High Country CDE 1998

Romeo at the 1998 High Country CDE


The 1998 High Country CDE was a blast again this year! Although we moved up a division from last year, Romeo and I still had a great show. The venue was better than ever, and the spirit of competition - although always there - never overrode the cameraderie I always feel at this event.
Romeo does dressage
Another dressage test. This part of the CDE is tough for both of us but we're trying hard and getting better, judges' opinions notwithstanding.

All photos on this page by Ken Meisner of Calgary, AB.

Click on them to see a larger version.

Our placing over the weekend took a real rollercoaster ride at the completion of each phase. Out of eight competitors in the Preliminary Single Horse division, we were eighth after dressage. Goodness knows we tried, but both of us need more practice in that area. All the more reason to make sure I have those hazards memorized!
Romeo owns the water hazard! Special thanks to my navigator, Trevor Remple of Winnipeg, whom I highjacked from his family holiday with his wife, Erin. For those of you that know Duane Stewart from Kelwood, Manitoba, Trevor is his usual 'gator as well as his son-in-law. Duane didn't compete this year due to a broken leg. His loss was my gain.
Power and grace
I have to admit I was a little miffed at the dressage score, so I channeled all my energy into the marathon. Once again, Romeo wowed the crowd and made me proud. The result? Nothing less than first place after the dust settled. I was left with a pretty narrow margin, though. It was apparent that all would ride on the cones. Stress? What stress?
Hell bent for leather
Shortly after this spectacular shot was taken, Trevor and I both nearly came out of the cart as Romeo pulled us up a steep bank out of the water. Trevor was nice enough to let me land on him to soften my landing. Now that's a 'gator who takes his job seriously!
As I said, the margin was tight, so I watched with great interest those who went through the cones before me. Last to go, I had less than a two ball cushion with which to retain my place. When my turn came, I negotiated that course very carefully, and went clean. Unfortunately, I was too careful. Going clean also meant going a wee bit too slow, and I ended up with time faults. We ended up in fourth place overall. I told you the margin was tight!
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