Horseshow!

Cecil had a wonderful ride at the dressage schooling show.  Because he (and I) have jaw problems, TMJ dysfunction, I normally ride him without a bit, using a hackamore that is basically just reins on a halter.  He rides exactly the same whether he has a bit or not, riding bitless just keeps his jaw more comfortable.  However, most competitions require some kind of bit, and dressage requires a snaffle for his level.  Cecil only wears his bit at shows because it's required, and he hadn't had a bit in his mouth since last fall when he last competed.  No matter for C'est Cecil, he warmed up nicely, and rode his eventing dressage test for a blue ribbon and excellent score.  While riding I communicate with him using weight shifts and breathing with the occasional leg cue, so the reins, noseband, and bridle are just for fashion anyway.  Two summers ago I told an olympic coach in whose clinic we were riding that Cecil and I rode in the somewhat loose fancy figure eight noseband "just for fashion".  He chuckled and said, "at least she's honest".  The judge this weekend said we were a nice pair, and that Cecil rode a very nice test, high praise from a dressage judge.

cantering on a long rein in the warm up