2024 AUS Futurity: Pomp in Paradise

Horses Reference: KhC Priyde's Pryma Ballerina

Futurity Ticket: #14

Handler: Kathrynne "Kat" Rothschild

Handler Age: 23 y.o.

Event: 2024 Pomp in Paradise

Class Entering: Preparatory Dressage

References used: Yes, including:

- Horse and Rider: HERE

- Saddle Pad Merch: HERE

- Sponsor Banner: HERE
- Background Inspo from Host

Story:
Kat double checked the plaits in Pryma’s mane, making sure each one was tightly secured.  She reached up and lovingly patted the dark mare’s neck as her mind wandered momentarily.  The last time Kat had been at an official AusWBA Event was with her stallion Silvyr.  She and Silvyr had worked together for the last few years to develop their bond and strengthen their partnership.  But, the mare next to her now was much younger – a mere three years old and just beginning her dressage training.  And while the girls were developing their own unique bond & partnership, it was a younger and shorter bond than that which Kat shared with Silvyr.  Kat knew so many things could go inadvertently wrong with such an inexperienced mare.  But that was one of the reasons that Kat was so excited to bring Pryma to Australia.  
This show offered young horses an opportunity for experience, while only asking the simple basics of the growing horses – understanding where they are (physically and emotionally) at.  Today’s preparatory dressage test would give them the chance to work in front of a crowd, in a new environment, with unfamiliar horses, while aiming to focus on their teamwork and the skills they have built in-so-far.  It was the next logical step for both of them, and while Kat couldn’t help but feel a tad nervous, she was also so excited for the chance to let Pryma make her debut.  
They had adventured out on the beach the day before their competition, giving Pryma lots of opportunities to indulge in her water-loving side (aka splashing in the surf).  The dark bay mare with a striking skunk tail had always loved being in water, ever since she was a foal and had first come to live at AVS (Artistik Vale Stables).  Kat was hoping that by giving Pryma plenty of play time walking through the waves in advance, the mare would stay more focused on the dressage test when it came time to perform in front of the judges.  After all, she had had a familial reputation to live up too – and Kat desperately hoped that Pryma would follow in the footsteps of her dressage-proven parents.  
Kat mounted up, doing a last-minute check of her tack and attire, before urging the mare forward.  Pryma’s steps were solid and steadfast on the packed sand.  They headed out to the proper waiting area and took note of the surroundings.  The sun had dropped behind the skyscrapers, leaving the most striking colors of pink and orange framing the buildings.  And as one looked east over the ocean, the clouds there picked up the last remaining highlights of color as the blue sky began to darken.  The first hints of the rising moon were noted in the gigantic distortion of the horizon, creating a magical reflection across the water.  
When it was their turn, Kat guided Pryma towards the dressage arena.  The sand was well packed from the retreating tide, and there were even a few puddles of standing water near the rails next to the surf.  Kat remained peripherally aware of the crowds, always looking for any haphazard that could cause a safety concern, while turning her focus onto the task now set before her and Pryma.  The mare walked into the the ring with a strong medium walk, and they began their test…

(Word Count = 561)

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I know the show is 75% RNG, but I still wanted to try my best for Pryma's debut image/show.  I probably put way too much time/effort into this, but I was having fun trying to paint her in her first show setting.
And of course I had to add some of the local wildlife, after managing to get a native bird in each of Silvyr's entries last year... had to keep up the trend (so far) with this year's event, too.   
I messed up my back at work and it's uncomfortable sitting in one position for very long - so I had to finish this up in lots of little "sittings" ... but I still managed to finish before the soft close and that makes me very happy.
#FocusingOnTheLittleWinsInLife
Good luck to everyone entering - may RNG be in your favor!

   
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