Third Level Debut

If you would have told me back in the beginning that Speedy and I would make it to Third Level, I would have known that you were lying to me. How in the world could a rangy endurance horse and his grimy rider become a sleek and polished dressage team? That just doesn't happen.

It's a good thing he's forgiving.

I never had a formal lesson until I was an adult. I could post, but I didn't know how to change my posting diagonal. I could ride fearlessly over the toughest terrain, stick almost any buck or rear, but I had no idea how to put the finishing touches on a horse, the stuff that makes a horse truly beautiful.

We've both come a long way!

And yet, here we are. Tomorrow morning we'll be showing Third Level at a two-day USDF-rated show. I should be more nervous, and maybe I will be tomorrow, but for now, I feel pretty confident. I don't expect to wow the judge, but I am still excited to get out there to find out just where we stand. What's good, what's great, and what needs more work? I am looking at this show as an opportunity to get an honest critique of our work so far.

I think he's actually lifting his back!

Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, came out for a last, pre-show lesson on Saturday. This time, the lesson was all about tightening up everything in order to give us some kind of chance at getting a qualifying score.

The shoulder-in is getting so much better.

At every moment she was shouting some kind of reminder:

• more bend in the corner to PREPARE for the shoulder-in
• shoulder-in to PREPARE for the trot half pass
• get him SOFT before the canter half pass
• get him SOFT before the release of the reins in the canter
• THINK shoulder-in for the extended canter
• HALF HALT before the extended trot and ride it UPHILL
• LEG ON at the end of the medium trot

For every single movement she's given me a short directive to help me prepare for each movement. I can hear her in my head as I ride. Once Speedy is warmed up and listening, we can do each movement, even the canter half pass (sort of).

Of course getting Speedy listening and willing to move his bootie can be a real challenge. These next pictures show a behind the scenes view of what has to happen before we look show ready. You have to admit that the dude is super athletic. It's just a matter of channeling it in the direction I want us to go.

"Let me RUUUUUN!"

Put your left leg in, put your left leg out ...

Put your RIGHT leg in, put your right leg out ...

When there's not room to kick out but you shake it all about.

And in case you wanted to see it from the front.

Even with all of his No No Nos, I am still feeling confident. Speedy loves to show and always brings his "A" game. And like Chemaine pointed out on Saturday, If they're not being opinionated, you're not asking for anything new or hard. And the only way to get better is to ask for new and hard.

Saturday's ride times.

Sunday's ride times.

Sassy, but getting some jump to that canter!

If you've got a few minutes, wish us luck. We could definitely use some. Have a great weekend!