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OK, I just have to brag on Quest a bit...
Topic Started: Nov 13 2007, 07:32 AM (853 Views)
SidesaddleRider
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Is the meadow on fire?
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My hunter, Quest, is mostly known for his show results. However, many probably don't know that he is also one of my best hunt horses, both aside and astride. I had leased him out for most of this year to do the 3'6" Lg Jrs, and as a result had really forgotten how nice he is to hunt. Anyway, I was one of 2 members asked to represent Middleburg Hunt at this year's Virginia Field Hunter Championship, which was held Sunday at Foxcroft School, and I took Quest.

We started off aside to compete in--and win!--the "Best Turned Out" award, beating some pretty stiff competition (including one woman who has NEVER lost a BTO in several years of competing!). Then, because his back isn't fit enough yet to go aside for an hour x-country (as he hasn't had it on once since he came back from the lease until today), we quickly switched tack (and clothes) to go astride for the rest.

First, there was a flat phase, where he got to show off his pretty trot, and then we went for the 55 minute "mock hunt". We were in the rear of the field first, to show
off how good he is with all of the horses in front of him (as many horses are not). About 1/2 way through, they called a reverse of field, so we ended up in the front, 2 from the field master. Equally as excellent there as in the back, he was jumping in perfect form, and standing like a rock at the checks.

When we returned to the meet, there was a 5 minute break while the judges debated. They then called 7 finalists from the 26 riders competing to do an individual test, and Quest was one of the seven called! They were going in numerical order, which placed us last in the order to go. The course was rather challenging, but very traditional field-hunter style, and done all in a true working pace in an outside field.

Starting on the left lead, we approached a 3' stone wall with a wooden rider 6-8" on the top of it, which we jumped, then a left turn to a 3' high, 3' wide hedge jump, then on to a very spooky (2 horses refused) and even WIDER wood log/hedge jump, then left back towards the first stone wall. This time, we had to stop, drop the rider on the top, then jump it. I just backed up 3 paces and kicked on after I had jumped it, rather than do a circle (to show his handiness). Then a sharp right for a long gallop, and then to a trot fence of a large coop, to a right-hand rollback to a one-stride coop in-and-out. We then made a left to pick up a horse and "pony" it from one point to another. Then we jumped a coop into a grass ring, jumped another coop in the middle of the ring, and then had to open and shut a gate out of the ring. Quest was simply wonderful, and just flowed around the course on a huge canter stride, jumping outrageously, and really looked like a true show hunter from "back in the day" when they competed on outside courses with natural, hunting fences.

There was then another short break while the judges conferred, and then they announced the results... and Quest ended up the Reserve Champion Virginia Field Hunter! I just couldn't have been more pleased with him. He has done simply everything I have ever asked him to do, and really loves to go hunting.

So I apologize for the long post, but as I said, I'm just *so* pleased with how well he performed in every phase of the competition. The Reserve was just icing on top. :)
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Magic
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Thomas H. Cruise!
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WOW! Congrats! That sounds like so much fun and you guy really did awesome!! :cheer: :cheer:
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Circuspony
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Thomas H. Cruise!
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Go Quest! That sounds like a really fun and challenging course. Congratulations! :cheer:
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headlesshorseman
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You're BANNED!
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Oh My, such great commentary...I thought I was there...WAY TO GO...QUEST...he sounds wonderful..

HH :)
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OnyxThePony
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Thanks for sharing! Sounds absolutely wonderful- what a day! I loooooove well mannered field hunters. He sounds like a dream! :clap:
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vxf111
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Wow, I loved hearing the description. Was there a photographer? Quest is a star, but that we already knew!!! :) Awesome!!!
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SidesaddleRider
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Is the meadow on fire?
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vxf111
Nov 13 2007, 02:25 PM
Wow, I loved hearing the description. Was there a photographer? Quest is a star, but that we already knew!!! :) Awesome!!!

Lauren Giannini (from Sidelines, etc.) was there taking pictures, and there were several other people as well, but I'm not sure who. As soon as I find out, I'll post pics.

Quest has been looking ever-so-pleased with himself since Sunday. That silly horse knew he'd been good, and when they hooked that humongous ribbon on his bridle, he just started preening, I swear to Tom. :lol:
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vxf111
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Oh, I can't wait to see the pictures, I bet they're going to be spectacular. PLEASE come back and post a link. I am very excited to see them. It sounded so challenging!
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DairyQueen2049
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DRAGON BREATH. DRAGGIN' BUTT
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oooo congrats to you and Quest!!
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Corey94
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Off visiting Candy Cave, be right back.
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Questy (puddles, right?) is one special kinda guy. Congrats on your great day! Oh, and if there's no time for posting, best of luck on the 24th! I've got :luck: for a perfect fall day for you and George....JEN
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Fish Cheeks
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What a fabulous report, thanks for sharing! I'm so interetsed in side saddle - you mentioned his back wasn't in shape - what kind of special conditioning do you do? Does side saddle create un-evenness in the horse and/or rider? Do you take lessons? Tell us about your turnout - what is required and what special touches did you do to bring home the prize?

And most of all, we want PICTURES!!!
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Lion1024
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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That sounds like a wonderful day! Congrats!
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Ice Princess
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Shunnnnn the unbeliever. Shunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
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Congrats! Sounds GREAT! can't wait to see the pictures! :cheer: :cheer:
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OTF
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SSR, I can't wait to see pictures also, but your wonderful description makes me think VIDEO! Any chance of that? Congratulations, sounds like you and Quest were really in tune!
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groomette
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Lost in La La Land
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Great Job! I can't wait to see pics!
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