter drives were trickling in. We went for dinner just us girls who have Leslie as our Chef D'equipe. It was really nice to get to know each other. Everybody is so nice!
Today we woke up to a huge morning thunderstorm. It was pouring and the thunder was sooo loud!!! It did this for a few hours so my ride was postponed. Tomorrow we get to go into the Rolex ring and school as a team for 35 minutes. Wednesday and Thursday are show days. We don't want to go into a the show with a tired horse so I just did 45 minutes of walking around. It was super relaxing and I got to stare at all the other riders! I finally remember to bring the camera to the barn! Moms photography skills are a bit limited but you get the idea.
The stables are very full now. I'm getting to meet a lot of the other Canadian riders. We had a Christmas in July today when we got a ton of sponsorship stuff. Apparently in the previous years most sponsors do not sponsor all of Canada but west or east. This year everything was for everyone across Canada. Thanks to Ogilvy for three fabulous saddle pads. Thanks to Equestrian Factory Outlet for the amazing polo shirts,hat and jacket. And to the Dodd family for the jacket, shirt and goodies.
We had a practice jog today with Leslie Reid and Albrecht Hiedeman. For those of you that don't know what a jog is, it's where you run with your horse in front of vets and judges who check to be sure that your horse is not "limping" or lame as we call it. If you do not pass the jog you can not ride in the competition. Getting to practice was great because I had no idea what to do! I have no worries about Snukey passing.
I'm starting to get very excited now! Things are finally starting up! Tomorrow is the jog, a meeting and riding in the 'big' ring. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.
Off to tuck Snukey in,
Monika
We didn't have very exciting day yesterday so I didn't blog! I don't want to bore anyone!
I woke feeling quite sick. I think I got dehydrated the day before. I started to feel better after breakfast so I went and rode. This was my first real ride where Snukey actually felt like himself. We had fabulous canter work and finished with an amazing extended canter.
The rest of the afternoon was filled with relaxing and swimming in the pool. Slowly the Canadians who have sorter drives were trickling in. We went for dinner just us girls who have Leslie as our Chef D'equipe. It was really nice to get to know each other. Everybody is so nice!
Today we woke up to a huge morning thunderstorm. It was pouring and the thunder was sooo loud!!! It did this for a few hours so my ride was postponed. Tomorrow we get to go into the Rolex ring and school as a team for 35 minutes. Wednesday and Thursday are show days. We don't want to go into a the show with a tired horse so I just did 45 minutes of walking around. It was super relaxing and I got to stare at all the other riders! I finally remember to bring the camera to the barn! Moms photography skills are a bit limited but you get the idea.
 | |
| Walking around the schooling ring. One of the many feids filled with cross country jumps is in the background. |
 |
| Mom took this photo by accident today when she couldn't figure out the camera settings. I like it! |
The stables are very full now. I'm getting to meet a lot of the other Canadian riders. We had a Christmas in July today when we got a ton of sponsorship stuff. Apparently in the previous years most sponsors do not sponsor all of Canada but west or east. This year everything was for everyone across Canada. Thanks to Ogilvy for three fabulous saddle pads. Thanks to Equestrian Factory Outlet for the amazing polo shirts,hat and jacket. And to the Dodd family for the jacket, shirt and goodies.
We had a practice jog today with Leslie Reid and Albrecht Hiedeman. For those of you that don't know what a jog is, it's where you run with your horse in front of vets and judges who check to be sure that your horse is not "limping" or lame as we call it. If you do not pass the jog you can not ride in the competition. Getting to practice was great because I had no idea what to do! I have no worries about Snukey passing.
I'm starting to get very excited now! Things are finally starting up! Tomorrow is the jog, a meeting and riding in the 'big' ring. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.
Off to tuck Snukey in,
Monika
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)