Prelim 1 at Bodiam International Arena – a huge space and a big ask for both Coralina and myself.
Our yard manager Charlotte Redford organised this first of the Winter series dressage competitions, with her renowned attention to detail and rigorous professional standards. Bodiam International Arena is a vast and impressive space, with fabulous facilities. The arena surface is very deep as it’s used for Western style reining. Coralina looked tiny in the huge space. However the venue was full of very friendly and familiar faces, which made a huge difference in terms of being able to manage my autism related anxiety without transferring any stress to sensitive little Coralina.
Coralina was lucky to travel to the venue with her stablemate and grazing companion the lovely Lainey and her two fantastic young riders Rachel & Natalie, who also had a fantastic day out at their first ever dressage test. Transport was provided by Jo at Equine Express, whose professional handling and implementation of Kelly Marks Intelligent Horsemanship methods were a huge help, while I changed into my show gear and Coralina got a little bit stressed without me at her side.
Coralina danced her way through Prelim 1 like a pro. The best part of the day is Coralina’s original owner and breeder Ethne Clarke and her family came to watch. We were all moved to tears. Here was little Coralina at Bodiam International Arena, the elderly mare Ethne had been advised several times to have PTS, due to a lack of suitable rider. We weren’t perfect, but we were good, really good. Corrie looked amazing and felt fantastic in her new EvoEquine Freedom bridle and as the pictures show she totally enjoyed showing off her dressage moves to her family and friends.
Thank you everyone who helped us get to where we are now – namaste
