I cannot believe I forgot to blog about the start of the show season! As some of you know, I have been very focused on renovating my farm and spent the year before that passing my U.S. Dressage Federation “L” Education Program.
That means that last year, though I coached 75 rides before they headed down centerline, I only rode down seven times myself. Though successful (half my scores were over 71 percent), a show coach does not a competitor make. So my plan this winter was to prepare myself for the show ring, while I kept my students on track for their upcoming season.
The work paid off, as I proudly rode down centerline in APRIL at FEI Prix St. Georges. The tests were so fun–harmonious and accurate (everyone says I smiled after I got my five 4-tempis and five 3-tempis)–and, BEFORE MAY, I have managed to qualify for the CBLM Championships.
With my competitor-coach-competitor schedule in order, I had a weekend to relax and prep the students for their first show. Not to be outdone, the ladies all brought home scores in the 60s and 70s.
I would like to give a special Equine Network shout-out to my student/boarder and office co-worker Kate (equisearch.com) for bringing home a 71 percent and high score at the show. It just goes to show that we don’t just talk the talk!
In case you haven’t gotten a chance to check out Dressage Today’s Facebook page, you should visit. Our post-horse-show fatigue has made for some equestrian humor you are sure to enjoy (see below). Happy riding!
