Fourth Level debut!

[DJR]

This post is late because of the time it’s taking me to tend to Finn, my injured horse, but I’m so happy to report that I debuted Jet at Fourth Level two weeks ago!

I’m SO proud of him. This was a horse that could NOT do a flying change to save his life just three years ago, and it took three years to get them more solid. He would NEVER change behind before. Now, he always tries & is very obedient to the aids, occasionally has both hinds hopping together or, less commonly, is a stride late. But he also has more and more clean changes as he gains more strength & learns to keep his hind leg quick.

Anyway, we did 4-1 and earned a very healthy 66% mark!!!! I was hoping to be at least at 60% so that was a joy to receive. Lots of complimentary comments and a couple of 8’s, several 7’s, and the rest 6’s (and a 5.5 for a very botched change caused entirely by me!).

Here are a couple of photos of this non-purpose bred gelding who continues to amaze me and help me work my way up the levels!

Trot half-pass.

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(I have NO idea what my left arm is up to here ... ugh!!!)

My handsome boy, gleaming in the sunlight!

Yay, Jet — now on to 4-2 and 4-3, which are pretty big jumps but we’re schooling them fairly well at home so ... ya never know ... we may be able to show them by late summer!

Approach to the walk pirouette.

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[StraightForward]

Wow, congratulations! Glad to see you have some good news in the midst of all the difficulties!

[Moutaineer]

Really well done! Congratulations!

Happy to.see a big point of gleaming light in your life at he moment, and I hope you are starting to see some progress with Finn.

[KathyK]

Really well done! Congratulations!

Happy to.see a big point of gleaming light in your life at he moment, and I hope you are starting to see some progress with Finn.

Wow, congratulations! Glad to see you have some good news in the midst of all the difficulties!

Echoing these sentiments, and adding that you demonstrate that perseverance has great rewards.

[piedmontfields]

DJR, that is a wonderful achievement with your beautiful boy! Really happy for you and inspired, too.

[Sunshine2Me]

That's an awesome report, and you and your boy both look mahvelous!!!!

[Kyra's Mom]

...and in a snaffle

Congratulations.

Susan

[Tanga]

Good job. I love how up he looks in the collection in front and stepping behind in your walk.

[Sue B]

Congratulations, Deanna. Truly a wonderful job you have done with him.

Still jingling for Finn too.

[khall]

Big congratulations!! I know you are so stoked and should be. I hope this is a bright enough ray of sunshine to help with the troubles you have faced recently with your other horses.

And yes jingling for Finn, long road ahead for you and him, but definitely looking better.

[DJR]

Thanks everyone!

Yes, he’s still in a snaffle. We’re not even thinking about a double at this point. He tends to suck back SO easily that the snaffle is best, at least for now. Although, I’ve never used a double before so the “oooo, fancy!” part of me wants to try it! LOL.

I appreciate the comment about how “up” he looks. He feels that way, too, and it’s been a long slog to get there. Just yesterday during my ride my daughter commented — just during the warm-up — on how ‘up’ he looks these days. I feel it most in his canter work, but it’s evident now in all his gaits. Heck, we even got a ‘7’ in one of our medium trots not long ago which is a first for him!!

As for Finn, it’s coming along. I *have* to be patient as it is SO easy to get discouraged. I still have strong waves of grief washing over me for what happened to him, and for Pan’s death. Last night when I was feeding everyone, I went to the gate he’s normally standing behind (and getting in my way) and felt tears streaming down my face. I just miss him ...

[fergusnc]

I am just so impressed by your strength and your dedication. The fact that you manage to get your teeth brushed each day with all you have gone through/are handling is absolutely mind boggling, let alone get to work, ride, and SHOW a horse. I am so happy for your bright spots. You deserve them!

[exvet]

Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment and with style. He really does look like a 'real' dressage horse with beautiful frame. I have a feeling that you often pull off you best in the face of adversity <wink> Still you deserve a huge pat on the back as does Jet

[Kelo]

Deanna, congratulations on this long and wonderful road. You have overcome and dealt with SO MANY challenges, and always keep going and achieving, and it's so inspirational. You guys look great. I am so happy for you!

[Flight]

Congratulations!! Great score too. It's hard getting those changes so very exciting when they work.

[PhoenixRising]

How exciting! Congratulations!

[LeoApp]

That is an amazing accomplishment! I never would have thought he could do 4th when you first got him.