Randomania ...

Saturday is the GEAHS Spring Open Dressage Show, my second show of the season, and my first rated show of the season. With the show quickly approaching, I've been doing my nightly homework once again.  I have a bit of an advantage for this show since I have seen the dressage court and warm up arena.  When I practice the tests in my head at night, I can actually picture THE dressage court in which I will ride the test.  For last month's show in Ojai, I had to use my lesson court as the visual aid.  Having the show in my backyard also reduces some of the stress that comes with driving two and a half hours. Not to worry, there's plenty else to worry about, like the thought that of all my friends might come to watch.

And I'll be honest ... it wouldn't break my heart if Speedy G and I qualified for this fall's RAAC.  Saturday's show will be my first opportunity of only four to earn a qualifying score.  Last month's 73.5% didn't count as it was a schooling show and not rated. Scoring the required 65% sounds easy, huh?

In an effort to NOT burn him out, I took Speedy G for a relaxing trail ride on Sunday afternoon rather than do more work in the arena.  We ambled along the trail munching on wild oats and other plants.  He was being very lazy so I insisted on some trot work to wake him up.  And when we got to the three hill-climbs, I let him do a hand gallop that was really more of a "lope." And bless his nearly-all-growed-up-self, when we made the turn for home, he behaved like a real gentleman.  His reward for remaining in control was a true hand gallop along some dicey trail.  Fun, fun, fun!

I hope to squeeze in two or three rides throughout the week including a lesson on Wednesday evening.  Hopefully that's enough to be ready for Saturday's show ...