Most of you are likely curious what happened in the cross-country phase at Copper Meadows – so here is a play-by-play.

Dressage was great.  We have been focusing on dressage since our last trip to California and Brad is on a B12 supplement and helps a lot with his relaxation. As a result, Brad improved in all his movements – yay!  We did lose big marks in one flying change - which was multiplied by 2 - so we got a 2/20 instead of, for example, a 14/20 (a mark of 1 vs an expected 7).  But we were super happy with 4th place after the first phase.

For whatever reason, in the cross country warm-up I felt a little unsure what to do - so I just ran around and jumped - NOT a great plan (well, actually not a plan at all).  Out on the course, it felt the same, I just ran around and jumped. We didn't turn; we didn’t slow down!  Brad ducked out on the B element of the double ditch and brush.  I came around for a second approach, cleared it and carried on. Then another run out at a corner at fence 10B. I decided to call it a day. It wasn't the time nor place to start schooling, I should have done that in the warm-up and missed my chance.
We schooled everything on Monday and Brad felt super. The ditch wall and brush skinny still presented problems, but we got it sorted – with a plan and focus! We jumped all the water lines with no wobbles.

In hindsight, Brad needs more time to rest before we run.  TJ and I powered through the drive down here and he was dehydrated when we arrived and not quite himself.  We have been down here for a while now and are settled at Galway.  With some rest, a routine and some lessons learned I feel recharged and so does Brad.

We will press on to do the Advanced horse trials here at Galway on April 1st (http://eventingscores.com/eventsr/galway/ht0416/) and aim for the CIC 3*** at Twin Rivers. I posted a quote on Facebook that resonates right now “I never lose.  I either win or learn.’  Lesson’s learned J  We are excited for next weekend.