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Cross Country at Copper Meadows - lessons learned

3/24/2016

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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.
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All about Brad

2/23/2016

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Although we had 4 horses entered in the Fresno County Horse Park Horse Trials event, this dedication and article goes entirely to TF Kriesler aka Brad.
​
Oh Brad.  Never in my life have I ever met a horse quite like Brad. He is large in size and personality; and his ability to passively get whatever he wants in the end is truly amazing.  

He can sometimes drive me crazy on the ground.  He loves all his horse friends and really does not want to go anywhere without them. He doesn't see anything wrong with a few ripped out braids 15 mins before dressage. Or a nap on a "poo pillow" the night before an 8 am trot up.  

Although Brad has a quiet look about him, his mind is always working.  He can pick up any sort of trick or habit incredibly fast. Tonight's feat was escaping out of his stall - THREE TIMES... yes, that was me in my socks and pj's out of my bed in a flash all night long. However, there isn't a mean bone in his body, and he has a heart of gold.  He has moved from Training to Advanced in just a few short years and he is proving to all that he loves the sport and is only getting started.

The Advanced level of eventing has always been something foreign to me. I have only been involved in this sport a few years now, and as I watched Brad and Sara racing across the countryside and flying over huge obstacles, I have to remind myself what a huge deal this is. They made it look so easy!

There is no other horse like that big grey gelding. Exasperating as he can be, anyone who has the privilege to know him personally can't help but feel lucky and blessed.  Without even trying, this big boy has us all brimming with excitement about this year's show schedule . The upcoming trip back down to Californis; a trip across Canada to Quebec for Bromont in June (www.bromontcci.com) and our declaration for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

This show was not only Brad's first Advanced start, but Saras as well. A lifelong dream for any eventer that only a few have the honour to acheive. Not only does it take time and money. It takes that special horse that are few and far between. Against all odds they tackled it will all the gumption and grit only true Canadians possess!

We are so proud of our a 2nd place finish and thank you to everyone for all their ongoing support!  We can't do this without you!...#GoBradGo
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