By Trish Joyce

It was a very different Sunday for Team Joyce because Wes and Tiffany drove the Beast to Maffra Showjumping, whilst Sarah and I went showing down at Wonthaggi Agricultural show with the float. Never before have we spilt like that and it is not something Wes and I like to do, so we won’t be making a habit of it. We all rose early and left roughly at the same time I was to be ready by 9.30am in the HRCAV Ring on LH Lily Puss. It feels very different to say in a blog that I am a member of something. The last time I had a card with my name on it was over 20 years ago so when they arrived in the mail I made a fuss over them getting Wesley’s attention to see its proof Lil Star and I are registered we can compete for real!

Photo supplied by Team Joyce

The process to be assessed was all new to me but we passed and our cards are now officially signed Level 4. I feel I need to get out there and get going, I feel so very nervous it is so ridiculous to think all these years travelling around cheering my family on pumping them up trying my hardest to make sure they all feel on top of the world and nothing is impossible chanting you can do it all day long. Here I am already the day before my stomach churning, questioning myself. Am I ready? Is Lily happy? Can we do it and should I do it seems to be the biggest question. Am I being selfish? is a close second. Anyway, yes my family are very supportive and express heaps of encouragement to get us out there.

This was to be a one off only Team Joyce going in different directions and it was for a few different reasons that I will not bore you with. Anyway I picked up Sarah and Josh on my way to Wonthaggi Showgrounds at 8am leaving plenty of time for the process involved of HRCAV’s must do’s before riding in the ring. Getting Lil Star ready was easy. She just loves all the dressing up, she is a real girl. I did not trim those feathers but they were carefully fluffed up. We had a go in every class available knowing full well we would be in round and out on a few occasions purely because we were no way immaculately turned out to the same level as many other combinations. There were so many stunning riders and horses with plenty of shine plus heaps of bling. Lil and I were the only ones looking a tad different, with me dressed in a polo shirt and riding in a jump saddle!

Me in the polo and jump saddle
Photo supplied by Team Joyce
 

Level 4 was what seemed to attract the most numbers with about 10-12 in each class, Level 5 then 3,2 and 1 with the least. I chatted quite a bit to the other competitors probably due to nerves in the line-up while waiting for others to do a solo workout finding out about different things like using a neutral hoof paint instead of hoof black. I quite liked seeing some of the white hooved horses and as Lil Star has two white ones I think I will try that next time. We attempted five classes and were placed in three, 2nd in our rider, 3rd in mount and most suitable mount. When Wes and Tiffany asked me how we went I initially said, "We won everything we went in". Well, we did in my eyes. I rode around with a smile on my dial and could not stop myself because I was genuinely having an outright wonderful time.

Lil and I in the line up
Photo supplied by Team Joyce

Our first ever real show experience was superb, and I think we shall have another go next month at our local Korumburra Agricultural Show. Team Joyce are working on the Saturday running the Barastoc Local Ring, Sarah is the judge, Tiffany and I are the stewards. We shall attempt to make sure it is fun and enjoyable for all those who enter. Seeing as though the HRCAV classes are on the Sunday, I think it calls for Lil and I to try again. Why not, we only have everything to win. Sarah and I are off to Randall Park Dressage Competition next Saturday so that will be a great day out too.

Lil and I with our winnings
Photo supplied by Team Joyce

Lil and I
Photo supplied by Team Joyce

Have a listen to the Barastoc Chat-ski taken at the Wonthaggi Ag Show with Wayne Laughnan a proud committee member for over 40 years!

Maffra Showjumping
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Tiffany and LH Johnny jumping in the 1.25m by 10am. She said the two rails were purely because she did not have the right pace and after a discussion with her dad decided to change the entry from the 1.15m to having a go in the 1.35m. Her mind was set on getting the pace more consistent. There were 15 combinations entered as some scratched keeping their horses set for the Boneo Cup Show.

Tiffany jumping Johnny
Photo supplied by Team Joyce

Tiffany worked hard and was able to create a constant forward tempo around the whole course. Have a look at the picture showing drive plus concentration approaching the treble.

Tiffany concentrating
Photo supplied by Team Joyce

Having one rail early in the course proved to be a massive reward for the pair. This is certainly a win in the Team Joyce camp. Only three clean rounds were had, so finishing up on your time just out of a bow brought smiles leaving the arena, in the truck all the way home and even re-telling the whole experience over, and over again, as we all tend to do after a grand finish like that.

Smiles leaving the arena
Photo supplied by Team Joyce

Let’s not forget Wezzy as he did take his youngster LH Mr Percival for a look-see in the 1.04m. He was content to say Perci behaved himself and is ready for another outing next week at Lang Lang. This was only his third time out, it takes lots of patience trying to produce young horses no matter what discipline we love doing. Team Joyce are off to Lang Lang Agricultural Show next Sunday to support the showjumping.

Enjoy your riding wherever you may go!