Jumper riders learn their jump off course before they start. It is posted with the first course and can be walked to plan precisely. Medal class work off tests are done completely differently. The judge decides on the test and lets the starter know. The starter announces the jumps to jump by order, basing the numbers on the original posted course. We jump the humps in the original direction, but in the new order. The instructions were to enter the ring at the walk, pick up the canter and jump fence 5, then 2, then 7, then 1. Halt and exit the ring at the walk.
Thank goodness there were only 4 fences. It is like memorizing a telephone number, 7 is the max because most people can't remember more. Then you had to visualize the new course without using the posted course as a cheater sheet. 2 bending lines, not done previously so no distances known, and a very tight roll back. Fun! Were were first to go, therefore third in the standings and did fine. The standings remained and I got a third! Princes got her first medal class pinning. Cool.
I cannot finish off the self-congratulatory accolade without adding the bone-headed move I did the very next day. Off course in a hunter course? You have got to be kidding. Seeing the oxer backwards was the tip off. I graciously circled before committing the error and finished the course and will never do that again! Perfect Capote round, too, bummer.
