After all was said and done.
Yes, I love a good horse show.
Yes, I love my horse.
Yes, I love taking my good horse to a good show.
No, it did not go well at our first try. Ludi had been schooling very relaxed. I gave him a thorough bath the day before, and he seemed to enjoy my braiding effort. I can clean and pack my stuff with my eyes closed. We were all set. Too bad the temperature dropped 20 degrees and the wind was blowing things sideways on show day! No prob, he tucked right into his show stall, made obnoxious with his neighbor, nibbled his hay and begged for a timbit. The warm up ring was absolutely civilized and I only heard one trainer tell her kid to 'Avoid the bay'. Ludi settled. Then, it was time to ride over to the ring and show. Lud said 'What the what?! That big flag is NUTS! Everything's blown over! I am not trained! I'm going home!' I managed to steer us basically through the pattern, but he cross-cantered constantly and never actually walked. His neck went from 10 to 4 braids long. I smiled at my friends with their cameras as we rode by 'Isn't this fun?!' my bared teeth suggested 'So glad I slept little and got up early!' The 48% score was generous, considering.
Yes, I love my horse.
Yes, I love taking my good horse to a good show.
No, it did not go well at our first try. Ludi had been schooling very relaxed. I gave him a thorough bath the day before, and he seemed to enjoy my braiding effort. I can clean and pack my stuff with my eyes closed. We were all set. Too bad the temperature dropped 20 degrees and the wind was blowing things sideways on show day! No prob, he tucked right into his show stall, made obnoxious with his neighbor, nibbled his hay and begged for a timbit. The warm up ring was absolutely civilized and I only heard one trainer tell her kid to 'Avoid the bay'. Ludi settled. Then, it was time to ride over to the ring and show. Lud said 'What the what?! That big flag is NUTS! Everything's blown over! I am not trained! I'm going home!' I managed to steer us basically through the pattern, but he cross-cantered constantly and never actually walked. His neck went from 10 to 4 braids long. I smiled at my friends with their cameras as we rode by 'Isn't this fun?!' my bared teeth suggested 'So glad I slept little and got up early!' The 48% score was generous, considering.
Not so good here.
We had nearly 3 hours till our next test. I tried to keep my head clear and chit chat with my 2 good buddies, who came to watch and help me. I decided there wasn't much else to do but get back on a good hour before my next time and ride some anxiety out of both of us. Ludi was absolutely fine in the warm up; we could thread between horses, he'd forgive a close call, and we schooled like at home. Time to ride over to the ring again and show. He spun and jumped INTO the ring. I just looked at the judge, at a loss, and she let me ride out and start again. This time, he felt naughty and I got determined. I shoved my butt in the saddle and kicked like a tough kid on a rotten pony. He still spun around a few times but we got the free walk and when I watch the video of the second half of the test, he was settling in. 57% and that was that! He strolled nonchalantly back over to the show barn.
Our final salute to the judge. I am actually smiling (with relief). From Jump Cut Cinema
It never occurred to me to scratch or retire, and I've already sent our entry in for the next one in a few weeks. I wouldn't measure myself as much of a horseman, or person for that matter, if I wilted and stayed home every time the wind blew things around, or if I quit on something difficult. As much as I am aware that some may view my equestrian pursuits as a selfish luxury hobby, my choices have made me strong, reliable and calm when it matters most.
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