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Description
Finally getting Balta back out there! He is a such a stunning knappy

Event: Ackerley Evolution Competition
Class: Dressage
Horse: RDS Baltsaros
Rider: Astrid Brenner
Stable: Rivendell Stables
Country: Ireland
Location: Riocht Isle

Moving to a different country to stay at a large competitive stable was an extremely difficult change for Astrid and her confidence. She was now surrounded by a team of young riders who were actually very good. She was used to beign the top of her classes back in Denmark, but here she was struggling to keep her reign. Astrid had always been a competitive person. She had the best grades, best horses, and best show results. Now she felt like she was losing herself and couldn't keep up with the rest of them.

Last year she entered her first show after moving and training at Rivendell. Everyone talked her and her talent up, claiming she was going to clean house at the event. She had not been sure if she was ready to show since the traumatic loss of her home, yet but she wanted to prove herself to these people. It turned out to be a mistake after she came in 8th out of 9th. Astrid was crushed and embarrassed in front of her new peers. Since that day she had moved her lessons with Jade to private times and she pushed herself harder then ever. Benedict often approached her about taking group lessons once in a while or asked her about entering shows. She always politely refused and hurried off, desperate to seclude herself from the others and avoid another embarrassment. Group lessons always seemed to aggravated her as well. The others seemed careless and not as serious as her. She knew she was better then them when it came to dressage and therefore deserved her private lessons.

After an early morning lesson in the cold winter weather, Astrid hurried to get Balta cleaned up and blanketed in his stall. Since the stallion was a baroque, they were by themselves in the baroque barn away from the team. She slipped of his saddle and bridle and carried it to the tack room. She picked up her tote but noticed a folded piece of paper inside. She opened it and read the note.

Astrid-

I realize horse shows are a touchy subject, but one of these days you need to get back in the ring in front of those judges. Forget what happened at the last show. You are an unbelievably talented rider with a stunning horse to show off. Remember that shows are also full of politics. You may have had a nice ride but judges still have their favorites and top picks. The more you show the more you will find yourself on their radar. I think I may have found a good option for you to get back in the game. You get to perform from the comfort of your home and we record it and send it in to the judges. I think you should do it. It can be just you and me out there, no one else. Lets give it a try. Let me know what you think.

JD

Astrid stared at the paper for a moment longer, absorbing Jade's words. She knew her trainer was right. It wasn't fair to her or Balta to stay hidden away on this island. This would be an easy way to get her foot back in the door. She folded the paper, stuck it in her back pocket, and carried the tote to her steed. Balta nickered to her. She rubbed his head and looked into his deep brown eyes. "I think it is time."

Art © ShowDiva 2017
Reference: Chestnut WB High Forearm Extended Trot Spectacular © LuDa-Stock

Description
Finally getting Balta back out there! He is a such a stunning knappy

Event: Ackerley Evolution Competition
Class: Dressage
Horse: RDS Baltsaros
Rider: Astrid Brenner
Stable: Rivendell Stables
Country: Ireland
Location: Riocht Isle

Moving to a different country to stay at a large competitive stable was an extremely difficult change for Astrid and her confidence. She was now surrounded by a team of young riders who were actually very good. She was used to beign the top of her classes back in Denmark, but here she was struggling to keep her reign. Astrid had always been a competitive person. She had the best grades, best horses, and best show results. Now she felt like she was losing herself and couldn't keep up with the rest of them.

Last year she entered her first show after moving and training at Rivendell. Everyone talked her and her talent up, claiming she was going to clean house at the event. She had not been sure if she was ready to show since the traumatic loss of her home, yet but she wanted to prove herself to these people. It turned out to be a mistake after she came in 8th out of 9th. Astrid was crushed and embarrassed in front of her new peers. Since that day she had moved her lessons with Jade to private times and she pushed herself harder then ever. Benedict often approached her about taking group lessons once in a while or asked her about entering shows. She always politely refused and hurried off, desperate to seclude herself from the others and avoid another embarrassment. Group lessons always seemed to aggravated her as well. The others seemed careless and not as serious as her. She knew she was better then them when it came to dressage and therefore deserved her private lessons.

After an early morning lesson in the cold winter weather, Astrid hurried to get Balta cleaned up and blanketed in his stall. Since the stallion was a baroque, they were by themselves in the baroque barn away from the team. She slipped of his saddle and bridle and carried it to the tack room. She picked up her tote but noticed a folded piece of paper inside. She opened it and read the note.

Astrid-

I realize horse shows are a touchy subject, but one of these days you need to get back in the ring in front of those judges. Forget what happened at the last show. You are an unbelievably talented rider with a stunning horse to show off. Remember that shows are also full of politics. You may have had a nice ride but judges still have their favorites and top picks. The more you show the more you will find yourself on their radar. I think I may have found a good option for you to get back in the game. You get to perform from the comfort of your home and we record it and send it in to the judges. I think you should do it. It can be just you and me out there, no one else. Lets give it a try. Let me know what you think.

JD

Astrid stared at the paper for a moment longer, absorbing Jade's words. She knew her trainer was right. It wasn't fair to her or Balta to stay hidden away on this island. This would be an easy way to get her foot back in the door. She folded the paper, stuck it in her back pocket, and carried the tote to her steed. Balta nickered to her. She rubbed his head and looked into his deep brown eyes. "I think it is time."

Art © ShowDiva 2017
Reference: Chestnut WB High Forearm Extended Trot Spectacular © LuDa-Stock