First Level Fun

I like showing. I like showing more than lessons. To me, showing my horse gives me an opportunity to see what I have learned. Sometimes it's disappointing of course, but other times, horse shows give me validation. They prove that all of my hard work is good for something and that I am not wasting my time.

I've only shown First Level three times: a schooling show this past November (with the old tests), a CDS-rated show in May, and at another CDS-rated show this past weekend. At the schooling show, Speedy and I earned a 63% and a 64%. I figured we scored well because it was only a schooling show, and the judges try to give you a reason to come back.

At the CDS show in May, we earned a 55% and a 63%. For the first test, Speedy and I were rusty; we hadn't shown in six months! We shook off the cobwebs for the second test and proved that we actually were ready for First Level.

And then there was this weekend's show. In a nutshell, Speedy brought his A-game, and I was right there with him preparing for movements and being completely present and in the moment. Our hard work paid off with a 65.741% and a 67.344%. I am not even going to pretend to be nonchalant about it. I was thrilled!

Blue is better when I am not the only rider in the class. At least there were two of us this time!

For me, showing has nothing to do with ribbons; I don't want to win with a 59%, no matter how hard I worked for it. I'd rather be dead last with a 70%. Showing is about the scores I earn. But if I just cared about the score, I'd settle myself in a schooling show circuit and rack up some fat percentages. So it's more than just a good percentage.

What makes me feel the most accomplished is showing well under the most rigorous conditions, like at a USDF show. That doesn't mean I don't value schooling shows, quite the opposite. Schooling shows are an excellent gauge for helping me determine whether I am ready for a bigger show. The same goes for CDS-rated shows. 

Once I start scoring solidly in the 60s at CDS shows, I know it's time to test ourselves against a standard that is less gentle on the ego. It becomes time to suck it up a bit and move on to USDF shows. Those are the scores that really tell me how we're doing.

We're ready. We've scored consistently at First Level over a seven month period with only three dressage lessons. Not only are the scores consistent, but they're getting better each time. We'll be heading to El Sueno at the end of July for a two-day USDF show. That show will be our litmus test. What do we have down pat, and what do we need to work on?

No matter how we do, I am finding the work in First Level to be a welcome challenge that is fun and stimulating!