Show Report: MSSP 2015

Winner's Circle. I was here. Twice.
Winner’s Circle. I was here. Twice.

Mid-South Spring Premiere
May 21-23, 2015
Northeast Alabama Agribusiness Center
Rainsville, AL

62. Academy Driving with Alvin Ailey, 1st of 2
63. Academy Showmanship Adult WTC with Sultan’s Miracle Man (Sam), 2nd of 5
64. Academy Equitation Adult WTC with Sam, 1st of 5
Saturday, May 23, 2015

Thank you to the Wamble family and to Courtney Huguley their wonderful horses. A second thank you to everyone at Stepping Stone Farm who helped me transfer from cart to horse. Yes, you read the numbers right. Competing in three classes is awesome. Competing in three classes in a row comes with a side-order of extra awesome.

Show pix by Sandra Hall Photography. Blue helmet, hard to miss. The other driver wore a helmet, as did another rider in my adult classes. Copyright rant.

Driving
When Alvin charged into the ring, I managed to talk myself into being encouraged rather than overwhelmed. I hung on and let him do his thing. However, we may have displayed a little too much swagger. I got closer than I should have to various objects: the arena wall, the presentation sign, my Coach’s toes. The trophy for Academy Driving was a medal. The neck ribbons are never sized to go over helmets. In order to help, I leaned over, ducking my head, and probably throwing my hands forward. At which point, Alvin said, ‘Photos done. Victory pass here we come.’ The cart rolled off. Miss Courtney was forced to leap out of the way of the wheel. Note to self. Keep track of the cart. Always.

Riding
Between the driving class and long-lining Milton, I have been holding my reins for driving more than for riding lately. It took me half-way around the first trot to mentally switch back. Plus, I was in a different saddle than usual. This is not an excuse, I should be able to cope. But I didn’t have the standard cues that tell me I am sitting far enough back for saddle seat, i.e. stirrup leathers at my knees instead of behind.

These are minor quibbles. I felt strong, centered, and in control of my longitudinal balance [It’s About]. Not perfect, but a good effort for Academy equitation. I had all the pieces. Next step, put pieces together on command in the show ring.

Photos
Or, at least, I thought I had all the pieces. I liked my ride. Coach liked my ride. The judge liked my ride. I heard silence from the spotters around the ring. (Going to miss those in a dressage test. But I digress.) I was looking forward to some seriously snappy photos.

Not so much.

My position looks solid and effective. Competent, even. To my eyes, there is not a trace of equitation diva in evidence. Check out the winner of Class 80, UPHA Adult Challenge Cup, on Saturday night. That’s how a saddle seat equation rider should look.

Oh well, if I end up riding like a junior-grade trainer, that wouldn’t be the worst thing to happen. As long as I end up riding with the ability of a junior-grade trainer.

.

Crystal Ball Gazing

Saturday was the last show of the spring season. Camp starts soon. Summer is here! Therefore, I will try a little futurecasting.

Stepping Stone Farm
For the summer, I will dial back to once-a-week lessons. I would prefer two, if I could go just for the morning. Doesn’t happen. I watch lessons, pat horses; suddenly it’s 4:30 and I’m wondering where the day went. Instead, I will stay home to play with my shiny new toy horse.

In the fall, I’ll get organized to make a push for Nationals, which takes place at the end of October: more lessons, perhaps a few group boot camp sessions [Begins], or maybe a lesson intensive as I did last year [Annotated].

Regardless of the ribbons I bring home, I will go on record as saying that Nationals 2015 will be my last Academy show. Since I am not planning on moving to suit [Up], regulations do not prevent me from showing Academy until I am old and gray, um, older and grayer. Rather, I suspect I will have reached my FTS level with equitation.

I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned things that will help with any discipline [Balance]. I’m excited for the rest of the year. There is still more to squeeze out of this equitation gig. However, by November, I’m done. I will no longer care what funky thing I am doing with my right wrist, except as it influences the horse.

I’ll stay with saddle seat lessons, because, well, why not?

Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind at any point. But that’s how I see it for now.

Home Team
When (If? No, dammit, when!) Milton and I get our act together, I will ship to Stepping Stone for a on-going symposium on the overlap between saddle seat and dressage. Yup, I’m going to take dressage lessons from a saddle seat instructor. This should provide enough challenge to keep everyone, including Milton, amused.

For Rodney’s dressage instructor, I have identified a fellow who is known to be gentle with both horse and rider. For jumping, Rodney and I will go to a Joe Fargis style jumper rider who is good with Thoroughbreds.

I’ll keep my eyes open for who is hot in cross-country instruction in my area.

Same Time, Next Year
I’ll be back to check the accuracy of my predicitions. Cue divine laughter [Bronze].

Show Today: MSSP 2015

Sultan's Miracle Man MSSP 2014 Sandra Hall Photography
Sultan’s Miracle Man
MSSP 2014
Sandra Hall Photography

Mid-South Spring Premiere
May 21-23, 2015
Northeast Alabama Agribusiness Center
Rainsville, AL
Academy Adult WTC, Saturday morning

Last time, oodles of mental prep [Embrace The Day]. Didn’t work [Show Report: Dixie Cup]. This time, I’m gonna wing it. We’ll see how it goes.

Bucket List: USDF Bronze

Man plans and God laughs.
Yiddish Proverb

May 2015 cov partial

A USDF Bronze Medal Rider Award is not out of reach for a dedicated amateur. From what very little I understand of the higher levels of dressage – i.e. anything above First – I might have to engage in dressage-specific activities to finish off the Third level scores. Until then, I can get started as an adjunct to eventing dressage. The rules [link to PDF] do not require one to go to specific competitions, to beat fancy Warmbloods, nor to achieve the scores in a given time frame.

I have mentioned this goal previously:

Win the USEA Training Level American Eventing Championships

A USDF Bronze Medal

Adult Jumpers at the National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park

[Where To?]

Making God laugh is not necessarily bad. I posted the above three years ago in March. My first saddle seat lesson was September of that year [Ears]. Goals are good. Amazing new things you never expected? Also good.

Any USDF medalists care to weigh in on feasibility?