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