DESERT INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW DESERT CIRCUIT CSI 3 MARCH 7 - 12, 2023 #5563 | SOLDIER
After Amigo retired, I became a rider without a horse...which feels like a common obstacle all new riders and eventers face. With only a week away to our next competition, my hopes were diminishing that I would even actually get to compete in the Thermal Show. But my trainer, Victoria wouldn't give up. She called one of her favorite horse owner and trainer contacts on a Thursday and on Saturday at 6 am, we headed to Temecula to meet and try out a couple of horses that were readily available to compete the next Thursday in Thermal, California.
The first horse I tried out was a Mare, Swiss Miss, but she wasn't for me. Then Keirsti dismounted a bay gelding, Union Soldier. The arena was wet from the rains, but Soldier was sure-footed and responsive. The puddles didn't bother him either, he just strode right through them without breaking his stride. He was strong, but sweet. Keirsti explained to us that we could use him next weekend for the show, but he was booked for a movie shoot and the main actress would need him back as he was the safest jumping horse Keirsti liked to use for shoots with actors. Of course I was excited all the way home to Los Angeles, the problem was solved! I would be able to compete in Thermal that coming Thursday through Sunday!
I began to refer to Union Soldier as "Hollywood" because he was my movie horse for the weekend. He was trailered from Temecula to Thermal on Wednesday and I'd be able to meet him again on Thursday in Thermal and hack ride him then compete with him on Friday and for the weekend.
We were new to each other but I was confident we'd be competitive and work together and try to win, just the two of us.
For our first competiton together and just meeting, we placed 3rd in .65, then 6th in .70 and finally 7th in the .70's again. I was happy to show and compete, and proud of myself for just hopping on a new steed and doing my best.
We had a wonderful weekend and we continued to share our successes with Keirsti, Soldier's owner, throughout the competitions and after each class where we'd place. On the last day we orginally believed Soldier was going back to Temecula to finish his movie project, BUT Keirsti said, "This family will love Soldier and treat him so well..." and she let me lease him!
So now, I'm a rider with a horse! "Hollywood" Union Soldier!
Overall our CJE team showed great!
We also got to hang out and have some fun at the evening Grand Prix! The event promoters came around and gave us all 70's flower headbands and round sunglasses to dress up in!
I'm looking forward to working with Soldier and riding in as many shows as I can afford!
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