I was really looking forward to riding the Grand Prix Special at the Regional 3 Championships at the Global Show Grounds, Wellington, Florida which took place last week. Although I was a late entry, I was accepted. To my surprise some 400 horses participated in the show competing in five rings.
On arriving, the grounds were so full of horse trailers and trucks that I had to park, as did others, outside of the show grounds at the nearby Palm Beach Equine premises. For such a large and crowded event, the organizers are to be complimented, as they did a magnificent job of arranging the classes like clockwork, the multiple vendors offered engaging shopping for those who had the time and importantly the food was good.
Although the Special is a somewhat longer test it is very enjoyable to ride as it has great flow. The elasticity of the horse can be shown to advantage through the transitions from passage to extended trot. It feels as if you are “floating” through the test. The canter also has a similar flow minus the center line with the pirouettes to one temp’s back to a pirouette. As the pirouette has a very sharp turn you have to properly set up and prepare through the corner; otherwise trouble. With Vitall it’s “up in the shoulder” for entry then a turn on the center line, count three strides then a turn into the pirouette with a straight-out finish followed by a few strides to commence the nine ones to the next pirouette.
Vitall has really progressed and is now very fit and supple and has finally adjusted to the Florida climate. He has always had an excellent work ethic and I could not ask for a better horse with which to share the experience.
About a month ago, I started training with Juan Matute and I am thoroughly enjoying working with him as he has great technical depth, passion and an attention to detail that is truly amazing. I have already learnt quite a number of new techniques that are directed to optimizing Vitall’s potential. Juan constantly keeps the work interesting. For example riding the piaffe and passage on curve lines, shoulder in, half passes rather than on straight lines. It’s very gymnastic and keeps the rider and horse focused and challenged in a good way as opposed to repetition.
The Wellington Season is coming up fast and my training and competition plan is well designed for both myself and Vitall. I just cannot believe I have been in Wellington for almost a year.
It feels as if I only left Europe yesterday.
