Two from two!!

Well we had the perfect start to the season over the weekend with Da Vinci taking out both classes he was entered in. It was a big ask for a not quite 5yo at his first ever show to be competing in two Level 2 tests, including the ‘Challenge’ class, but he rose to the occasion. The first test he won convincingly on a score of 71.923%. In the second he was noticeably tired – it was a two hour trip to the show and I think it was probably the first time he had ever been ridden twice in a day – certainly the look on his face when I saddled him up again was less than impressed. Despite this and not being forward enough, his class won through and he scored a 66.538% which was just enough to take out the win. He handled the trip with ease, and performed impeccably at all times which convinces me he will be a true competitor. Not only that but in his very first outing he has easily qualified for the Young Dressage Horse finals. This gives me the opportunity to select our shows and classes with care for the rest of the season, competing only to gain mileage and confidence and develop him into the top level athlete I know he will become. So excited!