We Won Something!

For starting out the season feeling woefully unprepared, Speedy and I did pretty well in the awards category. We've already received some of the goodies from our various "wins," but others will take longer to get here. 

Tehachapi Mountain Chapter's Annual Awards Banquet

In mid-October, we attended my CDS chapter's awards banquet. The Tehachapi Mountain Chapter might be small, but they put on a great summer series of CDS-rated shows with generous awards. At the banquet, Speedy and I were named the 2018 Second Level Adult Amateur Champion.

Go Team Speedy!

Last year, I kept track of points, working towards winning TMC's First Level Championship; we ended up Reserve. While I was maybe a bit disappointed - come one, who doesn't like to win? - placing second in that year's Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) felt like a win enough that I was really happy being reserve. This year, as green as we started at Second Level, I didn't think we had a chance at winning this year's RAAC or TMC's Second Level Championship. To win both at Second Level felt pretty good.

The trophy also came with a $100 check.

No one gives a speech when receiving their award at the TMC Awards Banquet- no one wants to sit there that long, but if I could have, I would have thanked my trainer, Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables. I think there are a lot of trainers who wouldn't have let me make the move to Second Level out of fear of me making them look bad.

I get it. My performance is a direct reflection of my trainer's teaching and coaching skills. Especially so when I use her logo on my saddle pad and walk around with her logo bedazzled on the back of my shirt. I am a walking billboard for Symphony Dressage; she needs me to represent.

Even though we didn't get any 70% scores this year, I know that because of her teaching and coaching, she turned a First Level horse and rider into a confirmed Second Level team. And under her experienced eye, I know she's going to get Team Speedy ready for Third Level and a Bronze Medal.

Tucked away in my reading room.

Doing well for myself is always on my mind, but the truth is that I want to do well for her. I have so much respect for Chemaine's teaching that I want to be the student that showcase's her talent as a trainer and coach.

Thank goodness that she's okay with me just being mediocre.