We Rode the Rainbow

Photo bombed!

So … here I am, back home, having had some time to think. I learned a lot at this show about sportsmanship in general and about what kind of competitor I am. I mentioned before that I had several experiences to chew on, so this post will be a collection of short stories (starting with one long one). Here's the first one.

Sportsmanship

Most everyone was friendly at the show. I find that to be the case most of the time. This was the first show that I've been to where I saw less-than-gracious sportsmanship shown. It all started in my own barn aisle.

As everyone was unloading their trucks and settling in their gear for the weekend, conversations were started and horses were admired. Most riders had a trainer with them and often times there were several barn mates as well.

There was one trainer/student team that stands out. The first question the rider asked me was what level I was showing. Just Training Level, was my reply which was followed by some self-depracating comment as a way to appear friendly and to let her know that I was there to have fun. 

Her response was that her friend so-and-so was also showing in that level and would probably win because she's really good. I replied with something like, Wow, how exciting! I am sure she will. I found that quite an odd thing to say to someone. As it turned out, she didn't win any of the classes in which I rode.

Throughout the weekend, I heard her trainer make several comments designed to boost the rider's ego while diminishing the success of others. While at the score board, she pointed out to the rider that our scores were all very close which meant that her non-winning placing didn't really mean much because on any other day she could have easily beat everyone; am I invisible? I was standing right there.

I definitely compare my scores to the other riders in the class. I do so because I want to know if I am riding at an appropriate level. If everyone else is scoring 65% and I post a 49%, maybe I am not riding where I should be. I also like to see how far away from the winning score I really am. This gives me an indication of what I need to do to improve. I never look at scores and casually toss out that I should have/could have/would have won if … That struck me as less than a gracious competitor.

Another woman also made a strange remark while I was examining the score board. I like to take photos of how I placed in the class so that I know how many riders there were and what the range of scores was. I do this whether I am dead last or not.

Case in point: last year's RAAC - dead last

As I was taking the photo, the woman leaned over and said in a rather snarky tone, you must have done well since you're taking a photo. My reply was this: well no, not in this class, but I did do well in that class, as I pointed.

And then, of course, there was the issue of zero applause after my winning ride in the RAAC class. I share all of this not because I thought I deserved any recognition, but because it was the very first time that I was aware of any of the sharper edges that reveal themselves during competition. I am sure that attitude has always been present, but this was the first time that I was the recipient, or even aware of it. Have I just been blind all of this time, or has the subtle snarkiness always been there?

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Beware the Deals We Make

True story … I had been considering going to the CDS Championship show, but I needed one more score at RAAC to qualify. Right before going to RAAC though, I decided that even if I got the score, I wasn't going to the championship because it was just too expensive.

And then, as I was on the road without much to do but think, I made this deal with myself: IF I won the RAAC class with a score ABOVE 70%, I would go the championship. I knew I was safe since I've finished dead last in RAAC classes for two consecutive years, and I had yet to break higher than 68% at Training Level.

Who knew I'd not only win but do it with a 72%? 

True to my word, I've already sent in my entry for the CDS Championship. There will definitely be more about that show in the coming weeks.

Determined faces!

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It's a Horse Show, Not a Rodeo!

And then this happened. 

When we won the Novice Introductory RAAC class in 2012, Speedy got a neck ribbon exactly like the one he wore this year. He gave it the stink eye the whole time we did our honor round back then, so I knew to be a bit cautious in placing it around his neck. In fact, we had some help.

While standing off to the side with the other riders of my class waiting for introductions, Speedy reached down and ripped the ribbon off. When he did so, he held it in his mouth so that the pieces flapped around his face. He bolted hard to the side (with the ribbon still stuffed in his mouth), scattering the rest of the horses. I gave a hard yank as I rode out the bucks, all the while yelling, look out! He finally dropped the ribbon and gave it a wary look.

I am sure we made quite a sight - the first place horse bolting and bucking through the crowd all because his blue ribbon was stuffed in his mouth! The ribbon was picked up out of the dirt, meticulously dusted clean, and very carefully placed back on his neck (thank you, Donna!). After that, most riders gave us a wide berth.

Of course, as we continued to wait and model for photos, I watched Speedy like a hawk as he continued to worry at his ribbon hoping to get it off. Even Orion, the chestnut Arab, thought he was being a weirdo!

I am sure Orion was thinking, Dude! Our moms like these things. Just leave it alone!

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And Finally ...

When I told JL, my trainer, about just getting really lucky at this show, she characterized my "luck" like this: Isn't it funny how the harder we work, the luckier we get? That is a thought I am going to keep in mind!

This is the card my husband picked out for me after I got home. How true for dressage is that?!

I have a really supportive husband!

Back to real life tomorrow.