First Show: Intermediate B

Saturday was the first show of the season. I opted on Friday night not to show on Saturday. Too many things had gone wrong on Saturday (buying a new club printer at 9 pm at night because the one we’ve been using had given up the ghost) and I was in a very emotional state. I decided that it would be in the best interest of Ashke and my relationship to not bring him into my emotional mess. It was a wise decision. I was too tired and too unsettled for that to have been a good riding day for either of us. Instead, I spent the day managing the show, which was actually a good decision, for our first show. It will get easier going forward.

Sunday started with a warm water rinse for Ashke, since he decided that rolling in the dirt on Saturday was a great way to keep himself clean. He walked right on the trailer, stood mostly quietly at the trailer all day and was a great companion. He was clearly worried about me, but seemed happy to be showing. His relaxation improves with each adventure.

Note to self: it is recommended to actually ride your brand new to you dressage test in a regulation court prior to the show. Same thing can be said about the EOH course as well.

There were some really good moments. That said, I really need to have Amanda set out a specific series of things for us to do during warm up, so that I'm not floundering around wondering if I have done too much or too little. I want him warm, relaxed but not tired going into the court.

I have to laugh at some of the comments, because my running commentary inside my head is actually funnier in light of the comments. Maybe I will do a spoof and change the comments to what I am thinking during the ride. The part that really sticks out to me is the 10m serpentine after the first leg yield. I don't know why I have such a hard time riding that particular exercise, but I was two strides past E when I realized I should be turning.

Doreen was very complementary on the condition of my horse and how much his topline has improved since we rode for her two years ago. That was really the turning point for me in terms of how I was expecting him to go, plus that was the last show we rode in a bit other than the Garcia. We have both improved immensely, but that was definitely the turning point. I thought that my score was exceedingly fair and was very happy with our first show. There is plenty to work on, but that is part of the journey.

Probably the biggest change, was my lack of anxiety about showing. I actually felt pretty calm and okay. I did use an inhaler, since my chest has been tight due to everything blooming at once.