Heading to RAAC

Today's the big day. We are headed to the California Dressage Society Central Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC).

​MISSION: The mission of these competitions is to provide an opportunity for all CDS Adult Amateur riders to qualify and compete against others of similar skills and experience. The regional nature of these shows will help to provide our membership with a developmental path for gaining competitive experience, promote excellence and increase awareness of and support for the Chapters.

Goals:
#1 – For the Chapters: These regional or “mid” level adult amateur competitions are designed to promote and enhance awareness and participation by the CDS Chapters, provide State level support in funding and advertisement, and a chance to generate funds at the chapter level.

#2 – For the Riders: These competitions will provide a positive “introductory” show experience for some, which will hopefully be a stepping stone to bigger things, while offering the other more experienced amateur riders a warm-up for the Championship Show. 

#3 – For the Whole Organization: These competitions are designed to bridge the gap between the local chapter shows with individual year end awards programs and the tremendously difficult, top caliber competition at the Annual CDS Championship Show.

I've competed at RAAC four different times, winning at Introductory Level and Training Level. I've been to RAAC at first level, but we didn't do so well. I am expecting this year to be different!

2012 Introductory Level

2014 Training Level

In 2013 and 2015, we finished dead last. Both times! And even weirder still, we placed eighth. Twice! Several year apart. There's actually quite an interesting pattern to my placings.

• 2012 - 1st/Introductory Level
• 2013 - 8th/Training Level
• 2014 - 1st/Training Level
• 2015 - 8th/First Level

Here's the bummer; I didn't go in 2016. Was that my year to  be first? Am I destined to be 8th in 2017?!?!?! I hope not. Instead, if the pattern holds, I'll be 1st at First Level! (said with a wink!)

2013

2015

In 2014, I competed at the CDS Championship. That means that for evermore I must compete in the RAAC Elite division rather than Novice which is for riders who have never been to the championship. I don't know if this makes things more difficult or not. The elite division is for riders that have competed on a bigger stage; it doesn't matter if your horse has shown at a bigger show or not.

​No matter what happens, I know that we've prepared as well as we can. Speedy is fit and ready, I know my tests (knock on wood right now, please), and the trailer is clean and ready to go.

Ew - gross!

Maybe cleaner than Blue Truck's cab!

So shiny!

Wish us luck!