I know this update is long over due!! So were just coming home from Southern Pines 1.  The weekend had it’s high points and lows just like any other weekend.  The weekend started out with Dressage which took more prep then I was expecting. Sara was ridden twice b4 her test once at 8 for 30 minutes and then at 10:30 for 30 minutes. She than did dressage at 11:48. Some people may read this and gasp WHAT she rode her horse b4 her time is that even legal???!!! Well yes it is for all of you that care just don’t forget your number and then theres some of you that say psssh I have to ride 2hrs b4 a test! Holly has a theory which I agree with it being: When you have a horse like Sara who is older has miles and stiff she needs to be worked out and this can’t be done in 1 45 min warm up.  You need multiple rides so you can truly work there muscles.. Every horse is different some horses need a short warm up, a longer one, some need to be lunged and others lots of hand walking. It is very important that you learn what your horse needs and stick to it.  If you know your horse needs to be ridden b4 your test then you need to make time to do it you are being purely lazy if you don’t set yourself up to have the best test possible. You must do what you have to succeed UNLESS YOUR PLAN INVOLVES SOMETHING ILLEGAL!!!  Anywho Sara got a 39.4 in her test which is fine with me because it was differently not out best test so it a 39 is her worst I’m thrilled!! After dressage we got ready for XC which was the curse and the blessing of the weekend!  The course was lovely we had 2 waters good questions and some awesome combinations (awesome because they were really easy :)). If anyone kept track of Maxine this time last year you would know that Sara and I were WAY to fast and flat and we had a water problem.  Well I am thrilled to report I no longer understand this “water problem” people speak of because she nor I have one.  We have also figured out the balance now we need the speed within her gait.  Yes we had 2 stops :(((( but that's ok because she was listening mommy said slow slow slow and she said ok but I can’t jump that slow :).  So the horse listens jumps into water now she just gets to go faster but controlled!!! (Were both excited)  Then stadium our warm up = fantastic and our jump round was good I had some unwanted pressure going into the stadium ring which I ended up riding through and in the end we didn’t place but we learned a lot and met some really awesome people and when we go to SP2 Sara and I are just going to rock because were getting it these things take time Sara and I have done a 180 degree spin on our lives. SIDE NOTE  and if anyone ever gets a chance to visit the Carolina horse Park  take it it’s worth the trip the venue is just fantastic!