Champions? Us?!

Yes!  But before I tell the tale, there's a funny anecdote about how I found out that we had achieved champion status.

Hubby brought in the mail on Thursday night and tossed me a package.  I looked at the shipping label and realized that I didn't recognize the sender.  I am expecting a package that I ordered for my husband for Christmas, but this package was the wrong size, and it was soft.  Not at all what I was expecting.  Hmmm ...  I gave it a couple of good squishy squeezes trying to determine if I should open it in front of him.  He glanced my way and suddenly realized that he was also expecting a package that was destined to be my Christmas gift. 

I quickly handed it over as I didn't want to spoil a surprise.  He then proceeded to give it a few squishy squeezes himself and also studied the return address.  He was as baffled as I.  Both of us then took a good look at the packaging trying to determine who had ordered it and therefore who should open it.  He decided that he had ordered it, and the package was hidden away.  A little "O. Henryesque, anyone?

While at work the next morning, I received this text, BTW, that package was yours, looks like ride winnings or something.  Blue ribbon in it.  What?!?!?!  Of course it was morning when Hubby sent the message so I had all day to wonder whatever on earth I could have won, and even more time to ponder who had sent it.

I zipped home right after work and found my package on the counter with a note from hubby reassuring me that the package was indeed mine.  Here's what was in it.

Seriously? Introductory Champion?

The ribbon is 28 inches long. I measured it!

AND an embroidered pad? Thank you so very much Ventura County Chapter of CDS. You are one awesome chapter!

You all know how goal oriented I am.  Had I known that I stood even the teeniest tiniest chance of winning this award, I would have been all over it.  So how on earth did all of this happen?    

The Ventura County Chapter of CDS hosts a series of six schooling shows throughout the year.  The results of these shows are tabulated and champion status is awarded to the rider in each division with the highest average score.  Ahem.  That would apparently be me!

I was excited about the series, not because I thought I could win, but because it provided me an opportunity to show in a more relaxed atmosphere without the added pressure of being rated.  I entered the first two shows, but they were cancelled this year due to weather and the EHV-1 virus.  I managed to make the next two shows and scored very well at the first show.  For both tests at that show, I scored in the 70% range. At the next show, I had a little melt down due to a disastrous warm-up.  We scored in the 58% range.  I didn't make the next two shows in the series.  With only riding twice, I completely forgot about the series as it didn't seem likely that I stood a chance of winning.  I guess I was wrong!

I am not going to fein indifference.  I am thrilled!  I am dancing around the living room.  I might even hang that ribbon from the Christmas tree!  I worked really hard this year to improve, and I went to a lot of shows hoping to demonstrate that we're serious about this dressage business.  I am honored that VCC of CDS has called me Champion.  Even if it was just at the Introductory Level.  Look out 2012.  Speedy G and I are ready to rock and roll!