So despite everything that's gone on for the past year, I've kept to a regular schedule of riding and lessons with the trainer, Jen.  Things got better once Todd was her full-time in terms of trying to balance responsibilites.  I currently ride at least three days a week, sometimes four.  Lesson at least every other week.  June was a bit of a wash with the wedding and sinus surgery.  Jen kept Nick in work while I was gone for wedding and honeymoon.

I had us entered for a show at the end of June, but had to cancel that entry as I didn't think riding post-surgery while looped on Vicodin was a good choice.  Opted instead to go to another show the 7th and 8th of July.  Jen had been gone for a show and vacation; and I couldn't ride due to pain and persistent copious bloody fluid pouring out of my face during the two weeks leading up to the show.  So definitely a break in Nicky's otherwise consistent routine.

After a less than stellar few days of schooling at home,  Jen and I sent off for central Maine.  Nicky travelled like a veteran and unloaded, and settled in as if he went to shows all the time.  Jen and I had a chance to ride the horses in the competition ring on Friday evening.  All was well.  Saturday morning, warmup went well.  A little spooky around the judge's booth.  Our first test was adequate, but not spectacular.  If I had ridden more acurately, I would have gotten a good score.  As it was,  I did get my first ribbon.

Disaster struck with my second test.  Warm-up boring.  Went to enter the arena and Nicky started with the horsie four letter words.  Couldn't get Nicky to enter the ring.  We cleared out the area near the entrance as he reared.  Todd helped us get in the ring.  After the halt and salute, couldn't get Nicky to move forward.  Left the ring in humiliation.  Nicky repeated his atrocious performance the next day.  I threatened him with retirement on our front lawn.

In a dither about what to do about the entry I'd sent in for the next scheduled expensive show, I unexpectedly had the opportunity to take him to a schooling show.  Jen and I loaded up horses during a break in last Sunday's storm.  We detoured around flooded roads and arrived amongst the periodic lightning strike to find out the show had just been cancelled.  Farm owner graciously allowed me to warm-up in her indoor and shool in her dressage arena.  We didn't have any problems going near the judge's booth or down the centerline.  So, we're off to UNH in a few weeks for Nicky's attempt to redeem himself.