So dressage was good. Arthur was very good and won by 5 points. I honestly had hoped to do better but the judges said that his trot work was too quick to score any better. This was disappointing to hear as I had intentionally tried to really go for it and have a forward test. I feel bad for Arthur as he did exactly as told. Sigh…
Cross country he was fantastic as well. At the third water complex — an Island bank to a “Shamu” skinny in the water set 3 1/2 strides from the bank — we had, what turned out to be, a very costly moment. On top of the bank dropping back into the water Arthur stifled the rails on top which pitched me forward for the first two strides on landing. I threw myself back in the saddle as I tried to pull right (without knowing where I was), and as soon as I sat up and knew where I was I pulled left hard as I knew I wasn’t on my line. The “shamu” was separately numbered so circling is allowed without penalty. I knew everything happened very quickly (as there were only 3 1/2 strides that all this happened in) so when I got done with the course I inquired immediately about the fence. I know we did not have a run out, to me the video supports what I felt happened, but the ground jury did not rule in my favor. I am very disappointed as I feel like when there is reasonable doubt it should fall in favor of the rider, I understand how it could have looked differently to someone else, but I thought it was not fair for them to have made up their minds prior to talking to me. It is very clear in the video that my horse never glanced off the fence or ran out, it is very clear to me that as soon as I could see where I was I pulled hard left. I have to respect the ground jury’s decision, but I am certain about what happened and am just saddened by it all.
