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| Subject: Jumping Goddess! | |
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Author: Melanie |
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Date Posted: 18:35:06 06/17/02 Mon  Melanie put up Princess and hurried to get Goddess. She led the spirited mare up from the pasture and tied her in cross ties. Goddess nudged her, looking for a treat. The gorgeous Arabian mare was slightly taller than Princess, 15 hands, and one year younger. Her coat was like black satin, and her finely dished head with it's large, expressive eyes and dainty muzzle were beautiful. Goddess was her mom's hunter & 3-day eventer, and Melanie loved riding the frisky mare. She quickly groomed her & tacked her up. Then she led Goddess up the hill to the jumping arena she had just left. The jumps had all been 3' for her & Princess, but now they ranged from 2'-9" to the 3'-3". Melanie trotted Goddess around the ring, then cantered her a few laps to warm up. They trotted over the cavelletti and cross rail, and then pulled up for instructions. "Now, I didn't change the course, I just varied the height of the jumps ok? Goddess is a bit tougher to handle than Princess and not as expierenced. Keep a tight rein and if she starts to speed up, circle her ok? Remember, exactly 6 strides before the wall. She'll try to shorten it." Jenny stepped back. "Ok." Melanie gathered the reins and urged Goddess into a canter. The black Arab cantered swiftly to the first obstacal and cleared it with room to spare. She jumped the next 2 neatly and cleanly, with lots of scope. Melanie shortened the reins as they approached a 3'-3" jump. Goddess quickened her pace and extended her stride. "Circle!" Jenny yelled as the jump loomed nearer. Mel gulped and swung Goddess to the right. The mare gave a buck and then collected herself. Melanie turned her to the jump again in a smooth, controlled canter and they soared over it neatly. They jumped the next 5 fences in perfect form. The 6th, another bounce, (3'-3") caught Goddess of guard. She took off late and clipped the top rail, but it stayed in the cup. "Pace her!" Jenny called. 6 strides to the coop! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6!" Goddess tucked her slender legs under her chin and pushed off, flying over it in a smooth arc. They finished the course with no mistakes. "Wow, that was really fun!" Melanie grinned. She dismounted and led the spirited black mare to the barn to be cooled out & fed. After Melanie had helped her mom bring in the horses and feed them, she cleaned her tack and hurried home. [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] |