Jennifer's update:
Zavanna is enthusiastic about her work, light to the aids and possesses a natural rhythm. She is the most affectionate horse I have owned. If she were a dog, she'd be at your side wagging her tail the entire time! She settles into new situations quite easily, and has no problem eating anywhere at any time. I'm looking forward to seeing how far she can go in dressage these coming years. I think I'm in for a treat! We might do a little jumping
too.

2005 update for Zavanna, who is also receiving a rosette for High Point Award from the Friesian Sport Horse Registry:
Thought I'd pass on some good news! I entered Vanna in the Mid-Island Cadora Dressage show this past weekend, a two-day show (we stayed overnight). We did the four Training Level tests under Ali Buchanan and Judy Turner, both recognized judges from Vancouver. The show was a provincial competition (not national) but under Equine Canada rules.

At the show on the first day, I warmed Vanna up for an hour beforehand. She was pretty fresh but there was no bucking. In the ring, in the first test, she did little bucking hops during the first canter circle, then she settled into it. I was very pleased with her. I couldn't believe it when I got my test back - over 65% with a 9 for the first entry and halt - the first 9 I've ever had for this movement. We placed second! In the next test, in a different ring, we had a little bolt when someone slammed a door shut in the parking lot next to the ring (way too close) but again we got over 65 and this time came first!

She was excellent at the grounds in her stall - no problem drinking or eating. She kept whinnying every time she saw me when I came around the corner. It was too funny. And a big whinny when she saw me creeping out of the horse trailer at 5:30 am trying not to wake people up!

On day two, we were both more relaxed. We got a 65 again in Test 3, which I find difficult. This time her canter was better, and so was her trot - she really started to swing her back - it was great. We got a second.

Then in our last test,Test 4, she was really good. I so enjoyed the ride although it was hard work! We got 8 for our gaits, and 8 for the free walk and 8 for the stretch circle, and 7 for our canters one way and 8 for our entry. We came first with a 71.5%. I was thrilled, but best of all she felt super, and everyone said her trot was fabulous. Wish I had videotaped her.

So, at the prize giving, Vanna was a real ham. I should be getting some photos back of that, and I do have some photos on a CD of my riding. We ended up with the Training Level Championship in the Amateur Division! (although I think our marks were higher than those in the Open division).

We got a very smart navy and beige cooler. Then we won a bridle and another huge ribbon for the high-point score of the entire show (usually horses in the lower divisions win this). As if this wasn't enough, we were given the challenge trophy for the Mid-Island Cadora member with the highest score. Finally, I won a draw for my volunteer help, the prize being a certificate towards a Pilates lesson which I really, really need! Everyone was so happy for us, knowing how hard we've had to work after the dreadful May show. There is the major Equine Canada show in Victoria in a couple of weeks, but I'll enter that next year. They are over-subscribed, and two months ago I didn't feel it was worthwhile even thinking about. I don't want to push my luck!

So there you have it! Thought you'd like some good news from this end. My aim now is to work on that darned canter, and to slow it down with half-halts. At this stage, she still breaks into trot all the time. We'll go First Level next year, and my objective will be to get over 70!

I had great comments from the judges. I'm so glad that Vanna's gaits are in the 8 range naturally.

So I've had fun showing my supporters all the loot! Most of all, my husband was impressed!

2006 update:
Zavanna and I did pretty well this show season. It was our first time doing recognized Equine Canada national shows which was exciting. At the beginning of the show season we did Training Level and in August we started doing First Level. Although our scores were not remarkably high we won 3 Reserve Championships this year in dressage (1 at Training Level and 2 at First Level) and 1 Reserve Championship in hack classes. I am quite pleased because I know Zavanna is capable of doing so much more and once she relaxes she will be amazing! My goal for the next show season is to qualify for the British Columbia Summer Games and then in the fall start showing at Second Level.