I will start with Maddie. This was Maddie's first trial running in both classes (Standard and Jumpers) each day. She qualified 5 out of 6 times. Her one non-qualifying run, she missed the tire jump.
Whoops! I did not even know until I saw this picture. Did not faze her one bit.
Here are her runs.
It really is so funny. If you had asked me a year ago, I would have laughed if you had said this is where we would be now. In fact, I had lunch with my trainer on New Year's Day last year to discuss an extremely frustrating training session with Maddie. I needed a big pep talk. We figured out some new strategies and months later it really started to come together and look where we are now. I am thrilled.
And so is Maddie!
The biggest game changer is her food motivation. It has finally been awaken. I cannot remember the last time she spit out or refused a treat. Now when she is free running and I call her, she genuinely wants the reward even if she is panting.
That weekend finished Maddie's Open Jumper title with three qualifying runs in a row. She is now moving up to Excellent and will be running the same Jumper courses as Riley and Seven.
