If all had gone according to plan, this would be the first show of the year. Of course, this is not normal times.
wait, what irresponsible person just lets her horse graze free?
I honestly thought I'd be more upset about it. Turns out I am okay about it. I do miss all my friends though and maybe by the time of the second show I'll feel different. For now, though, I'm enjoying working with Carmen.
Well, sort of.
You see, earlier this week Carmen became really spooky with all the stuff that comes with it: tension, bolting, refusing to listen. I had two very horrible rides. Both times we ended up in a, well, not exactly good place, but a better one anyway.
I did a lot of thinking about it and realized that it might be feed related. I have had to put Carmen on a diet because she has been putting on weight. I was worried about her vitamin needs and so I put her back on the supplement I had her on earlier. I thought with the reduced intake of feed it would be okay. But it really is not. So I stopped it.
Today I had a lesson booked and Julia came out to ride with us. We started with a hack (just like the last rides) and it was clear that Carmen was much more settled. We did the whole hack on a loose rein. We arrived back at the ring at the same time as Shanea. I explained what we had been dealing with and then we headed out to work.
The purpose was to keep her with me. Because she was so much better that was a lot easier than it had been. Not that we were without issues.
In case you want to see a close up:
There were good moments too- in fact far more good than bad. Although this capture makes me laugh:
if dressage doesn't work out maybe we could be a cutting team
Shanea had me use shoulder fore while riding serpentines and she became supple and quiet.
It was a great feeling to have things work.
nice halt. I'm giving her a pat for being such a good girl
We practiced our walk-canter transitions. To the right they were really good. To the left she became a bit frazzled with anticipation and worry. So I stopped and let her set her rabbits free. I then picked up the reins and we started again. After a few walk-trot transitions I asked her to canter. She would get flat and lean on the bit. Shanea had me practice cantering from the halt. It was cool to practice it and feel the lift.
Carmen was being so good that we decided to finish up with practicing turn on the haunches. I hate to say it, but I am just not getting it. I was getting frustrated so I asked Shanea to hop up and work on it with Carmen so that she could figure it out and I could see it.
Carmen: what is this bullshit? I thought I was done
It was good to watch Shanea work with her. I was relieved that it wasn't easy (does that make me a bad person?) but it was interesting to watch them work through and see Carmen start to understand. I took some video to study.
It was a really enjoyable lesson and a lot of fun was had. I think I am okay if this year is all about the schooling and not showing.
Carmen: How much schooling are you planning on? I'm exhausted and clearly wasting away to nothing
Thank you all for the kind comments about our musical ride. Carmen also says thank you for the compliments on her writing. I haven't forgotten about my promise to do a draw for one of my sponsors. I plan to do that this weekend.
hello fans, do any of you have a carrot?
I can honestly say that I have never had so much at a show before. Part of it is because it's always been a life goal to do a musical freestyle. It did not disappoint- I loved it. Now I want to do more.
I also used this show to try riding a second level test to see how it felt. I know that Carmen needs to be carrying more behind at this level and our mediums are not yet confirmed (at least in a show situation). On the other hand our shoulder/haunches in are pretty good and we can get a medium trot schooling at home. So I figured a fun show was the perfect place to try.
You may recall that the show arena is one that Carmen has a history of being really spooky.
Saturday night in my ride she was a bit of a handful. She got away from me a few times and I couldn't get her to stop. But once we were finished rehearsing I began to work on our transitions down being quite insistent when she did not listen.
Sunday morning I took her to the warm up ring a few times to lunge and do groundwork. I think that really helped because when I got on for my warm up she was actually pretty good. Also helpful was that Karen coached me through it to make sure that I stayed focussed and didn't join in any melt down.
Here's the video of my test:
I will say that this is the best I've done staying focussed and not flustered riding a test. Our first SI she needed a some persuasion to not counter flex and look to the outside but we scrounged up a 6.5. For our second one she tried to evade and run away but I managed to correct her and get her back on track. That got us a 4.5 but the comment was awesome: 'disobedient. Good recovery'.
We picked up the wrong lead on the first transition- because she was trying to look outside and I wasn't preparing her soon enough. The medium was non-existent, mostly because I was working on keeping her straight. But our 10 metre circle was nice. And her counter canter was okay.
In terms of the ride overall, it was 'okay' in terms of the judge. For me though, it felt like a huge thing that we stayed on task and rode it through. I didn't get super tight and just kept schooling. Our final score was 60.68 which was higher than I expected. And I got the comment 'good riding' so I'll take it.
Even more so, at the end of our ride Karen said something along the lines of 'you must be so proud of yourself with that ride'. And I was. Our bobbles would have been the same if we showed first level because they are more about her in the ring than with the movements. In some ways second level kept her busier and less able to find time to act up.
I love that we ended up with two pretty blue ribbons and were reserve champ in second level (of course there were only two of us showing that level but I will take it).
these ribbons are so pretty. I love them.
Carmen tired and wanting to know if there are treats in that bag.
So this weekend Carmen and I did our dance number with our partners Karen and Kalimo. Right before I had these fears that I was going to be in a viral video featuring me in a fluffy dress going ass over teakettle in the show. Spoiler alert: that didn't happen.....
Carmen: Oh for heaven's sake, could you make it more boring? Move over, I'll write this one.
Me: wait, what?
Carmen: *waggles hoof* go along now, those stalls are not going to clean themselves.
Me: um, but I----*Mare glare* sigh* okay
Sorry about that gentle readers. But honestly, since I was the 'star' of the show, it seems appropriate that I type it.
me early in the morning
To be honest, I thought my show season was done. But nooo, my servant signed us for another show but she promised that this one would be fun and, more importantly, just one day. Karen and Kalimo arrived at our place on friday for this thing called a 'dress rehearsal'. They rode and then put us in the barn. I knew something was up when they left our saddles on. I heard a lot of rustling and giggling in the tack room but it didn't sound like a carrot bag. Then they came out looking like a ruffle factory exploded.
Kalimo looked worried but I just rolled my eyes. Seriously, some days I'm sure she thinks she's 12. When we walked out of the barn Irish's head shot up and he dropped the hay he was eating to stare at us open mouthed.
Irish: Oh my god. WHAT IS GOING ON?
Carmen: Oh, you know, she's lost her mind again.
Apparently the dress rehearsal was a huge success. Of course it was.
see what I mean? So.many.ruffles
We arrived at the show grounds on Saturday. I remembered this place- it has so many places for trolls to lurk. Karen and Teresa rode in the ring and ran through the dance a couple times. I was not in the mood to play because
A. I had to show her all the danger spots, and she paid to no attention.
B. KALIMO KEPT BREATHING THE SAME AIR AS ME.
I know everyone things he's so handsome and sweet but I am not interested. At least not right now.
Our big number was near the end of the day, which is fitting. There were a few riders (young and old) in costumes. I have to say that this was the loudest show I'd ever attended. There was so much cheering, laughing, whistling and hooting in my life.
In our warm up I was, frankly, an angel. Don't tell my servant but I enjoyed the rustling of the fabric and the roses in my mane. So much prettier than the black and white of dressage. I like dressage but don't you think it's time to glam it up a bit?
more interesting this way, don't you think?
We went in and after a few technical difficulties the music started. I knew that I was on display and drank up the attention. I even forgot to be afraid at the spooky corners. But not to get after Kalimo for continuing to steal my air.
Teresa: this photo makes me giggle so hard. (PC Hazel Caldwell)
I am sorry to say that my servant did not share my thoughts about how this was serious business. Would you believe that she giggled through the whole thing????? It was so embarrassing. Although I will admit that she rides better when she's happy. But still, giggling is so unsophisticated.
At the end I didn't want to stop. Couldn't Kalimo tell that the exit was right there? But no, he had to stop and look noble. I did enjoy the cheering though. Clearly they recognized greatness when they saw it.
My servant was so happy. I guess it's not a bad idea to let her fun every once in a while.
tone it down there missy
I might admit to enjoying myself. Maybe
I know that you are dying to see the video so here it is:
****
Teresa: also, the show was a huge fundraiser. Everyone's efforts raised $12,223 for Breast Cancer. Not bad for one little show!
in one week Carmen and I will be participating in the Canter for the Cure show. I love that I can combine the sport I love with raising money for a cause near and dear to my heart. The show is shaping up to be a blast.
Carmen: I thought I was done with this showing thing
People are riding freestyles and there is even going to be a costume class. Karen and I will be riding our Pas de Deux in Flamenco dresses.
I’m pretty sure that Carmen will be okay with it.
Mostly.
It has more ruffles then my wedding dress
We’re also making our 2nd Level debut. Not that we have any business doing that but I decided to go for it. She is fully capable of all the movements.
It’s not too late to donate and be entered in my giveaway. Just click on the link to the right and it will take you to the post.
If you can, come and watch. I promise that I will be posting a video of our ride post show. Kalimo and Karen will be awesome. Carmen and I will be awesome or awesomely dramatic. At the very least It should be entertaining.
One thing that I really love about showing here in Nova Scotia is how supportive everyone is. Throughout the whole weekend I could hear happy chatter and laughter in the barn. When one of us was feeling apprehensive or tired the others would encourage them.
tired, hungry and all smiles at the local pub. I've shown with these
two characters for years.
A few people have sent me supportive messages too since my post about our Sunday experience. I so appreciate it. The truth is, that while I was a bit bummed yesterday, today I am fine. I know Carmen by now and I know her moods. I don't know how far I will get with Carmen but it won't be because I didn't work hard.
on Saturday the judge commented twice about how pretty she was
On Saturday, after dinner we headed back to the barn to check on the horses. Paula offered to clean my stall while I walked Carmen. I took her out behind the ring to the grass. In a few minutes I was joined by Tanya and Ron. Then Sam and Jen. And finally Mel. We all stood around with our horses laughing and talking and getting in touch with our inner (or not so inner) horse-loving 12 year old. Some of us had great classes and others not so much. But on this lovely summer evening it didn't matter.
We should get a picture! Someone said. I took out my phone but taking the photo would mean I wasn't in it. But there was a father and his son in a car watching us. The boy looked excited to be this close to horses. I asked if he wanted to take a photo and he was a bit surprised. In the end the father took the photo and after the boy held on to Suzi (the sweetest of horses despite Carmen's opinion).
This is why we were here
In this photo are an Andalusian, a Quarter horse, a morgan, an arab, a friesian and a TB/Draft cross. All showing dressage and having a blast. If this was high school they all would fit into various characters:
Suzi (QH)- small and cute- the leader of the pep squad and very popular.
Raven (Friesian) - the dark, handsome broody guy we all had a crush on
Jake (TB/Draft)- the strong and lovable jock with a heart of gold
Smuggler (Morgan)- the handsome temperamental artist (and possibly sells weed behind the school)
Navigator (Arab)- the serious student who gets perfect scores on all the tests and wins the scholarships
And last, but not least is Carmen (Andalausian) and I am sorry to say that she is the princess who can be the 'mean girl' (but really isn't. Honest guys). Kind of like Cordelia from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
It was a fun show, mare tantrums not withstanding. This is a different angle of her spook. I like it because it helps me to see what happened.
_______________
On another note, this weekend Ed and I are headed to Calgary! We have tickets to the Masters at Spruce Meadows, thanks to our friends Cynthia and Andrew. I am so excited. Any other bloggers going to be there?
You may recall that, this spring, I was complaining bitterly of the weather. It seemed that we had never ending rain and cold. Then in July it became hot and we've have very little rain. The pastures are dry. But we're finally getting some rain thanks to Tropical Storm Erin.
I was a little worried that it would make trailering to the show nasty, but it's supposed to blow over by early Friday. This morning the sky was an eerie orange colour. Just before I let the horses out the heavens opened with a torrential downpour. At which point, both horses decided that they were fair weather horses and I was cruel to open the door and expose them to the elements.
Me: okay, off you go to frolic in the fields.
Irish: In this hurricane?
Me: um, it's just rain. Summer rain.
Carmen: this is ridiculous. I cannot endure such conditions. I demand hay in my stall.
Me: But your ancestors roamed the plains in weather much worse than this.
Irish: um I was born on a cattle farm.....
Carmen: *ahem* I believe you will find that I am descended from the noble baroque horses who roamed the deserts.
Me: You were born in Virginia...
Carmen: you're the one who brought up ancestry
Me: well yes...bu-
Carmen: and I was simply pointing out the flaw in your reasoning.
Me: *sigh* yes. you are right.
Carmen: *looking smug*
Me: Fine. But I'm not putting hay in your stalls so you will have to decide- shelter or food.
Irish: she's getting mean in her old age.
fields empty of horses
Of course they went out and I'm pleased to report that no one dissolved in the rain.
Mid-Morning the rain stopped and I was able to pack the trailer and bathe Carmen. I always reach a point in show prep where I wonder what I'm doing and why. I realized that it has more to do with the work involved in getting ready then about the show itself.
I also realized that I am looking forward to the show.
I also have a long standing history of setting goals for a show. So as I puttered I tried to think of what I wanted to accomplish. It's not like there weren't lots of options. I thought of scores, nailing our lengthens, being accurate in my tests etc.
But I couldn't settle on any of them. That's when I realized that I really didn't feel a need to set a goal.
Summer is almost over and we've worked really hard. There have been ups and downs and even some sideways.
But I no longer feel the need to prove anything- to myself or others. Not that anyone every gave me the impression that they were judging me (well except the judge of course). Everyone has always been very supportive and kind.
So we will go to the show and we will have fun. I will connect with my friends at the show. Carmen will be good. Or she'll be dramatic. I will deal with whatever happens and I will count myself lucky to have such a great weekend.
I guess that title needs to come with a spoiler alert. But honestly, it was a great show. First let me thank Cindy (for the photos) and Tanya/ Nicole/ Faye for the various videos. You guys are awesome.
For whatever reason, I didn't have the nervousness or sick feeling before the show this time. I felt really mellow and positive about all of it. The rides leading up to the show were a bit fraught but the one the day before was awesome. I guess this time I decided to let the one good ride set the tone rather than the bad ones.
Like I said, it was stinking hot by the time my rides were up so I opted for a 40 minute warm-up. Carmen was awesome in the warm up and had a ton of energy.
Shanea and I in the warm up ring. Her mare is stunning
To be honest, I should have given us more time because I wasn't quite ready when it was our turn. I'm still figuring out the best approach for her. But it didn't matter because it was time for us to go. When we walked in and by where the judge and scribe were sitting she gave a massive shy/spin when she saw people were there. I put my leg on and circled her back and by.
Carmen, pretty sure she's about to be eaten by trolls
We went back and she gave a sigh and relaxed.
Okay, not gonna eat me but they should have carrots.
Then the bell rang and in we went.
god, I need to get a handle on this whole leaning forward thing!
OMG, are we actually square?!
I don't have video of this test but it felt pretty good. On our first lengthen I asked for a bit too much and she broke to canter. Totally my fault and we just regrouped and carried on. About half-way through I could feel Carmen go 'OH! now I know what we're doing!' and she settled into the work beautifully. Our scores were a mix of 6, 6.5 and 7's for a final score of 65.429 with a comment of 'lovely horse! Further develop suppleness over topline'. We placed 4th over all (there were more than 4 in the class I just don't remember how many!).
one of my favourite photos from the test. I love the hind leg reach and the lightness of her front end.
There was a bit of chaos on Saturday because the judge got so far ahead that the times were all moved up by a 30 minutes (if you wanted). I asked if I could again in about 10 minutes and the judge agreed. I quickly hosed her legs and hopped back on. A little more warm up and she was ready and in we went.
Other then her deciding that a leg yield from the rail to the centre line was a ridiculous ask and she'd never heard of such a thing, the test felt really really good.
Here's a video of the whole thing:
Well there's a lot to improve in this there is a lot that I love. And honestly, it's the most consistent we've ever been. We actually got 7's on our free walk and lengthen trots!
it got better as we went
I rode this test really focussing on keeping her straight and on the aids.
Our scores were mostly 6.5-7 with one 5.5 on our first leg yield. Our final score was 66.528 and a second place (but in full disclosure there were only two of us in the class) and a comment to work on leg yields. Sigh. We work on them all the time.
On Sunday I spent a lot of time in the morning hand walking her and trying to keep her cool and rested. That turned out to be a mistake because Carmen was a fire breathing dragon in the warm up! She had decided that certain things were totally frightening and she was going to run away. In the past this would have really intimidated me. Not anymore. I sat up, took a hold and booted her forward. If she had energy to burn then by god, let's go. I found moments of softness and really rewarded those but I was taking no bullshit. Once again the warm up felt far too short.
Ready or not here we come!
Then there was the debacle with the number (yesterday's post) but we regrouped. It felt like this test took a lot of active riding. I had a caller which was great because it allowed me to keep all my focus on Carmen where she needed it.
canter depart? yes ma'am
settling down a bit
yay, she's actually stretching.
Here is the test in all it's gory details:
A lot to take away from it. One is that Carmen's would really like to negotiate this whole 'acceptance of the bit' thing. But I was not letting her get all inverted and then take off on me. Also it felt a lot more like a wrestling match than it looked, which is good information. We got a 5.5 on our first halt (as soon as I let go of the contact she decided to move around) but otherwise we were a mix of 6.5-7s and few sixes for a final score of 65.714 and comment Very nice horse. Some nice moments. More suppleness over back. Lengthens need improvement. Which could pretty much describe every ride we have. We place 6th out of 9 or 10 riders. The spread on this test for the placings (it may have been true of the others too, I didn't really look) was about 3 percentage points. After this test I went back to the warm up ring and we schooled our halts. This is not a new idea, that halts are still and that she waits so I felt that I should let her know that it is also true here.
I put Carmen back in her stall to have a pee and cool off for a short time and then got back on. The warm up was much shorter but I kept her in front of the leg and supple. And this test felt really really good. I was happy with how it all went.
It felt like we really were working together.
here we go, last test! it's do or die! Psst - I prefer to not die
we ride into corners now
Cantering in balance
yay, square halt at the end
We got far more 7s in this test and a 6 on our stretch trot circle. Our final score was 66.111 with the comment lovely horse- work well together. Continue to develop supplies and bend. We place second out of two again, but since Shanea was first I'm not gonna lose sleep over that.
At the end of the show I went in to thank the judge for her kindness and comments. She smiled and said 'which horse were you riding?
'the grey andalusian in first level (there was a grey andalusian mare in second level too, she was stunning).
The judge then warmed my heart by saying 'ooh, yeah. She's a lovely horse.
Thank you. I think so too.
No, she's really lovely!
Of course she is but it's nice that others see it too.
Why was this the best show ever? Because we were the most consistent and it felt that we were working together the whole time. And when we weren't I was able to get her back. In the past, after that big spook at the judges booth she would have been fixated on it and it would have been a struggle. This time I was able to show her it was fine and she accepted that. The scores were better than we've been getting and placings didn't even matter (although I'd be lying if I didn't say that one day I'd love to win one of the awards). It was also a lot of fun with so many supportive people. There may have been drama, but I didn't see it. What I saw was a bunch of people having fun and enjoying their horses. None of us are going to the olympics so if it's not fun, what's the point?
If you recall, in the last chapter blog post I said that Carmen and I were headed to a show. Spoiler alert: I had the most fun I've had at a show in a long time. And I will get in to the details. But for this post I wanted to share some things that happened outside of the show ring.
I headed out late morning on Friday and met up with Tanya so we could travel together. That way is something happened to one of us we would have another trailer and some support. It was uneventful, other than the fact some drivers make very stupid decisions and seem to have no fucking clue that their little mazda won't fare well in a collision with a truck and trailer.
When we got there I decided to join Tanya in the outside shedrow stalls. It was a good decision- the weather was hot all weekend and these stalls had lots of air movement and shade.
1. This will do:
Carmen approved of her new digs and made herself right at home.
Proof of her angelic nature
erhm, maybe not
2. Calm and confident
She was very comfortable in the ring walking around and our ride that evening was really really good. No shenanigans, just focus and forward.
In sync
The next morning I took her for a walk too see the ring and the flowers. She insisted on sniffing each and every one.
@C halt and smell the flowers
3. Don't fence me in:
I had rigged up a stall guard to allow for more air circulation. I thought I was being clever and thoughtful. However, when I went to refill her water I walked back down the row and saw a pretty grey butt that was not where I left it. It took me a minute to realize that was Carmen and she was out. I put down the bucket and headed slowly towards her when I saw that Shanea had her. It seems that Carmen leaned on the guard and popped out the screw bolt. She just wandered down by the warm up ring and started grazing. It took people a minute realize she was loose. I tightened the bolt but she did it again later and then again so I gave up. I am a much slower learner than Carmen, apparently.
3. It's not OCD, it's planning:
When it was time to ride I went to put on my 'show' boots only to find that both zippers were broken. I was upset because this was only the second show I had worn them at. Fortunately I had packed my schooling boots so I had to clean them up and use them. Clearly overpacking is a good thing.
I contacted the company and they are replacing the boots for me
4. Just take it
Our ride times were in the afternoon and it was so very very hot. I begged asked the show committee if we could excuse jackets. Fortunately the judge listened to pleas of a menopausal woman and excused jackets. In spite of that, after my first ride I was HOT. Like really hot. I was walking Carmen back to the barn when I saw Maria holding out a small glass of liquid and without thinking I grabbed it and downed it. It was delicious wine and she was handing it to Teri. Fortunately, a fight did not break out and Teri went to get another glass while Maria refilled my glass. Sorry-not-sorry.
5. Friend's look after each other:
Tanya was awesome and looked after Carmen every morning, giving her hay and water while her lazy servant made her way to the show grounds. Nicole offered to wash my show clothes and I am so grateful. So was everyone downwind of me, I'm sure.
I could see a business opportunity here....
6. You've got my number:
On Sunday, I was a bit hotter, a little more tired and more easily frazzled. I came in to walk around the ring when I realized that I didn't have my number. I yelled to Cindy to run and get it while I cantered back out and hoped like hell I wasn't going to get eliminated. Cindy came back with it and said now which side should it go on and I said hysterically JUST STICK IT ON!
I trotted back in and when I went by the trailer that the judge was in I heard this amused voice say 'all ready? Do you have your number?
Yes please I said sheepishly and I heard her giggle as I walked down the long side.
If I only had a brain....
I had it all along, I swear.....
7. Talking to myself
I don't really realize it but I tend to keep up a running conversation with Carmen when I ride. Especially in the warm up ring. I guess it can be amusing sometimes. I saw Maria's husband, Isaac, standing at the fence and laughing at us every time I went by. I said something about providing some comedy relief and he said that he wanted to stick a mike on me and record me when I ride. I don't know if anyone is ready for that. Sometimes I have been known to *cough* swear.
8. Regretting life choices:
Carmen was in full dragon mode on Sunday in our warm up and for our first test (more on that later). I simply rode her forward and let her expend some energy. During the ribbon ceremony she could barely keep her eyes open.
so.very.tired.cannot.stay.awake
It was a great weekend, full of laughter and friendship and horses. I had a blast. I'm pretty sure that Carmen enjoyed it too, even though she is pointedly ignoring me out in her field today.
