We had a fun day at the show and, despite a few mistakes on my part and some stiff competition, I managed to finish in Second and Third place. I would have loved to bring home another blue ribbon, but I can’t complain. Today I added a red and a yellow ribbon to my collection.  Not bad!

He’s a clip from Intro Test A:

My score was 65.3% for Test A, and 65.6% for Test B.  On my score sheet the judge wrote, “Steady and obedient horse and correct geometry. Now just add more energy for scores in the 70s!!”

I’d have to agree. Secret was sweet and mellow today, which is a good thing. I like that much more than when she is jumpy! But when she is a bit slow I need to be able to pick up the pace.

That’s part of the fun of showing. You never know what will happen and you have to be ready for the unexpected. I’m glad we went to the show today and I look forward to the next time.

Hello friends!

I have not posted for a while and I have missed it! January was especially busy, though. I was occupied with my work–which I love–and also started a new semester teaching part-time at the University of Florida. Meanwhile, I’m still taking a dressage lesson every week and enjoying my time with Secret.

Not too much has changed in terms of my riding, but I am getting ready for another show this week end. I’m going to do the same tests I did at my last show in December: Introductory Tests A and B. I’m also planning to participate in another show in March. By then, I hope to be ready to do Introductory Test C as well.

Intro Test C includes many of the same requirements of Intro Tests A and B. What’s different about Intro Test C is that it also includes cantering.

I had a nice ride on Secret this morning and then spent some time getting her prettied up for the show. Here she is drying off after her spa treatment:

We’re looking forward to the show. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Wish me luck!

As I look back on 2011 I can’t help but be grateful. It was a rewarding time for me both personally and professionally. As an equestrian, I also had a good year.

I certainly had my share of challenges as a rider. In January, 2011, I set out to find a dressage trainer and over the course of several months took lessons from several different people at different barns before finally settling in at the barn where I am now.  And, fortunately, I only got tossed from a horse once this year–when Dutchess spooked the night before my first ever dressage show in September. That was also Dutchess’s first show and, sadly, her last; a hoof issue ended her short career as a dressage horse.

Happily, Secret came into my life shortly thereafter and we seem to be a pretty good match. I would have enjoyed my first show with Secret regardless of the outcome, but I have to admit that finishing the two classes we entered in fourth and first place was pretty darn sweet.

Besides having found a good trainer and a nice horse in 2011, I have a wonderfully supportive group of family and friends who have encouraged me every step of the way. You know who you are and I thank you all for your support.

I’d like to end my last post of 2011 with a photo of my ribbons from the December show at Rocking Horse Stables. 2011 was a blue ribbon year and I look forward to 2012. Farewell and see you next year!