We spent last weekend at the new SCOR CPE trial in Madison. Couldn’t have asked for better weather – clear and in the 70’s both days. Sunday was the more comfortable as there were some clouds (the sun was pretty relentless on Saturday).

Bryce had a great day on Saturday, with a 1st place and Q in 4 out of 5 runs. That other one had a U-shaped tunnel facing the A-frame and I didn’t *quite* pull hard enough to get him into the correct end. Sunday he started well, with another 1st place in Jackpot, but I could tell he was getting a little tired. He got a 2nd place in Standard, then we NQ’d our last 2 runs – one my fault (overhandled him in Jumpers) the other definitely his fault (saw a little piece of paper on the ground near the weaves, wasted a lot of time trying to see if it was edible – like I said, he was getting tired!).

Jayda’s weekend was a roller coaster ride of highs and lows. She started well with a beautiful Jumpers run – 1st and Q to finish her CL1-F title. Followed by a very distracted attempt at Snooker. Then a nice, qualifying Colors run, followed by an absolute MELTDOWN in standard that ended with her hiding in a tunnel and refusing to come out :(! I *think* that was triggered by a plane from the nearby airport going overhead, but it could have been anything she saw or heard outside the ring … I scratched her last run of the day.

I decided that Sunday I would bring Bryce to the ring gates with her each time I ran her – it seems to make a difference in her confidence, having the unflappable Mr. Brycey nearby.

Sunday started with Jackpot – she was doing well for about 7 or 8 obstacles then she started to worry and zone out. I got her attention back, took her to the table (she likes her table), took her out of the ring and had a party. Not great, but much better than Saturday afternoon’s disaster.

But the high of her weekend was her next Standard run – I was afraid there was “meltdown potential” because she was very nervous outside the ring. She totally surprised me – she TOOK OFF and did a BEAUTIFUL run – smooth and fast (except for one little glitch where I almost tripped over her) – impressive contacts, lovely weave poles – first time I’ve EVER run her and felt like I was running the dog I KNOW she can be! I had people coming up to me afterwards complimenting us on that run! Even with the little boo-boo in the middle, she was way under time!!!

She also did a nice job in Wildcard (finishing her CL2-H title – bad mommy didn’t realize this until after we got home and forgot to pick up another New Title rosette for her). By the time her last class was setting up, people were putting things away, tearing down tents and packing their vehicles, and we were all tired, so I decided to end on a good note instead of risking another meltdown – we went home.

They were taking a lot of photos so I should have some pictures soon! Both of them are tired today, Jayda’s a little wild – I think she’s glad to be home.