I don't think Speedy and I are ever going to make it to a show this season. Between California's freakishly weird weather and Speedy's attempts to maim himself, we're still stuck at home. For the first time in its history, which is looooong, the Tehachapi Chapter of CDS has had to cancel a show.
From our very first show ever which was the spring Tehachapi show.
I am super disappointed, but that's horses. If something can go awry, it will. There's no sense in boohooing about it. Instead, I've already printed the show premium for our next show which is a USDF/USEF/CDS affair.
Shhh ... I printed it at work.
My friend Jen is the show manager/secretary for all of the El Sueno shows, which are my favorite. The rings are lovely, stabling is swanky if you pay for the upgrade, and she lets me camp on the cross country course for free.
I always go the cheap route.
El Sueno also has a fun Loyalty Card program where after you pay for ten classes, you get a class free. I have eight stamps right now, so this show, a two-day event, will fill my card and get me started on another.
Loyalty Cards!
Given how expensive USDF/USEF shows are, El Sueno's got a good plan in attracting riders by giving them something back for their repeat business.
Grumble, grumble.
When Speedy and I made the move to Second Level last show season, I was annoyed to find that our hard work was going to cost me an extra 40 bucks since I ride two tests over two days. I had never paid attention to the costs of the higher level classes. I never thought we'd actually get that far.
Besides the two El Sueno shows, the only other USDF/USEF-rated show I did in 2018 was the Regional Adult Amateur Competition, and it already has added costs since it's run like an AA Championship (even though it isn't. They give lots of swag so the extra cost is worth it). Now that we're showing Third Level, the sticker shock has worn off, but I am curious to know if other shows charge more for the mid- and FEI Level tests.
Besides the two El Sueno shows, the only other USDF/USEF-rated show I did in 2018 was the Regional Adult Amateur Competition, and it already has added costs since it's run like an AA Championship (even though it isn't. They give lots of swag so the extra cost is worth it). Now that we're showing Third Level, the sticker shock has worn off, but I am curious to know if other shows charge more for the mid- and FEI Level tests.
El Sueno in 2013
Since I'm not showing on Sunday, I've messaged my endurance friend Marci to see if she wants to hit the trail again on Saturday. If I can't show, I might as well give Izzy some more out and about experience.
To those of you showing this weekend, good luck!
To those of you showing this weekend, good luck!
