CROSS COUNTRY DAY

A hard won 8th place!!!!

Once again Ashley cannot get online to write a report on today's ride, so she called me to post something for her.

Ashley said today's conditions were the worst she has ever ridden in, including fox hunting. The wind chill was reported at 38 degrees, heavy rain during the night made the footing the deepest Ashley has galloped in, and it was raining during her round! Of the 72 horses that were listed on the two-star order of go for cross country, 32 were withdrawn this morning leaving 40 to start. Of those 40, 12 were eliminated or withdrew on course leaving 28. Ashley was the last to go of the 40 starts. She said the footing was so deep she could feel Jet's feet being held down in the mud so that he had to over-jump to get free, and the take-off in front of the jumps was especially cut up from the horses that had gone before her. Perhaps the studs she bought just for the occasion helped. They were the biggest she has ever used.

Ashley said that at first Jet wondered what it in the world she was doing taking him out in the frightful weather, but once Ashley started him galloping in the warm-up he put his mind to his work and made a great run. Nine jumps were removed from the course for safety, but it was still a challenge to do in the conditions. Jet's only sticky jump was the sunken road, which he made a good take-off at, but twisted a little in the air looking for the landing. However, they left the jump behind them without faults. Jet came through without a scratch on him, Ashley reported, and only one lost bell boot. He was very pleased with himself and recovered quickly after the finish. Jet and Ashley had 11.2 time penalties to add to their dressage score, putting them in 8th for the start of stadium!!

The Wetherills were on course to watch the ride and were pleased. Holley and Kristen groomed for Ashley and Brian, Dr. Pat, and Lynn and Craig with their doggie Corey (dressed in his yellow rain slicker) rounded out the team/cheering section.

Tomorrow the soundness trot will be a 9 AM and the jumping will start at 11 AM.

I would just like to add that Ashley's great ride on Jet at this international competition is especially sweet because he is the first horse she has taken to this level that she has trained herself as an event horse. 

Respectfully submitted by Pam Johnson