I just looked at the scores online from the show last weekend. If the set of circumstances that arose did not occur, we would have likely placed in Training 3. Because I had the course error, I received a 2 point deduction, and the judge counted our 2nd canter transition and canter circle, rather than the first, correct, transition and circle. The 2nd canter transition, Nic bucked and picked up the wrong lead. The judge was generous to give a "4" for that. We likely would have gotten a "6" on the first transition, judging by how she scored the right lead transition.
I realize that a measure of blame is completely on myself, because I should have had my wits more about me. Looking again at the score sheet, we also need to work on our free walk, and stretching down and out. It is encouraging that we could do much better but it's also frustrating when you know you can do better and it just doesn't happen. We need to focus on bringing those "4," "5," and "6" marks up.
