Sophia has been taking horseback riding lessons since May. Today the school had their in house show. This was the first show Sophia competed in. The in-house shows are informal and a great way to show off what you have learned.
Sophia chose to ride Jenny, a horse she has ridden before. However, Jenny spooked at the very beginning of the show, rearing up with Sophia on her back and me trying to control her. Sophia took this all in stride. The staff quickly helped me get Sophia off that horse and gave her another horse to ride. She rode Noell who she has ridden a lot.
Sophia competed with two other children. The first class was for equitation which is where they judge on form, style and ability while walking, posting trot and two point trot. Sophia took first place in this category.
The next class was pleasure which is where they are judged on keeping a smile while walking, posting trot and two point trot. Sophia took third place in this category. They said sometimes a rider gets so intense when they are riding they forget to show they are having fun. I think it was because she was talking about winning first place while she was in the middle of this competition.
The third class was cross rails. She had to jump over a short cross-rail in two point position. Sophia took first place in this category too.
It was a great day. Sophia enjoyed the event and it was a huge self-esteem booster. She is already confident on the horse, even with it rearing up, but I am sure this just adds to her confidence.
