Oh, Heck Yeah!

I've written before about the awesome GMO that I am lucky to belong to - the California Dressage Society. It's a great organization that is completely rider focused. And even better, CDS recognizes that adult ammies and Junior/Young Riders are an integral part of the sport of dressage and works hard to provide ways for us to be acknowledged.

Just yesterday, I received an email from CDS introducing the newest Rider Award, and oh boy, am I super psyched about it.

CDS is calling it the Gem Rider Award. You can see the requirements above, but the very best thing about the award is that it is retroactive!!!! The second cool thing about the award is that I am already two thirds of the way to earning the first one, the Ruby Rider Award. Oh, sweet Jesus, I can barely contain myself.

Since this is a CDS Award program, the scores need only be earned at CDS-rated shows, not necessarily at USDF shows. I've mentioned this before, but most CDS shows are also USDF-rated, but my local chapter of CDS, Tehachapi Mountain Chapter, hosts a four-show summer series that is only CDS-rated. Since it's not a USDF show, the judging is usually a tiny bit more generous than at a USDF-rated show.

This is going to provide a great opportunity for the riders in my area to earn scores for their Gem Rider Awards. Like I said, oh, heck yeah! I am so all over this award. Now I am even more motivated to get mine and Speedy's butts up to Second Level. We've got a lot of work to do this winter!