Pessoa Finals

All things equine has a great deal of amazing ambassadors and followers, most who are probably wondering about what's the secret to the juniors success in the show ring. We recently interviewed Grace Jordan who show in the large Equitation finals and low junior jumpers; She's a two ring wonder! Below is our complete interview about her experience at Pessoa Finals!

1. How did you prepare for Pessoa Finals?

Grace: My trainer made me do a ton of no stirrup work, lots of lengthening and shortening of stride, and tight, bend, courses.

2. What the atmosphere of the show like?

Grace: The show was a lot calmer than i had imagined actually! Everyone knew exactly what they were doing and no one seemed frazzled.

3. Take us through a typical day at the Pessoa Final.

Grace: Well, the schedule was different everyday. The day of the actual finals was very slow moving snd relaxed in my opinion. The big warm up ring was the most chaotic part of the whole experience. I was lucky if i rode one time without almost running into another horse. The first thing that happened the day of the final was the course walk and after that they started the class. It took so long I actually didn't even have time to stay until the end... i had a plane to catch.

4. How did the final help you learn and what did you take away from your round?

Grace: This was my first year going to finals, and also my first year of showing on the A/AA circuit so it was full of learning. The final was set higher than expected plus the ring was very small, so it was a bit of a challenge. I overall had such an amazing time, and learned so much about my riding habits, h and my horse!

5. How did you handle your nerves?

Grace: If you told me a year ago that I would be standing at the in gate at the Pessoa Finals I would have completely freaked out, but after everything that happened this year in my showing career, I wasn't nervous at all.

6. What are some facts about your horses?

Grace: The horse i took to the finals is Willem. I had gotten him a very short time prior to he finals so we were still figuring each other out. He was so perfect for me and i am so thankful i had the chance to take him with me for my first year.

7. Besides from Eq, what do you show in?

Grace: Aside from Equitation i show my other horse Samuri MEC in the low junior jumpers. I have had Sami since last Wef and he has taken me from the .95c jumpers to the 1.25m!

8. What are your goals for the 2017 show season?

Grace: My goals for the 2017 show season are to qualify for the Maclay finals and Pessoa, again, and I hope to move up to the medium or even high junior jumpers by the end of the season.

So now you know everything to know about the Pessoa Finals... well not quite. Thank you Grace for helping us learn about an amazing equestrian experience. To keep up with her follow her on the gram @grace_n_jordan !