She was a bit of a spook the first day at the barn. Add to a new place, crappy weather and no turn out and I think she was just out of sorts. Molly did ride her both on her own and in some lessons and she was very safe and not at all naughty. Because the kids were home for spring break all week we really had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with this pony. Miss Delilah (that's what I was told her name was but who knows) did jump all of the jumps in our ring, although sometimes she needed to have a look first. That gave me cause for concern because I am really expecting to find something that will just jump around cold and not care. Poor Molly was riding with a HUGE audience - everyone at the barn wanted to see the new pony so I am sure Molly had some butterflies about having to "perform". Once she got a look at everything Delilah did march right up to all of the jumps and did her lead changes when asked. She never once got quick. Okay, maybe we can work with this.
The next day was a much nicer day. The weather of the previous day could not decide what it wanted to do - for 10 minutes it was nice and sunny, then it would turn grey and windy and snow flurry for 10 minutes. So, the pony and Molly were having to deal with the weather fluctuating between April and February for 10 minute intervals. This day I had higher expectations for several reasons - pony had finally gotten some turnout, Molly was feeling more comfortable with her, and it was a nice, warm sunny day. Here is what we got...
We decided to take her to a big A show the next day just to school. Even though she was cute enough in the lessons, I still wanted to see what she would do at a show - would she be unphased by the whole scene? Would she be up and excited? Would she be a total freak and scare Molly? Since Molly is looking to do some serious showing, it was important that we find this out ahead of time. As it turned out, she was none of the above really - she was "curious but unphased". Who would have thought that one? She seemed generally interested in everything that was going on, but as soon as Molly got on she seemed to go into "babysitter" mode and just packed Molly around (GOOD PONY). Molly rode her in the indoor which had schooling for 3 rings! The Children's Hunters, Pony jumpers and the Short/Mini stirrups. It was an interesting combination for sure. Delilah just did her thing and never looked at what anyone else was doing. We then took her outside to school in the ring with the short stirrup kids. This is really what I wanted to see. How would she be with the actual jumps. She did take a look at one, but Molly just sat and sent her forward and that was it. No issue and not another look. We were all really pleased that she seemed to know her job and just went to work. Even with all the ponies schooling is all different directions, she was cool, calm and collected. She even got all her lead changes.
We hung out for the rest of the day to watch the gal who runs the barn go. Delilah hung out on the van without a peep from her. She even ran out of hay and just looked out the window instead. She is a very sweet pony! SO tomorrow is the big day. I seriously doubt there will be any lameness issues - she has been very sound since we've had her. But, you just never know what may turn up. I am keeping my fingers crossed - we really like this one!
