Masterton A&P Show

Friday 15th was a busy day for us! Mum flew up to Gisbourne to pick up our new horsetruck (and yes, drive it all the way back down to Wellington). Fate was on our side too, as our old horsetruck sold the very same day (and the trucks actually crossed paths while heading to their respective new homes). So it was a late night packing everything we'd quickly unloaded from the old truck into the new truck.

Up early on Saturday to get to Solway.. was a good drive though - and lovely weather for the show. Ruby had flat classes and showhunters on Saturday. The flat classes were working hunters (we came 4th in the Open Heavyweight) and also came 4th in the Round the Ring which was lots of fun. Unfortunately I rode quite 'backwards' in the 1m showhunter class, but got myself together a bit more for the 1.15 championship class - which we didn't place in, but got much better jumping style and just working far better as a 'partnership'.

We stayed overnight at Ruby's Mum's place which was great for the horses (nice big paddock to stretch their legs in) while Mum and I tested out the new accommodations in the truck. I slept in the sleeper cab which was toasty warm, and Mum had the luton which was comfy and warm, but we still hadn't worked out how to hook up the power - so was pitch black! Back to the showgrounds on Sunday afternoon for Dan's classes.

I had Dan entered in a few of the Pleasure Hack flat classes, and he really did fantastic. He had matured to the atmosphere heaps since his last outing, and wasn't bothered by the other horses or the loudspeakers or anything. He came home with 2 red ribbons and a blue one - what a mister fancy pants indeed. Trotting & first place in the trotting horse class:

Long rein, and then finished for the day (Mum leading him back to the truck):

So all-up it was a successful outing. Dan certainly enjoyed his flatwork! And not too long now until Ruby begins her eventing season.