Road Trial Pics

When my good friend Jim mentioned to me at dinner tonight that it had been a while since I had posted to the blog, I knew I'd better get something up there! Let's just say that time flies when you're having fun and it seems like just yesterday that Jazz and I competed in the Road Trial at Dal Nationals.

Anyway, here are some of the photos from the official photographer at the Road Trial:

Jazz's formal win photo.

Jazz and Winchester on the speed exercise. This was technically supposed to be a hand gallop, but because of the wet, muddy conditions in the field where we did the testing, the judge allowed a quick trot.

Out on the trail. While it looks like a nice green field, it was actually a field of standing water!

Jazz hocking with Winchester during our obedience exercises.

This last picture isn't from the official photographer. It was sent to me by Peggy Strupp, and that's her Dal Rad. I just wanted everyone to see the kind of conditions we were dealing with. This was the typical condition of most of the 12.5 miles that we traveled that day!! We had to pass through this section of trail FOUR times, and you can see that Rad is trying to carefully pick his way through the less muddy portion.

The day before the trial, we took a course familiarization ride without the dogs. Our course was convoluted and difficult to remember because they had to make changes from their original plan because of the conditions. I was making notes as I rode along in the hopes of keeping it all straight the next day. By the morning of the trial, they had to change the course yet again because a portion of it that we had ridden the evening before was now under water!!

Now, neither Jazz nor I are big fans of being cold, wet, and dirty, so I still can't believe that we did this...and had a great time!! I've been married to Jim for 26 years, and he said he had never seen me so dirty...and I was the one on the horse, not running through the mud like Jazz did! What a hoot! Can't wait to do it again.

As soon as I get some decent pictures, I have a very special introduction to make to all my blog friends. Stay tuned!!!