First NADAC Title

Given Zoe's recent performances, I wasn't sure what to expect this past weekend at the ACTS NADAC trial in Lake Elmo.  It was our first outdoor trial, rain had been forecasted for the day, and I was prepared to use this weekend for training contacts.  I never expected to have a near-perfect weekend!

The trial started out very rainy - well, downright sloppy with the downpour.  A few teams scratched their runs, but plenty still competed.  By the time we were up for the first run - Touch N Go, it was still raining, although a bit lighter by that time.  I was super nervous - needless to say my handling wasn't up to par.  To my surprise, Zoe had no issues with the dog walk or A Frame and actually ran rather well.  Her only mistakes were taking two hoops in the wrong direction, which could at least partially be blamed on my bad handling.  Nonetheless, I was THRILLED with her confidence and motivation, and I knew that she had the potential for a good day.  She had been doing just fine with the obstacles in class, so this showed that her recent lack of confidence was only temporary.

The rest of the day was awesome.  Zoe had a small distraction in her next run, but I got her back quickly enough to make course time.  The last 4 runs were also clean and Zoe ran with good speed with no distractions.  We earned Q's in weavers, chances, jumpers, and two rounds of regular.  Getting the two Q's in regular also earned Zoe her first NADAC title, which allows her to move to Open Regular for the next trial.  In the Open level, our main challenges will be facing a set of 12 weaves and having less forgiving course times.  She will have no problem making the times if she doesn't get distracted.  

All in all, I couldn't have asked for more.  The rain persisted until the late morning, but all that rain left us wet and cold.  Sitting in your car with the heater on is not a fun way to experience an agility trial.  But fortunately, all of that bad weather was clouded with success and good company.  I actually had a pretty good time and am looking forward to two more NADAC trials next month.  

A few runs from this trial are on the videos page!

Building Confidence Part 2

Well, the CPE trial last weekend was almost a complete 180 from the last one in Isanti.  Zoe ran with much more enthusiasm and is starting to build her confidence again.  She mastered the A frame and even the teeter, but still had some issues with the dog walk.  However, almost every class without a dog walk she Q'ed in.  Distractions are becoming less of an issue and she is really starting to shine.  Almost all of our Q's this weekend were first places - so she ran pretty fast!  We also Q'ed in level 2 Snooker finally to get our last level 2 title!!  Yay!  

We still have some training to do in order to get back into shape, but I feel confident that this will come with more practice.  I am very proud of our progress and since she seemed to have fun and ran with confidence, I'd consider that a big personal Q.  I am looking forward to our next trial, which will be NADAC in Lake Elmo, MN!!

Also, this weekend couldn't have been more fun without the support of our friends - both new and old to CPE!

Building Confidence

Well, despite our comeback in NADAC, CPE didn't go quite as well as planned last weekend.  On a big positive note, we got our third level 2 title by finishing a qualifying jumpers course.  All we need now is one snooker course to finish level 2!  It was apparent that Zoe was still having confidence issues with the contact obstacles - any runs with contacts were a challenge.  However, we are working on them in practice and so far so good!  Hopefully all she needs is a little practice on them to gain confidence and we will be set for the next trial next weekend.  Check back soon for more updates!