I am so relieved that our exams are over! We started early this morning, with barn duty at 6.30. The dressage tests started at 8.30 so we had to be on and warming up by at least 8am. I think I was quite nervous because I was really quiet and serious and held a straight face for most of the morning. Usually I act normal before a performance, but I guess I didn't know what to expect because being in front of German judges and riding an unfamiliar horse isn't exactly the most ideal situation! hehe

Lilly (my horse) was quite stiff so I tried to supple her as much as I could by doing transitions and simple laterals. She got a bit better, but in the test she had some counter-flexion on the long side. It was one of those things where you think 'I should fix this' but you are too busy concentrating on the test and especially your seat, as that is the main thing that you are getting marked on. The Little Bronze is ALL about the seat. Anyway, overall I was very happy.

Lilly had about 5 minutes time out in her stable before I had to tack her up again for the jumping, and I was also nervous about this course because:
1) I have never jumped before, let alone a whole course! and
2)There are monsters in the bushes by the 2nd jump, and if she gets scared it is hard to get her attention back to jumping.
I did have some sense of comfort though, as there was no pressure and no expectation because everyone knew that I just do not jump hehe.
The course ended up being clear with no refusals and it was smooth enough for me! I was so proud of my first ever course and i couldn't stop smiling and patting Lilly. That was my last ride on her so it was a bit sad :(

When everybody had jumped, we went in small groups to do our theory exam. The questions were alright for the other girls and I was hoping they would ask me some of the same ones, but of course they had to ask me the things I didn't know! for example:
1) What are the circle points?
I had no idea and I had no idea what they were so I guessed and said 4, which was right luckily! They are the points you aim towards when you ride a circle, like a diamond, i found out after.

2) Name the letters on the centreline.
I totally knew this one but I had a mental block and I only got X, L and G. I missed I and D i think it is.

There were some other weird questions about riding on trails and stuff and i managed to use my common sense to get through that easily.

Presentation was just before lunch, and we got awarded a unique and thought after performance medal plaque that not even the germans get when they achieve the level, only sometimes when they win a show. We also got badges for our jackets and a certificate. I ended up getting 7.5 for dressage, 7.3 for jumping and 7.5 for theory which I was sooooooo happy with! We celebrated with champagne and orange juice, and that night we had a big dinner at the hotel.

The course was the best time that I have had in my life, and I will definately continue to go back a few times a year. I am hoping to do the Big Bronze in January, so I am looking forward to that!

I am very sad to leave, especially leaving Horst, the hotel owner who has been the most entertaining part of the trip! He is indescribable, you just have to meet him to know what I mean. :P

So goodbye Germany, and bring on England!

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