We Earned an Award?

Speedy and I had a pretty slow show season in 2016. In fact, we didn't actually make it to any shows during the calendar year. Good thing for us the show season actually starts in the fall.

In October of 2015, we went to a show and earned four very nice scores in the high 60s at First Level. I was certain that our 2016 season was going to be a roaring success. Nope. It wasn't. 

It was one thing after another with Speedy. In the spring he suffered a small bowed tendon which the vet only called tendonitis, and then throughout the summer he soared himself by pacing and fence walking. Before I knew it, winter had arrived and our show season was over.

We've earned a plate six years in a row.

My GMO, the California Dressage Society (CDS), has a number of rider incentive programs, but the Rosettes Award is my favorite. To be eligible, riders must earn 5 scores at or above 60% at rated shows during one season. Each year thereafter, each score over 60% at a rated show earns a "rosette" which is presented on an engraved plate. 

Now we need scores from Second Level.

The plaque can be purchased from CDS. The certificate, also from CDS, is only taped on and will be removed once I need the space for more plates. I love this plaque because it's a great way to look back on the progress we've made.

Our first plate came from Intro and Training Level. The next two were also from Training Level, but the * indicates scores of over 70%! The last two plates are from First Level.

As lofty a goal as it may be, I would love to get a plate this year with Second Level scores. I know Speedy is capable of Second Level work, we're already schooling some of the movements, but I don't know if he'll stay sound enough to make it to a show. 

No matter what happens, I was certainly delighted to add another plate to our plaque. And who knows, maybe Izzy's name will be up there this year!