SUCCESS!

Firstly, I'd like to say a big thank you to my two instructors, Charlie and Wiola.
Then, I'd like to say thanks to my two great dressage horses/ponies.
And last, to the Stables that made this all possible.

OK, I didn't exactly win an Oscar. But hey, 1st and 6th isn't too bad!

Tess in walk and trot went really well - that was the first - and since there were no puddles, I scored much better. She is really annoying in wet weather, sidestepping and not going on the track. I scored 60.95% with 128/210, which was great, and got five sevens :)
With Smarts, I came sixth out of... I think it was ten...which may not seem like a great result, but I was thrilled. I just thought he'd be so sluggish and dead to the leg, but he was quite forward off the leg and I even got a canter in the warmup! But the best thing about the whole day was definitely the canter in the prelim test. Smarts didn't break once! I officially love that horse.
Even though it was a massive struggle to keep the canter, he did stay in it, and we managed to get 117/200 and 59%. Not bad for a horse I haven't properly ridden in a year. :P

What is most surprising is my marks for rider position and seat in the prelim test. 7 out of ten! (pretty good for low level stuff :).) Especially as I had to boot him a bit to get him moving.

Very happy. Obviously improvements need to be made but it's the best birthday present I could get. Speaking of which, I got lots of yummy presents, so thanks if you gave me one :)

Will post some photos soon.

TLCx