Another Preliminary in the books for Grateful Heart! A 7th place might not seem too impressive- but this little mare tried her heart out this weekend!! We danced around dressage and finished with a stellar score that put us in 2nd- I cannot even explain how proud I was to show off our winter homework. We had some pesky poles in stadium after struggling with the hard ground this Spring and no hind shoes finally caught up with us. When we got to cross-country, this little mare really gave it her all. In front of the first element of the last combination on course Grateful slid since she didnt have studs. She was able to right herself and somehow get us both over the first fence (I still have no idea how she made it!), but there was absolutely no way she could have provided a second miracle over the second fence. But she did manage to keep me on and keep us both safe. This mare has so much try!! I could not be prouder of how she handled herself this weekend!

6/17-18: Seneca Valley Pony Club Horse Trials (Poolesville, MD)
Katie Wherley with Grateful Heart: 7th in Open Preliminary