Ridgeline Dressage

 

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After having their lunch and a rest in the guest stable at RPH, it was time for Svea and Oreo to prepare for the first event. The first competition for the pair would be dressage in the Olympic-sized outdoor arena, and their start time was later in the evening.

 

Svea thoroughly groomed Oreo in his stall while he finished his meal and spoke to her coach to prepare herself mentally. Both her coach and her father reassured the young woman that she and her horse were well-prepared and that she had nothing to worry about. The dressage event would go beautifully, and they would be happy with whichever placement they got, as the most important thing was to have fun. Svea looked at her horse, who seemed to enjoy the change of scenery, and decided to relax for his sake; although she was competitive, it shouldn't affect her mood or performance negatively.

 

When Loshenka was sparkling clean, his rider put on his white polos, black bell boots, and black saddle and bridle. Oreo looked as stunning as ever and quite proud as well. He loved showing off and knew precisely what was about to take place. Svea donned her show breeches, blazer, and helmet just before they walked toward the warm-up. Not long after, the Swedish team heard the announcer call out, “Svea Fagerudd and Lyshamn’s Oreo Blizzard!”

 

After entering the arena and bowing to the judges, the pair began a collected walk, and Svea took one last moment to think through the program they had planned. Looking forward, always right between Oreo’s ears, she focused and forgot all doubts.

 

They worked together and presented a half-pass, pirouette, piaffe, and flying change. The stallion reacted quickly and accurately, while his rider focused on the things she usually missed during training: upper leg, upper leg, upper leg, she kept repeating to herself.

 

In what felt like both a lifetime and just a moment, they were suddenly done and exiting the arena. The pair felt relieved but also proud, as they were welcomed by both the audience and their team.

 

“That was a great round, good job!”