It's Show Time ... Well, Almost!

I leave this afternoon for our first two-day show.  I have to admit, I am pretty excited about it.  I've mentioned before how much I love horse camping.  This won't be quite the same thing, but it's close.  I know I'll be parked a little ways from Speedy, and I am pretty sure I won't be able to see his stall from my parking spot, but he'll be within easy walking distance.

I have everything loaded that I think I'll need: my saddle and bridle were stowed last night; shows clothes and boots are loaded; and my clothes and groceries are ready to be tossed into the living quarters.  I am ready to go.

Did I mention that Hilda Gurney is the judge for this show?  She's kind of a big deal here in California, and probably elsewhere as well.  It's a good thing I am not in the "know" about these things, or I might be intimidated by her success.  She has three Olympic medals, including an individual gold!  I watch a lot of RFDTV, and the USDF Symposiums are a regular feature.  She's one of the regular clinicians that appears on the show so my impression of her has been formed by watching how she treats riders at the clinics.  She's always kind, but she definitely has high expectations.  I'm looking forward to reading her feedback.

My tests are memorized, as usual, and my goals are firm.  I want to have fun which is always my number one goal.  I want Speedy to enjoy himself.  He's a pretty laid back dude and seems to like outings so I am not too worried about that.  I would really like to get my second qualifying score for Intro C, a 65%.  I have one already, but I need two scores of 65% to qualify for RAAC.  I'll get two chances to earn it over the weekend.  I would also like to get a 60% at Training One, which would also be a qualifying score.  And even though I get two opportunities, the scores have to be earned under two different judges which means even if I get 60% on both days, only one of the scores would count.  But that's okay.  I'll take two 60% scores at T1 any day - qualifying or not!

Pray to the weather gods that blue skies prevail and that traffic heading into Los Angeles is light.  I'll catch up with you on Monday.  Have a great weekend!

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