The RAAC

The California Dressage Society's (Central) Regional Adult Amateur Competition has finally arrived. I know I've been talking about it for quite a while. I had pretty much written this show season off when Speedy came up lame in February with a hoof injury. I knew it was unlikely that we would make it to a USDF show, much less qualify for the RAAC. But, here we are! 

Somehow, Speedy recovered in time to salvage the season and get me qualified for the regional show. We didn't get to do it at First Level, but I am still grateful to be going. Thank goodness I have at least one amateur friendly horse!

I am sure I've shared all of this before, but for those who weren't here or for those who don't remember, the RAAC is designed for adult amateurs like myself. The show entry for RAAC states:

The mission of these competitions is to provide an opportunity for all CDS Adult Amateur riders to qualify and compete against others of similar skills and experience. The regional nature of these shows will help provide our membership with a developmental path to gain competitive experience, to promote excellence, and increase awareness of and support for CDS Chapters.

Not a bad idea at all! Qualifying for the RAAC is more abut participation than it is necessarily about scoring well. For Training Level through Fourth Level (including PSG and I1), a rider must earn three scores of 60% or better from at least two judges from any test at the level. For Introductory Level, which we won in 2012, the rider must earn three scores of 65% or better from at least two judges from Test C.

We qualified easily with all eight of our scores well over the required 60% mark. Four of the scores were over 65% and one was even as high as 68%. I think we're pretty prepared for this year's event.

RAAC 2012 Introductory Champion

RAAC 2013 Training Level 8th place (out of 8) with trainer, Chemaine Hurtado. My placing is no reflection of her as a trainer. I just didn't ride well. We went on to win the El Sueno Training Level Championship later that day.

El Sueno 2013 Training Level Champion

This year's central RAAC is in Paso Robles at the same venue as in 2012. I liked the facility and am looking forward to showing off what we've learned. Each year that I've headed to RAAC, I've had specific goals in mind, but this year, I just really want to enjoy the experience and ride to the best of my ability. It's hard to ask for more than that.

Have a great weekend, and I will see you on Monday!