Perspective … Or Not

Saddle Seat Wednesday

NACHS sweatshirt front II

The title was of this post scheduled to be “Perspective, I Has It.” Only, I don’t. It’s been one month since Nationals. I am still uncalm about coming in Reserve National Grand Champion. [Report]

Oh sure, I can make all of the right noises. I was fortunate to have the chance to show. I rode well, which is the only part I can control. I held my own in a class that was larger and more competitive than last year. I nailed a pattern that people couldn’t believe was being asked of Academy riders. Second is nothing to sneeze at.

But dammit, dammit, dammit, I wanted to be National Champion.

I’m honestly thrilled about taking Reserve Champion in the first class on Sunday, the Pleasure Final. The woman who won had been untouchable all weekend. Coming second to her was like winning without the blue.

The woman who won the Equitation Final climbed from last on Friday to 7th on Saturday to 1st on Sunday (She was 3rd in the Pleasure Final). That’s what I did in 2014, except that I only made the leap from last to second. Three years, two levels, six finals, four gaudy Reserve Championship ribbons. It’s like they can’t bring themselves to give me first.

Yeah, I’m handling this well.

NACHS sweatshirt back II

Positives 12/1/15

Dr. Margaret [Meet] has asked that I keep a list of positive interactions.

Rodney
One
Dr. Margaret: “Everything you feel is … good information.” [Show Tweets]
Me, before riding Rodney: I’m nervous.
Me, being level-headed: Okay, so what does that mean?
Me, BRR: I hate that I am nervous about riding my own horse.

So, it’s not just nerves. It’s the fact that being nervous pisses me off.

Two
When Rodney backs off the the noseband [New] by the slightest amount, he doesn’t stop there. He scoots immediately & deeply behind my leg, thus explaining my unpleasant feeling of pitching forward. Identifying the problem is a small step toward taking control of my universe.

For non-riders, going behind the leg does not mean going backwards. (Although that can happen and is seriously unfun.) It has to do with how the horse is using his (or her) weight and energy. A horse behind the leg is not forward, not listening, not gathered into an athletic package ready for whatever comes next. I think. Corrections from riding theorists out there?

Milton
Nothing yet.

Lessons. Work. Packing for show. Traveling to show. Recuperating from show. Weather. Holiday weekend. Too may excuses for letting time slide away from me.

I have gotten to the point where I can pet on him without breaking into hysterics. Not a positive as much as lack of a negative.
~~~
Gratuitous Cat Pic

Rhyme
Rhyme

Text Art: Y is for Yeast

letter 2015 Y

Tiger Whistle
Diet Change

Alphabet 2015
W is for Weave Poles
V is for Vest
U is for Unguent
T is for Tweet
S is for Stepping Stone
R is for Rodney
Q is for Quilt
P is for Peppermint
O is for Outstanding
N is for Nail
M is for Mathilda
L is for Longe Line
K is for Kopertox(R)
J is for Jump
I is for Irons
H is for Hay
G is for Green Grass
F is for Feed
E is for Eventing
D is for Dressage
C is for Caesar
B is for Boot
A Is For Appaloosa
~~~
#bloglikecrazy

Other Writing, USDF: Melissa Schoedlbauer, USDF

Dec 2015 cov

“Behind The Scenes: Melissa Schoedlbauer, United States Dressage Federation
USDF Connection
December 2015/January 2016
United States Dressage Federation

 

A short interview with a dressage administrator.

Dec 2015 text

© 2015 United States Dressage Federation. Used by permission. Reproduction prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher.

Previous Behind The Scenes

Show Photos, Georgia Fall Classic 2015

WC High in the Sky Sandra Hall Photography
WC High in the Sky
Sandra Hall Photography
Sultan's Miracle Man Sandra Hall Photography
Sultan’s Miracle Man
Sandra Hall Photography

Sandra Hall Photography
Georgia Fall Classic
Saturday Morning >
020 – Aca Driving all ages
023 – Aca Equitation WTC Adult
024 – Aca Showmanship Pleasure WTC Adult
Sunday Morning >
067 – Aca Driving-All Ages Championship
070 – Aca Equitation WTc Adult Championship
071 – Aca Showmanship Pleasure WTC Adult Championship

Photos used with permission.

Show Tweets
Show Report
Show Today
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