By Sarah Joyce

Mum asked me to write this blog because she felt it would be more personal. You all know I am a full time student studying up here at Wagga Wagga, and my course is a busy one attending classes every day starting 9am till 4pm, sometimes later. But I always make time to ride my Abli whether it’s first thing in the morning before classes start or after, now that daylight savings has finished riding at sunrise seems to be the better option. The agistment property is nice and close and the friends I have made there encourage me to visit as often as I can. A lovely lady Bee instructs me in Dressage when funds allow it haha, I do a lot of trail rides with Georgina, we enjoy each other’s company immensely, they are a must to keep LH Albert and myself refreshed. I have a bit of my mum in me she is one who loves trail riding and I do to.

Dad and mum joined me up in January with the Wagga Wagga & District Adult Riders Club thinking this would give me many more options to meet new people and compete more locally with Albi. I was to start studying in the first week of February and the rally was that same weekend, I was looking forward to it. All the people I met on the day were very friendly and welcoming; I enjoyed my lessons and could not wait for more of it. It was only a short drive as well from the campus which helps minimise the cost of fuel. I would prefer to spend my dollars on lessons and competitions if I can. I was graded Level 1 in Dressage which at first shocked me a bit because I was not sure if we were ready for some of the movements set on the tests , but with more lessons and practise it would give us more to work on. It felt great to be part of a nice encouraging club, thank you Renae & Kalindi for everything you have done to make me most welcome.

There was another plan in the pipeline which was to attend the Bendigo & District Adult Riding Club HRCAV Dressage Jackpot held at Elmore on the Sunday 10th April. This worked in my schedule perfectly because I finished the first semester of University on the Friday and was going home with Albi. Instead I could go via Elmore to compete. It would be the first competition where we camped overnight and placed LH Albert in a stable.

Josh making sure Albi is relaxed and happy on arrival

Sarah and LH Albert ready to go

On sunrise I awoke yes quite nervous thinking of my tests, going over them in my mind and trying to remember the pattern. LH Albert slept well. I could tell because he felt warm under his rug , and he had that calm soft look in both eyes and stood perfectly for me to plait him. The first test was good. I had one error of course; I can definitely improve on that. The second test in my eyes was not as fluent as the first one, but not bad by any means. We could do all the movements and I came away with things I know we can work on over time.

This included: Shoulder In Travers and the final centreline halt. During the first semester on campus the Student Equine Club held a Dressage Protocol Night where riders could go along and be critiqued by a judge on any Dressage Test and attempt it a second time to try and improve on the judge's suggestions. Practise makes perfect they say, and this was definitely something Albi and I will be doing more of next semester.

So I went back and un-plaited, brushed and kissed my beloved best friend feeling very content with our ride. I went over to the office to await the results and to my utmost shock LH Albert achieved outstanding results, way and above expectations! He placed 2nd in the Test 1.2 and 1st in Test 1.3.

Sarah's boyfriend Josh is a wonderful support in every way.

Which meant he was the Overall Jackpot Winner. How could that be? I checked and re-checked quietly, gazing at our names and feeling overwhelmed. I was tickled pink inside and could not wait to tell Albert, plus ring Dad and Mum. The Overall presentation was a Kentucky Equine Research voucher valued at $80.00 ,  The Worlds Best Hoof Oil showbag full of goodies, 1st & 2nd ribbons and a beautiful Jackpot Winner Saddle Saver made by Sandveck embroidered winner so I see it every day and a huge sash all to be proudly tied around Albi’s neck to show him he was the winner , I needed to make sure he knew exactly how wonderful he performed today. I talk to him all the time, so surely he understands some of what I say.

Sarah hugging Albi

Sarah with the ladies who kindly ran the event
 

How proud these two Jackpot winners look!

I am also proud to say Dad and Mum's stud Lals Haven Warmbloods was also successful on the Hunting field with Stephen Valentine riding LH Mr Perci and Showjumping with Rose Prosenik LH Warsaw winning the Farmworld Amateur class on Saturday and overall Amateur title plus Open 1.20m on Sunday proudly showing off a rug. As well as being updated on Oaks Volta’s weanling LH Voldo  owned by the McNair family, and yearling LH Voltage owned by the Harnett family in their new homes.