A Memory Test

Team Speedy/Sweaney have their first show of 2011 in a week.  Since all of my show clothes (breeches, gloves, tie, coat, boots, helmet, etc.) get stored in a plastic tote in a closet at home, I am "appearance" ready.  My show pads are stored in the closet as well so they're cleaned and ready to go.  I need to give my saddle and bridle a quick clean the day before show, but that's pretty easy to do.  

Last season was just about getting experience.  This year I want to remember to have fun (Thanks, LisaBeth!), but I also want to ride better than I did last season.  I don't think that's an unrealistic expectation.  In fact, if I am not improving, what the heck am I doing out there?  

For this season, I am going to work harder to KNOW the tests.  I need to really understand what's being asked and focus on performing the movements on the mark, and doing them cleanly.  We have a final lesson on Sunday, a week before the show.  A tune up lesson might be possible, but with work schedules, not likely.  

So ... I have been toting my two tests everywhere I go, reading them over, and visualizing my rides.

This is Introductory Test B.  I feel really good about this test.  Since I might not have a reader, I decided to memorize both tests.  This is the easiest one.

A ... Enter working trot rising.  Easy
X ... Halt through medium walk. Salute - Proceed working trot rising.  Again, easy.
C ... Track left.  It's either left or right so I have a 50/50 shot at getting this one right.
E ... Circle left 20 meters, working trot rising.  Pretty basic. 
E ... Straight ahead.  Unless I go around again, it's really the only way to go.
Between K & A ... Medium walk.  And here's where I get a little nervous.  Here, now, did I miss it?
F-E ... Free walk.  This is a funky diagonal-crossing of the arena from a lower edge to the middle.
E-H Medium walk.  Not too hard as the medium walk comes before working trot.
Between H-C ... Working trot rising.  Makes sense since corners are a good place to pick up the trot.
B ... Circle right 20 meters, working trot rising.  Same as the other side.
A ... Down centerline.  If I miss it, I'll be back to E circling, and circling.
X ... Halt through medium walk. Salute.  Whew!  Done.

If you see me hanging around doing nothing, give me a quick quiz!

---