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Description

HA Champions League

HCL MOSCOW | Show Journal

Rider: Sky Svenson
Horse Reference: Marlo
Team: Flamingo Flash (Representing)

Music: www.youtube.com/watch?v=txEIDN…

References:
Pose
St. Basil's

Story:

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  A chill ran up Sky’s spine as he straightened his jacket cuffs, the rain having set a chill down to the bone. He was a California coast guy through and through, and even the mild Russian weather was enough to leave him shivering. Letting out an exhale, he patted the red dun warmblood mare on her shoulder before fussing with the buckle of her breast collar. There was only one show left after today, then he’d be handing her off to her owner to begin her dressage training. The thought left a heavy weight in his chest, but he knew Dead River had a whole stable block full of potential jumpers for him to take over, or if Tabby had her way he’d be heading into a cross country career.
  Stepping to the mare’s side, Sky effortlessly swung himself up into the saddle. Adjusting his stirrups, he shifted his hips to get a perfect seat, then clicked his tongue to cue the ruddy mare into the warmup arena. It had become so routine for them by now that Marlo hardly needed any direction. As her energy ramped up, so did Sky’s. He had to set aside all his insecurities about the season so far. He had to focus. He had to concentrate on the positive. For a novice pair, they’d come barreling into the industry in a way he was sure wouldn’t be forgotten. That thought alone put a little ego fueled grin on the corner of his lips. Even if they walked away without placing, Sky could walk away knowing they had come so very far in this endeavor.
  Squaring his shoulders and adjusting his grip on the leather reins, Sky urged the mare forward into a steady trot, then into a collected gallop. They was a spring in her step and her tail swished in frustration. “Easy,” Sky cooed, knowing Marlo was ready to work. “Soon. We’re gonna rock this one, yeah?” Taking her over the low cavaletti poles, he let her find her focus while they waited for their number to come up. Nervous jitters threatened to creep forward, but he pushed them down. There was no room in the competition for uncertainty or hesitation.

  As the loudspeaker called their start number and began announcing his name, Sky took a deep inhale and steadied his mind. “Alright, we’re up. We can do this.”

  The arena was still wet, the blazing sunset reflecting in the remaining pools. The sand would be heavy, they’d have to get their timing just right. Counting off the strides in his head, he made one last mental run of the course before reining Marlo around to the start. He didn’t need to tell her twice, as soon as she was lined up and given some rein, the mare was off. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Jump. Okay, let’s go. Giving her more rein, Sky let Marlo have some freedom to adjust to the wet ground. Marlo tackled the next jump with ease, unphased by the arena’s heavy texture and Sky grinned. “Come on,” he urged, giving her a little heel and kicking it into high gear. He kept his eyes forward, focused on his connection to the bit, set her up for the jumps, and let her set the pace. If she could keep up her energy in the heavy sand, they stood a chance at scoring high.

Description

HA Champions League

HCL MOSCOW | Show Journal

Rider: Sky Svenson
Horse Reference: Marlo
Team: Flamingo Flash (Representing)

Music: www.youtube.com/watch?v=txEIDN…

References:
Pose
St. Basil's

Story:

Previous | Next

  A chill ran up Sky’s spine as he straightened his jacket cuffs, the rain having set a chill down to the bone. He was a California coast guy through and through, and even the mild Russian weather was enough to leave him shivering. Letting out an exhale, he patted the red dun warmblood mare on her shoulder before fussing with the buckle of her breast collar. There was only one show left after today, then he’d be handing her off to her owner to begin her dressage training. The thought left a heavy weight in his chest, but he knew Dead River had a whole stable block full of potential jumpers for him to take over, or if Tabby had her way he’d be heading into a cross country career.
  Stepping to the mare’s side, Sky effortlessly swung himself up into the saddle. Adjusting his stirrups, he shifted his hips to get a perfect seat, then clicked his tongue to cue the ruddy mare into the warmup arena. It had become so routine for them by now that Marlo hardly needed any direction. As her energy ramped up, so did Sky’s. He had to set aside all his insecurities about the season so far. He had to focus. He had to concentrate on the positive. For a novice pair, they’d come barreling into the industry in a way he was sure wouldn’t be forgotten. That thought alone put a little ego fueled grin on the corner of his lips. Even if they walked away without placing, Sky could walk away knowing they had come so very far in this endeavor.
  Squaring his shoulders and adjusting his grip on the leather reins, Sky urged the mare forward into a steady trot, then into a collected gallop. They was a spring in her step and her tail swished in frustration. “Easy,” Sky cooed, knowing Marlo was ready to work. “Soon. We’re gonna rock this one, yeah?” Taking her over the low cavaletti poles, he let her find her focus while they waited for their number to come up. Nervous jitters threatened to creep forward, but he pushed them down. There was no room in the competition for uncertainty or hesitation.

  As the loudspeaker called their start number and began announcing his name, Sky took a deep inhale and steadied his mind. “Alright, we’re up. We can do this.”

  The arena was still wet, the blazing sunset reflecting in the remaining pools. The sand would be heavy, they’d have to get their timing just right. Counting off the strides in his head, he made one last mental run of the course before reining Marlo around to the start. He didn’t need to tell her twice, as soon as she was lined up and given some rein, the mare was off. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Jump. Okay, let’s go. Giving her more rein, Sky let Marlo have some freedom to adjust to the wet ground. Marlo tackled the next jump with ease, unphased by the arena’s heavy texture and Sky grinned. “Come on,” he urged, giving her a little heel and kicking it into high gear. He kept his eyes forward, focused on his connection to the bit, set her up for the jumps, and let her set the pace. If she could keep up her energy in the heavy sand, they stood a chance at scoring high.