the judges have spoken

i realize this post is long overdue, but to my credit i have not been slacking. on the contrary, i've been rather overworking myself the past few weeks and have now seemed to hit a wall. i am taking this time to regather my wits and strength, and to update you all on the goings on with my equestrian endeavors. 
this sunday past (the 24th) was the first horseshow of the season for me. the day dawned sunny and crisp; ideal conditions. i woke with a tight neck and back (nerves) at the dim hour of 6am..i was planning to sleep til 7 in order to reach the grounds by 11, but my psyche had other plans. up and truly anxious by 6, on the road at 930, and my roommate and i reached White Birch right on schedule 2 hours before my first ride time.
i must say that this show had more mayhem than any i've attended thus far. the air was buzzing with nervous horses, each causing their peers to worry in turn. this did nothing to calm my own nerves...especially witnessing several wild steeds causing a ruckus in their paddocks, bucking, rearing and behaving all sorts of ridiculous. luckily Ruby had one ride before me, so even though she was anxious and wouldn't stand still at the trailer, she was somewhat warmed up. 
my first test was training level 1. i approached the on-deck area and watched as the rider before me completed the test. unfortunately, for reasons only apparent in a horse's mind, this horse spooked massively, throwing her rider and proceeded to bolt from the arena, straight toward where i was on Ruby. this was a hairy moment to say the least, as one loose horse will often cause one's own mount to panic and fly away. Megan kept a tight grip, as did i, and someone caught that horse and all was alright. however, my anxiety doubled, knowing that Ruby would likely try something in the same corner, having seen this entire event. i entered the ring very stiff, i think. i was taut as a bow...good old Ruby soldiered on, and i relaxed into the "zone. all was going well; i had her in a decent frame, and she was listening fairly well; when in our first canter part we approached that fated corner and low and behold, Ruby tensed up and started to do something. i had anticipated as much though; so i kept her going, insisted she keep cool and the moment passed. that was really the highlight in my mind..intervening in a potential spook fest. anyway we finished up that first test, and took first with a 71.89% score. not too bad!! i finished out the day with a first and second; both scores over 70%, and a satisfied glow. i think this bodes well for the show season. i've included the video from my first test my roomy so nicely recorded! and i will elaborate on the training test 2 tomorrow. enjoy!