And the moment you've all been waiting for ...

The results of the 2010 Regional finals. Yes, folks, Patchwork Farm IEA team managed to pull it out again. CHAMPION! Wow, it was the hardest day ever! We began the day with the Varsity Open individual flat. Both of my girls were in that. My usual flat point rider's horse tried to buck her off, so she got a re-ride on a different horse. Sadly, she didn't place. The team class was next, and she had the opportunity to redeem herself, but again didn't place. Wow, that was a huge shock for us. I can usually count on my VO girls to really score a big ribbon, so we began the competition with a deficit. Then came the o/f, and both girls rode very well, even though one had a stop. She finished up so strong, though, that the one with the stop actually placed 5th; my other girl won. So, that was good.:) Then it was for the team ... 2nd. OK, we were on the board. We were way behind, though.

For 2', all of my girls rode great; in the team portion, my rider finished 2nd on the flat, and 2nd o/f, which was really helping us catch up. At this point, we were in a 4 way tie for 2nd. Wow, it was TIGHT!

Next was crossrail flat, and my rider got us a 3rd ... after this class, we were in a 3 way tie for 2nd. Then came the beginner flat. This class was pivotal for us, because neither of my beginner riders have really done GREAT this season. For this particular one, her highest placing had been a 5th, I think. Out of 7 girls ... she finished 4th! Whew, we stayed on the board!!!! I was very proud; she's worked REALLY hard, and it paid off for her. At this point, we're in a 3 way tie for FIRST. Judging STRICTLY off blue ribbons, we were in 2nd. Remember, only top 2 go on to Zones.

And so it comes down to the LAST class. Out of 8 teams, like 6 are still in contention for 1st/2nd. My girl is on Star for BOTH her individual and team classes. The individual classes were running first so the girls could get in there and almost "warmup". My rider finished 5th, which was a little disappointing. She came out, I gave her some constructive criticism, we re-schooled for team, and in she went. She was WINNING ... until the approach to the 2nd to last fence. Star acted like she had to poop, and trotted. Then, after the fence, my rider went to make her rollback turn, and Star trotted again. My heart sank; I just felt deep in my heart that that was it. We were done for the season.:( I did hold onto the hope that maybe a 6th or even 5th might be in the cards for us, and could possibly put us in contention for 2nd ... she got a THIRD. Holy Cow, we both thought she'd really blown it, so the 3rd place bolstered our hopes BIG time because the 2nd and 1st place riders were behind us, points-wise. After all was said and done, it was enough, and for the 2nd year in a row, we defended our title as Region Champions! It was so tight, we won with 26 points. 2nd and 3rd were TIED with 25 points; winner being decided with blue ribbons.

Next stop, Zones in Savannah next month. Tiki was perfect; just cute as a button and FABULOUS. He has this beautiful Sunday off, and I will ride him tomorrow before we head off to Orlando for a long weekend this coming week. Tuesday they're saying 38 and a wintery mix, so maybe no riding; we'll have to see how motivated I am. Oh, and I see one day a week every week with no stirrups in my future ... and beginning to run. Again. For the 48th time. I HATE running.