Show Day

The good thing is that I am not nervous at all. I am really using this show to gauge where we are at First Level. We've been schooling pretty hard, but I have no idea what the judge is expecting. I suspect that I have been schooling with Second Level in mind, so maybe we'll pull out an acceptable score.

And while this isn't a USDF show, it is CDS-rated which means my scores count for a variety of CDS incentive programs. I could earn RAAC and Championship qualifying scores even though I have no plans to actually attend either event. But still, I like to be qualified. Scores of 60% or better also count towards my 2015 plate which is important as I have yet to show this season, and as such have not earned a single score.

But really, I just want to get out there and see where we need to improve. Since I don't train regularly with a dressage trainer, shows are my way of checking in with someone in the know. What are we doing well, and what do we need to fix?

Even though I get to go later in the afternoon, it's still going to be an early morning as nothing is loaded yet, and Speedy is packing around a rather dusty coat. I also need to get gas and make the nearly hour and a half drive to Tehachapi.

Here we go!

Keep your fingers crossed that I stay in the saddle, that Speedy has his tests memorized, and that we both enjoy ourselves. A full write up will follow!