It's Show Day!

It feels like a first show for Sydney, even though it's not. Last September I took him to this same venue where I rode him Intro A & B, and then we went to a schooling show in April at the Hansen Dam Equestrian Center, While it's not his first show, it is the first rated show where we'll canter.

I ride Intro C at 8:46 and Training Level Test 1 at 9:44 which means I'll be pulling out of the barn by 6:00 a.m. I spent Saturday afternoon cleaning tack and braiding.

Braiding .. aarrgghhh ... seriously. Worst invention EVER! This time, I skipped the bands and tried to go traditional. I used yarn and did the tie the braid in a knot method.

First, I braided each chunk. I definitely need to work on my even spacing.

I had been pulling Sydney's mane a little each week, but when I tried to do a practice braid in the spring, I realized that I had pulled it too short so I quit pulling in April.  It is now the perfect length for this style of braid.

I simply tied the braid in a knot and then gathered stray hairs in the yarn and tied the yarn at the top and bottom.

The first one looked pretty nice. The next six or seven went haywire, but as I neared the end, I finally figured out how to keep the "button" round and straight. Next time I do it, it will be better.

From a distance, they will do just fine. Up close, you can see how wobbly they are at the top. The bottom braids are more evenly formed.

They may not be the perfect braids, but I am not embarrassed by them either. Sydney's braids are the least of my worries. Not looking like a giraffe careening out of control is of far more concern!

And there's the wobble ...

My arms were pretty tired by the time I got to his forelock. I am not too thrilled with that braid. I actually do a pretty decent forelock braid, but both of us were hot, tired, and bored by the time I finished the button braids so I just left it as is. Next time, It will be tighter and neater.

Not too bad for an admitted hack of a braider!

With a fly sheet on 24/7, Sydney stays quite clean and shiny. I rode before I did the braids. I was prepared to give him a bath, but this is what he looked like after I had ridden and swiped the brush over the sweat marks; pretty clean and shiny, huh?! 

By the time you read this, I'll probably be done with both tests already and possibly heading home. I have three goals for the day: enjoy myself first and foremost (why do it if it's not fun?); complete both tests; and get some of the relaxation that we have at home. I know he can't give me a home level of relaxation - I can't be as relaxed for him either. I am just hoping for some relaxation.

Oh, after I get home from the show, I am trailering both boys over to Rancho Rio Stables to have my saddle refit for both boys. I'll definitely report back on that and show results will also follow. Wish us luck!