Our first stessage

Went to do the walk and trot (intro B at Swallowfield today. I've never done a dressage test, and madam has never competed (I've had her 3 months now) so wasn't sure how it would be. But thought only one way to find out!We were slighly hindered as I've had the dreaded swine so she has had a couple of days off but I felt much better today and was adamant we would go!Bathed her, cleaned tack etc and Suzy arrived to plait her mane for me. Madam self loaded and off we toodled.

Life was rather exciting AT swallowfield and she would not stop rearing. Full on black beauty style rearing. I fear I may have sworn rather a lot. It was a serious mission to get her tack on her. Luckily I just know she won't hurt me when on board so clambered on amid rears - as soon as I was on she settled. Always worrying though when a fellow competitor says well done for getting on!

Warmed up beautifully. Couldn't have been more pleased. What a clever girl. The test itself was very tense, first time in an indoor and it was all a bit exciting, but we did everything where we should and when she relaxed I could feel how it will be when it all comes together. Judge's comments were "very tense today but some lovely steps and a lovely little horse".

And we came 4th! Massive :hail: to Suzy who came all the way over to my yard and was generally a total legend, and to Lorna and Kat who dodged flying hooves and were fabby cheerleaders, and of course to my fabby instructor Fran - followed your warm up instructions and they stood us in good stead. Want to do it all again now!