Rider Performance Award

Speedy and I had a great first season at Second Level. We earned some low scores, we earned some middle of the road scores, and we cleaned up in the awards category. This season, we managed to earn:

• 15 scores at or above 60% which will be engraved on our 2018 CDS Plate in January
• The CDS Ruby Award which is awarded to a rider once they have earned 2 scores at or above 60% for Training, First, and Second Levels, given out in January
• The CDS Second Level Horse Performance Award earned once a horse has scored 6 scores at or above 60%, pending
• The CDS Central Regional Adult Amateur Competition Second Level Elite winner
• and finally, our USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award!

Never thought I'd get it our first year out!

I hoped with fingers crossed I'd get it this first year at Second Level, but I didn't really believe it would happen. Second Level had always seemed so intimidating. People tell horror stories of being stuck in its clutches season after season. Somehow, we actually didn't suck all of the time which allowed us to get the scores we needed.

That makes all three! Next up, the medals.

My plan is to be ready for at least test one of Third Level by this spring, but I am not too proud to keep working at Second if we're not quite ready for Third. Second is a foundational level for sure, and getting better at it won't hurt our (eventual) Third Level scores.

But for now, In your face, Second Level!

​(just kidding!)