Buckle Up

That's what I texted to my trainer, Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer and Symphony Dressage Stables. Buckle Up, this ride is about to get started. For the past six years - oh my God how is that possible? I've been working with Izzy, but it's mostly been about turning him into a solid equine citizen. Now that Speedy is not my main ride, Izzy is going to have to step up his game and start showing for real.

Photo by Kathe Rich - Barbi Breen-Gurley Clinic in July

The CDS Regional Adult Amateur Competition is this weekend, we had to withdraw of course, and the CDS/USDF Region 7 Championship Show is at the end of September which means California's show season is winding down. Even without COVID-19, there usually aren't many shows in September. The new show season starts after Championships, so the October show at SCEC is always a great event to hit because you can get a head start on the new season. My goal is to get Izzy to that show.

Every single ride since the Barbi Breen-Gurley clinic has been about following with my elbows, not dropping the contact, keeping my left shoulder back, and looking between his ears. When I rode on Wednesday, I was rewarded with a correct and balanced flying change to left. I ended the ride on that glorious note.

Wouldn't it be hilarious if we start his showing career at Third?