Written by Ali Johnston

So I have finally stepped out of my comfort zone of Prep Tests and entered into the Prelim.

Up at 5am to head down to the paddock to plait, Jack looks at me suspiciously as if to say, why are you here so early! Got all ready and headed off to the SEC.

I find it hard enough to remember a Prep test let alone a Prelim on the same day also and only 30 mins apart. Not to worry, what can go wrong?

I will have 20 other HARC Members there to call for me if needed.

So I printed out my tests and concentrated on the Prep one as it was the first one I was to do, then (as recommended by Suzi) don't worry about the second one until the first one is over.

As usual, I get to events really early as I can get a little anxious, had a quick walk around and watched a couple of the tests. All the horses and riders were looking so great. The effort put in by all the freestyle riders was amazing, such a great job, with some

outstanding costumes.

9am comes around and I start to get ready, Jack was being his usual awesome self and was

looking super (if I do say so myself). Went for a quick warm up, watched a few tests before me to make sure I was doing the right test and into the arena we head.Had a lovely ride and could finally breathe and relax, one down, one to go.

Once out of the arena, reach into my pocket to get the next test out to go over and find I have the wrong one in my pocket - oh no, quick dash back to the stable and get the right test sheet.

Take the opportunity to sit in the shade for a while and go over the Prelim test. As we are waiting at the arena gate a horse that was at the judge'ss car decided to get a fright

and back up, and back up, and back up until it was nearly going over on itself and banged it's

leg onto the limestone blocks - poor thing, the rider gracefully dismounted but the horse

wasn't putting any weight onto it's hind leg. Thankfully I think it just shocked itself and seemed to be ok after a walk around.

That was not what I needed to see before going into my test. Oh well, here goes.

Head into the arena, again Jack is being wonderful. Our canter work is not the best so I just

thought we would participate and enjoy the experience.I managed to complete the test

without hearing the judge's car horn - bonus, I remembered both tests!

Spent the rest of the day going around to watch the other HARC members, all their outfits

and tests were awesome, congratulations ladies for such a great effort.

Lastly we all watched the "Awesome Foursome" with their Diamonds routine. It was a lovely

test and certainly showed the effort put in by the girls (Frana, Skye, Suzi & Monique).

It was such a great turn out from all the clubs, and as usual such a wonderful camaraderie

between everyone.It was then time for presentations, I managed a 9th in the Prep and

equal 5th in Prelim and then second in the OTT for Prelim - Yay!

Thanks to everyone who was there to cheer us all on, especially the non-riding helpers -

you are awesome!