HOME | DD

Description

This is it...

THE LAST SHOW

___________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENT: The Fredensborg Royal Dressage Event
CLASS: U25 Grand Prix Kür
START NUMBER: #603
MUSIC: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZg-JF…

HORSE: RDEC Precious Daemon
AGE: 10 years old
BREED: Pure Traaker (Classic)

RIDER: Katy Morean Parker
AGE: 23 years old
STABLE: Rowe Dressage Equestrian Center
COUNTRY: Canada (CAN)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

EXTRA IMAGES

Vet Check

Training

___________________________________________________________________________________________

STORY

It's crazy, how you have to deal with morning sickness for so many weeks and still get anxious as soon as you feel your stomach is making a spin, just because it is for some different reason now. I released a moan, as I let my head fall against the cold window of the big Truck Jax is driving. It's been half an hour ride until now, maybe still twenty minutes to go from now on and all I can think about is getting out of that truck and suck in some fresh air.
To be fair, it wasn't the brightest of ideas do join an Event half across the globe when you're pregnant in the third month, but how could I've resisted? It felt great to be back in Denmark, after five years I've spent in Canada, without visiting my old home. I literally wanted to jump around in enjoyment because I got the chance to be back in Denmark and even got to see some of my old friends. But it would have been a lie if I said that I wasn't freaking exhausted. The thirteen Hours flight was pretty hard and the transport of our three Horses - Daemon, Que and Empo - hasn't been that easy either. But somehow we made it here.
My stomach made the sound of a growling wolf which caused Jax to laugh. "Haven't you just eaten a dozen of buns?", he asked with a grin and shot me a look out of the corner of his eyes. Again all I can do is moan. "Don't talk about buns or I'll throw up right here on your lap.", I sigh and look at him. My answer leads him to raise an eyebrow. "Morning sickness? But it's three pm.", he frowns a little and a concerned look appears on his face.
"No, I gues... I guess I'm just nervous.", I blink and then continue to talk. "It's weird, knowing this will be my last competition with Daemon.". Only a few of her old friends new about her and Daemons "retirement" after this Competition. Even if I still could ride the horses for some weeks, I thought it was the best idea to cut in right now, right here in Denmark, where everything started. It wasn't the end for Daemons career, though. A few months ago I had a talk with Eiza and agreed with her, that she'll be the new rider of Daemon, gave her the option to make her first steps into the big Competitions. Not an easy decision, but the best we could make. Daemon wasn't the horse just to be worked a few days in the week without ambitions and I wouldn't be able to give him the training he needs for a pretty long time.
"It'll be worth it.", Jax responses and grabs for my hand before he squeezes it.

Five hours passed in which we finally arrived at the Fredensborg Slot, brought the horses into the stables and checked in to our Guestrooms. Since we were a day early, we had the evening off, before the Event would start tomorrow with the big opening ceremony and the first classes.
It didn't take long for me to fall into the bed, sleeping even before my head met the pillow and Jax got to lay down beside me.

"Come on Sleepy Head, we need to get up.", the soft whisper sents over some chills that run over my whole body. An unwilling groan leaves my throat, followed by a rough laugh right behind me. Jax leaned a bit over to kiss me on the cheek. "Kat, come on. Eiza and Fallon will be here in an hour and we need to get a shower."
Finally I force myself to open an eye. I blink a few times and turn around until I lay on my back, staring up in Jax' face. "I don't want to get up.", sounding like a little child and close to pouting, I look at him with sleepy eyes. "Do we really need to be there?", even though I ask that, I know the answer. It was the first official day the Event. Three hours from now would be the Vet Checks, where we had to show up. Even if Fall and Eiza where there, I needed to check in, too, since I was the owner of Daemon and needed to sign the form for the Vet Check.
Releasing a heavy sigh, I roll over to the other side and get up. "Well then let's go...", the enjoyment in my voice was overwhelming. As I stomped over to the bathroom, I could hear Jax mutter something like "Real sunshine in the morning", followed by a laugh. Sometimes it really got on my nerves how much of a morningperson he was, while I could stay in bed until 12am and still be grumpy. And since I couldn't even drink a coffee, thanks to that Baby in my body, I couldn't even do anything about it.

Some hours later we were outside, in front of the impessing Castle. Jax arms where wrapped around me, trying to keep me warm in the freezing snow. Not even the many layers of clothes could keep the cold from creeping into my skin until I shiwered. Something a never got used to, not even in the time I lived in freaking Canada, where Snow was like a All Year thing.
Eiza and Fallon just prepared the three stallions for the Vet check that would be held in a few minutes and I even got to sign the formular that agreed on the terms of the competition, where it was explained, that I would have to responsability if Daemon got declined on taking part of the Event. It wasn't a big thing, though, since I knew best that my horse was in the best shape and hadn't gotten any medicamentions within a long long time, not since the accident we had three years ago while we were in Show Jumping training. But that was in the past and not a matter now.
Eiza agreed on to present Daemon for the Vet Check, since I still were pretty much jet lagged and wanted to keep my Energy for the Event.
The whole prozess of the Vet Check took some hours, since there were damn many Horses to be looked at. But as soon as it was done, we made our way into the stable to prepare the horses for the opening Ceremony, a special event everyone had to take place in.
I was kind of enjoyed of the thought of it, since it would be the first time I'd ever take place in something like a parade with Daemon.

The opening Ceremony was a Event of it's own kind. I enjoyed every second of it during the whole time it lasted. The parade was fantastic, even if Daemon was a bit tense in the beginning. But as soon as it was over and he got back into the Stable for the rest of the evening and Jax and I got to look at the glorious shows held in the impressive Outdoor Arena, it was all worth it.
The Show program was spectacular, with different teams and pairs showing of their best and leading everyone in the Arena to freak out in enjoy.
As soon as the Show has ended, a small party has started inside the Castle, welcoming all the participants, introducing the Judges and officially opening the Event.

The next day was a bit easier for me to get up. Maybe because I felt a tingle in my bones and couldn't wait for the weekend to start. It was the first day of the Event with some classes, where Eiza and Que joined some. It was a big day for her, since it was the first time for her and Que to be at an international Event, even if it was in the lower Classes. Short after she was done - sadly she didn't make it into the placings - I went to the Stables to tack up Daemon. I though of making a soft training with him before the Event began for us the next day, since I had the feeling that he was a bit tense after the flight. I took my time to prepare him, gave him a good and intense brush, before I tacked him up and brought him to the warm up area. It was a loose ride we made, with a single reign and a lot of stretching and down and forward. It made him loose and relaxed. We were maybe in the arena for half an hour, not that long but long enough that I was completely satisfied with him, to end the training.
The rest of the day we watched the last remaining classes and talked with a lot of the other people around the Event, enjoying the great athmosphere of the Event.

"Let's go let's go let's go.", I could barely stop myself from bouncing around, exited to take my first class with Daemon at this glorious Event. We were about to enter the Inter II in the evening, just two hours from now. Eiza and I were in the Stable, preparing Daemon with braiding his mane and brushing him. It was a relaxing routine which brought my pulse back down again. "This will be so epic.", Eiza grins, as she looks at me over Daemons back. She's some inches taller than we so it's easy for her to look over his back while I would have to tip toe a bit, to get a glace of the other side. "Daemon in the Arena? Oh for sure.", it wasn't a secret that I was obsessed with my black Stallion and his fascinating presence in the Arena. Even if we often didn't place that high, he always impressed the spectators. He was simply stunning.
A bright smile appeared on my face as I looked at the relaxed stallion. I didn't hesitate and wrapped my arms around his neck and then placed a big kiss on his fur. He didn't even blink. It was some kind of miracle, since some years ago he would have gone complete beast if I would have stepped that deep into his personal space. But now? Now he sort of enjoyed it - or at least accepted it.
"Don't you dare to ruin the braids!", Eiza growled at me which lead me to release Daemon again and shrug at my friend. "Sorry, I couldn't help it. He's just too cute.", I admitted and then laughed at her eyeroll.
Some time passed where we prepared him until I sat up and rode to the warm up area, to prepare for out Class.
We where in there for thirty minutes as we got called out to go into the Event Arena. And just as I said - Daemon was glorious.
It seemed like he danced through the Arena, getting everyones attention and earning a big applause as soon as we finished our Ride. With a big smile I clapped his neck, completely happy with how this class went.
But as soon as I left the Arena, the smile disappeared a little, since I realised, that the next day was our last class. The most important Event of our life.

And there it was. The last day of the Event and the final Class for Daemon and I. The U25 Grand Prix.
My hands where Shaking extremely, when Eiza and I prepared him, again. It was a strange feeling, to tack him up for the last time, that we'll be in an big Arena together. That this ride, wether it'll be good or bad, will be the last one. And oh did I hope that it would be Epic, even better than the one the day before.

"Now we're about to welcome the next Pair in the Arena. Miss Katy Parker from Canada and her Traaker Stallion RDEC Precious Daemon", the anouncment roared through the speakers as Daemon and I trotted into the Arena. The black Stallion was a bit more fireced than the day before, which caused a bit more energic movements. For a brief second I worried if it could be to much, but then I let go of that thought. It was our last ride and I trusted Daemon more than any other horse before him. So I work with it. And how it works.
Even though his movements seem to be stronger and bigger, he never takes a wrong step or get's too exited. The whole ride all I can do is smile and with every step that smile get's brighter and brighter. I enjoy every second of our ride, feel every single movement the Stallion makes, enjoy the feeling of his tensing muscels underneath me and the power of his movements.
Just in the perfects second, exactly when the Music get's to an end, we come to a halt in front of the judges. I bow down, wait a second and then I can't hold it together anymore. I burst out a happy shout, laughing and clapping Daemon on his neck, while feeling the tears filling my eyes.
I didn't even care about the score we made, because no placing in the world could be better than the feeling of this absolutely amazing ride I had with Daemon.
As soon we left the arena, the tears were streaming down my face and my smile stays on my face.
I get a glace of Eiza, Fallon and Jax and get Daemon to walk into their direction. As soon as I reach them, I swing my leg over his back and jump on the Ground to hug my friends.
"You two did so amazing!", Fallon congratulates me and hugs me tightly. If it's even possible, my smile brightens even a bit more, as I hug her back. Then my eyes meet Jax' and get locked in his gaze. He looks incredibly proud and takes a step towards my. I release Fallon and step around her to get closer to Jax. As soon as I'm in front of him, I wrap my arms around his neck an kiss him, the happy tears still running down my face.
"I am so proud of you.", he whispers in my ear and kisses me on the cheek, before he releases me. For a brief second he hesitates, which causes my attention, before he inhales deeply and nods, as if he just agreed to something with him self. Then, without me realising what really is happening, he falls down to one knee, grapping into the pocket of his thick jacket.
"Actually I wanted to wait until the Event is over but... I can't wait anymore.", he swollows and then looks deep into my eyes.
"Kat... I think you might know by now, how much you mean to me. Since the first day we met all these years ago, you were everything I ever wanted. Everything I ever needed.", he blinks as tears begin to fill his eyes. "I'm not asking you to become my wife. I can't ask you that, because there's no way I could give you the opportunity to reject the proposal, since I can't imagine my future without you being my wife. I'm pretty much demanding you to marry me. Because I want to spend every Day, every Hour, every Second of the rest of my life with you, as long as it may last."
I'm completely in shock, staring at him with big eyes. How could this happen right now? How could this be real? A big knot appears in my throat which I try to swallow, while even more tears stream down my face.
"Katy Morean Parker, make me the happiest man on this planet, in this whole universe, and become my wife.", he ends his propsal, just as I fall down on my knees and cover his whole face with small kisses. "I do.", I whisper, close to bawl like a baby. "I do, I do, I do.", I repeat. A bright smile appears on Jax' face, as he kisses me again and then slips the ring on my finger.
A laugh espaces my mouth which I cover with my other hand. "I... I can't even tell you how much I love you right now.", I smile at my fresh fiancee, as I hear some clapping around us and turn my head.
Some people stood around us, watching us curiously. But most of the people look at the big Screen where the result of Daemons and my perfomance where presented. And my heart drops, before it beats even faster.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Reference: Daemon_dressage_canyon (Own reference, Sketch Traced)

Description

This is it...

THE LAST SHOW

___________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENT: The Fredensborg Royal Dressage Event
CLASS: U25 Grand Prix Kür
START NUMBER: #603
MUSIC: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZg-JF…

HORSE: RDEC Precious Daemon
AGE: 10 years old
BREED: Pure Traaker (Classic)

RIDER: Katy Morean Parker
AGE: 23 years old
STABLE: Rowe Dressage Equestrian Center
COUNTRY: Canada (CAN)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

EXTRA IMAGES

Vet Check

Training

___________________________________________________________________________________________

STORY

It's crazy, how you have to deal with morning sickness for so many weeks and still get anxious as soon as you feel your stomach is making a spin, just because it is for some different reason now. I released a moan, as I let my head fall against the cold window of the big Truck Jax is driving. It's been half an hour ride until now, maybe still twenty minutes to go from now on and all I can think about is getting out of that truck and suck in some fresh air.
To be fair, it wasn't the brightest of ideas do join an Event half across the globe when you're pregnant in the third month, but how could I've resisted? It felt great to be back in Denmark, after five years I've spent in Canada, without visiting my old home. I literally wanted to jump around in enjoyment because I got the chance to be back in Denmark and even got to see some of my old friends. But it would have been a lie if I said that I wasn't freaking exhausted. The thirteen Hours flight was pretty hard and the transport of our three Horses - Daemon, Que and Empo - hasn't been that easy either. But somehow we made it here.
My stomach made the sound of a growling wolf which caused Jax to laugh. "Haven't you just eaten a dozen of buns?", he asked with a grin and shot me a look out of the corner of his eyes. Again all I can do is moan. "Don't talk about buns or I'll throw up right here on your lap.", I sigh and look at him. My answer leads him to raise an eyebrow. "Morning sickness? But it's three pm.", he frowns a little and a concerned look appears on his face.
"No, I gues... I guess I'm just nervous.", I blink and then continue to talk. "It's weird, knowing this will be my last competition with Daemon.". Only a few of her old friends new about her and Daemons "retirement" after this Competition. Even if I still could ride the horses for some weeks, I thought it was the best idea to cut in right now, right here in Denmark, where everything started. It wasn't the end for Daemons career, though. A few months ago I had a talk with Eiza and agreed with her, that she'll be the new rider of Daemon, gave her the option to make her first steps into the big Competitions. Not an easy decision, but the best we could make. Daemon wasn't the horse just to be worked a few days in the week without ambitions and I wouldn't be able to give him the training he needs for a pretty long time.
"It'll be worth it.", Jax responses and grabs for my hand before he squeezes it.

Five hours passed in which we finally arrived at the Fredensborg Slot, brought the horses into the stables and checked in to our Guestrooms. Since we were a day early, we had the evening off, before the Event would start tomorrow with the big opening ceremony and the first classes.
It didn't take long for me to fall into the bed, sleeping even before my head met the pillow and Jax got to lay down beside me.

"Come on Sleepy Head, we need to get up.", the soft whisper sents over some chills that run over my whole body. An unwilling groan leaves my throat, followed by a rough laugh right behind me. Jax leaned a bit over to kiss me on the cheek. "Kat, come on. Eiza and Fallon will be here in an hour and we need to get a shower."
Finally I force myself to open an eye. I blink a few times and turn around until I lay on my back, staring up in Jax' face. "I don't want to get up.", sounding like a little child and close to pouting, I look at him with sleepy eyes. "Do we really need to be there?", even though I ask that, I know the answer. It was the first official day the Event. Three hours from now would be the Vet Checks, where we had to show up. Even if Fall and Eiza where there, I needed to check in, too, since I was the owner of Daemon and needed to sign the form for the Vet Check.
Releasing a heavy sigh, I roll over to the other side and get up. "Well then let's go...", the enjoyment in my voice was overwhelming. As I stomped over to the bathroom, I could hear Jax mutter something like "Real sunshine in the morning", followed by a laugh. Sometimes it really got on my nerves how much of a morningperson he was, while I could stay in bed until 12am and still be grumpy. And since I couldn't even drink a coffee, thanks to that Baby in my body, I couldn't even do anything about it.

Some hours later we were outside, in front of the impessing Castle. Jax arms where wrapped around me, trying to keep me warm in the freezing snow. Not even the many layers of clothes could keep the cold from creeping into my skin until I shiwered. Something a never got used to, not even in the time I lived in freaking Canada, where Snow was like a All Year thing.
Eiza and Fallon just prepared the three stallions for the Vet check that would be held in a few minutes and I even got to sign the formular that agreed on the terms of the competition, where it was explained, that I would have to responsability if Daemon got declined on taking part of the Event. It wasn't a big thing, though, since I knew best that my horse was in the best shape and hadn't gotten any medicamentions within a long long time, not since the accident we had three years ago while we were in Show Jumping training. But that was in the past and not a matter now.
Eiza agreed on to present Daemon for the Vet Check, since I still were pretty much jet lagged and wanted to keep my Energy for the Event.
The whole prozess of the Vet Check took some hours, since there were damn many Horses to be looked at. But as soon as it was done, we made our way into the stable to prepare the horses for the opening Ceremony, a special event everyone had to take place in.
I was kind of enjoyed of the thought of it, since it would be the first time I'd ever take place in something like a parade with Daemon.

The opening Ceremony was a Event of it's own kind. I enjoyed every second of it during the whole time it lasted. The parade was fantastic, even if Daemon was a bit tense in the beginning. But as soon as it was over and he got back into the Stable for the rest of the evening and Jax and I got to look at the glorious shows held in the impressive Outdoor Arena, it was all worth it.
The Show program was spectacular, with different teams and pairs showing of their best and leading everyone in the Arena to freak out in enjoy.
As soon as the Show has ended, a small party has started inside the Castle, welcoming all the participants, introducing the Judges and officially opening the Event.

The next day was a bit easier for me to get up. Maybe because I felt a tingle in my bones and couldn't wait for the weekend to start. It was the first day of the Event with some classes, where Eiza and Que joined some. It was a big day for her, since it was the first time for her and Que to be at an international Event, even if it was in the lower Classes. Short after she was done - sadly she didn't make it into the placings - I went to the Stables to tack up Daemon. I though of making a soft training with him before the Event began for us the next day, since I had the feeling that he was a bit tense after the flight. I took my time to prepare him, gave him a good and intense brush, before I tacked him up and brought him to the warm up area. It was a loose ride we made, with a single reign and a lot of stretching and down and forward. It made him loose and relaxed. We were maybe in the arena for half an hour, not that long but long enough that I was completely satisfied with him, to end the training.
The rest of the day we watched the last remaining classes and talked with a lot of the other people around the Event, enjoying the great athmosphere of the Event.

"Let's go let's go let's go.", I could barely stop myself from bouncing around, exited to take my first class with Daemon at this glorious Event. We were about to enter the Inter II in the evening, just two hours from now. Eiza and I were in the Stable, preparing Daemon with braiding his mane and brushing him. It was a relaxing routine which brought my pulse back down again. "This will be so epic.", Eiza grins, as she looks at me over Daemons back. She's some inches taller than we so it's easy for her to look over his back while I would have to tip toe a bit, to get a glace of the other side. "Daemon in the Arena? Oh for sure.", it wasn't a secret that I was obsessed with my black Stallion and his fascinating presence in the Arena. Even if we often didn't place that high, he always impressed the spectators. He was simply stunning.
A bright smile appeared on my face as I looked at the relaxed stallion. I didn't hesitate and wrapped my arms around his neck and then placed a big kiss on his fur. He didn't even blink. It was some kind of miracle, since some years ago he would have gone complete beast if I would have stepped that deep into his personal space. But now? Now he sort of enjoyed it - or at least accepted it.
"Don't you dare to ruin the braids!", Eiza growled at me which lead me to release Daemon again and shrug at my friend. "Sorry, I couldn't help it. He's just too cute.", I admitted and then laughed at her eyeroll.
Some time passed where we prepared him until I sat up and rode to the warm up area, to prepare for out Class.
We where in there for thirty minutes as we got called out to go into the Event Arena. And just as I said - Daemon was glorious.
It seemed like he danced through the Arena, getting everyones attention and earning a big applause as soon as we finished our Ride. With a big smile I clapped his neck, completely happy with how this class went.
But as soon as I left the Arena, the smile disappeared a little, since I realised, that the next day was our last class. The most important Event of our life.

And there it was. The last day of the Event and the final Class for Daemon and I. The U25 Grand Prix.
My hands where Shaking extremely, when Eiza and I prepared him, again. It was a strange feeling, to tack him up for the last time, that we'll be in an big Arena together. That this ride, wether it'll be good or bad, will be the last one. And oh did I hope that it would be Epic, even better than the one the day before.

"Now we're about to welcome the next Pair in the Arena. Miss Katy Parker from Canada and her Traaker Stallion RDEC Precious Daemon", the anouncment roared through the speakers as Daemon and I trotted into the Arena. The black Stallion was a bit more fireced than the day before, which caused a bit more energic movements. For a brief second I worried if it could be to much, but then I let go of that thought. It was our last ride and I trusted Daemon more than any other horse before him. So I work with it. And how it works.
Even though his movements seem to be stronger and bigger, he never takes a wrong step or get's too exited. The whole ride all I can do is smile and with every step that smile get's brighter and brighter. I enjoy every second of our ride, feel every single movement the Stallion makes, enjoy the feeling of his tensing muscels underneath me and the power of his movements.
Just in the perfects second, exactly when the Music get's to an end, we come to a halt in front of the judges. I bow down, wait a second and then I can't hold it together anymore. I burst out a happy shout, laughing and clapping Daemon on his neck, while feeling the tears filling my eyes.
I didn't even care about the score we made, because no placing in the world could be better than the feeling of this absolutely amazing ride I had with Daemon.
As soon we left the arena, the tears were streaming down my face and my smile stays on my face.
I get a glace of Eiza, Fallon and Jax and get Daemon to walk into their direction. As soon as I reach them, I swing my leg over his back and jump on the Ground to hug my friends.
"You two did so amazing!", Fallon congratulates me and hugs me tightly. If it's even possible, my smile brightens even a bit more, as I hug her back. Then my eyes meet Jax' and get locked in his gaze. He looks incredibly proud and takes a step towards my. I release Fallon and step around her to get closer to Jax. As soon as I'm in front of him, I wrap my arms around his neck an kiss him, the happy tears still running down my face.
"I am so proud of you.", he whispers in my ear and kisses me on the cheek, before he releases me. For a brief second he hesitates, which causes my attention, before he inhales deeply and nods, as if he just agreed to something with him self. Then, without me realising what really is happening, he falls down to one knee, grapping into the pocket of his thick jacket.
"Actually I wanted to wait until the Event is over but... I can't wait anymore.", he swollows and then looks deep into my eyes.
"Kat... I think you might know by now, how much you mean to me. Since the first day we met all these years ago, you were everything I ever wanted. Everything I ever needed.", he blinks as tears begin to fill his eyes. "I'm not asking you to become my wife. I can't ask you that, because there's no way I could give you the opportunity to reject the proposal, since I can't imagine my future without you being my wife. I'm pretty much demanding you to marry me. Because I want to spend every Day, every Hour, every Second of the rest of my life with you, as long as it may last."
I'm completely in shock, staring at him with big eyes. How could this happen right now? How could this be real? A big knot appears in my throat which I try to swallow, while even more tears stream down my face.
"Katy Morean Parker, make me the happiest man on this planet, in this whole universe, and become my wife.", he ends his propsal, just as I fall down on my knees and cover his whole face with small kisses. "I do.", I whisper, close to bawl like a baby. "I do, I do, I do.", I repeat. A bright smile appears on Jax' face, as he kisses me again and then slips the ring on my finger.
A laugh espaces my mouth which I cover with my other hand. "I... I can't even tell you how much I love you right now.", I smile at my fresh fiancee, as I hear some clapping around us and turn my head.
Some people stood around us, watching us curiously. But most of the people look at the big Screen where the result of Daemons and my perfomance where presented. And my heart drops, before it beats even faster.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Reference: Daemon_dressage_canyon (Own reference, Sketch Traced)