Sunday, April 5, 2015

Top 10 Takeaways From Our First Rated Show

This weekend was our first ever USDF rated dressage show. It was just me and hubby for the weekend - no trainer, new venue, playing in the big pond. It was terrifying and awesome, all at the same time, and I wanted to share the most memorable things that happened this weekend:

1. My husband is the most awesome horse show husband IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. Not only did he put up with me, he also made me breakfast, walked Paddy, helped groom and tack Paddy, tried to muck, kept me on time, called my tests, and let me spend way too much money on pictures and videos. Seriously, he's THE BEST!

I bet your husband doesn't do this. Neener neener!

2. I suck dealing with hair - both Paddy's and my own. Paddy's braids looked like a 10 year old had done them, and my hair... yeesh. I need to find a better way to deal with it that does not involve a floppy show bow. And no, NO HUNTER HAIR.

3. Air BNB is not always the way to go. #uncomfortablebedssuck

4. The restaurant right next to the show grounds has the best margaritas EVER. OMG. I had two... I wanted twelve.

5. The horse world is a small one. We met a guy who works two buildings over from hubby, and happens to take lessons at a place we drive by to get to our trainers. We had a great time making friends and cheering for him and his GIANT 18.1 hh horse.

6. There are a lot of "meh" riders that are scoring really well on very expensive fancy-moving horses. I'm trying not to be jealous.

7. Paddy requires beauty rest every day between 10 and noon. If you schedule a dressage test during these times, you will have to pry a cranky Haffie up from his nap.

And really, he's just too cute to disturb... 

8. Judges have such creative commentary - our spook-and-bolt canter depart was called "playful" on our test, lol! Uh, yeah, and it was fun to ride too.

9. San Antonio Rose Palace is a super nice facility. Big stalls, excellent footing, great parking... and did I mention the restaurant next door with the margaritas? We'll be going back.

10. My trainer is awesome. Although she couldn't attend, she sent about 20 suggestions for warming up (which husband dutifully relayed),  texted me scores before they were posted, and called in between classes. She was definitely there in spirit, even if she wasn't there in person!



Overall, it was a really good show, and we learned a lot and had a great time! More to follow...

Blurry screener. I get the pro pics in a week or two. 

40 comments:

  1. Blurry or not - you guys look great.
    MC

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    1. That's one picture... I'll show you the not so good ones tomorrow :)

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  2. I think that you both look really good! Also, both your husband and trainer are awesome, and I've seen WAY worse bariding jobs (those aren't bad at all). I'm glad that you had a fun show ;)

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    1. Obviously the braids need some serious practice. I'll figure it out somehow!

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  3. Ahhhh napping pony, so cute!!

    Congrats in a great show!!

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    1. Nappink ponies are the cutest, it's true!

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  4. Whoaaa you guys are so fancy!! Can't wait for more pictures and more recap!

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    1. Well, we were fancy in that one picture. That may not have actually been representative of all our other moments. ;)

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  5. You look sooooooo good! And I also love the Rose Palace and the margaritas nearby!

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  6. Love, love, love that photo!!! Sounds like a really awesome weekend!! Horse husband of the year award and it is only April!

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    1. We did have a good time, although that pic is definitely not representative of our rides. And yes, hubby definitely gets husband of the year award!

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  7. Squee you guys look fantastic, hubby, trainer and margaritas all sound like a recipe for success ☺☺☺

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    1. Next time I'm getting Paddy a gallon of margaritas as well.

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  8. Yay! Congrats. Paddy looks great.

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    1. Fortunately Paddy is adorable at all times.

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  9. Woah that trot photo is niiiiice! Your hubs wins the show husband award for sure! And LOL your trainer is pretty darn awesome as well!

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    1. Between the trainer and the hubby, I had a lot of really great support!

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  10. Y'all look AMAZING! I can't wait to hear more about the show!

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    1. Keep in mind that one pic out of four rides does not tell the whole story, LOL!

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  11. Is there like a store I can go to get a husband like that?

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    1. Dunno... mine's brothers are both taken. Good luck!

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  12. <3 Paddykins!! You guys look great and those scores are nothing to sneeze at.

    Also your trainer cracks me up. ;-)

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    1. Trainer kept me laughing, but her advice was spot on as usual!

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  13. You had me thinking your braids were a total trainwreck! They look just fine! :) Remember ... PONYTAILS!

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    1. You didn't see a closeup of them, now did you? ;)

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  14. yay congrats on a fun outing! can't wait for the rest of the details! in the meantime, you look great in that video still and i think his braids are adorable. (plus margaritas make everything better lol)

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  15. Cute pony, fantastic horse hubby, (at least one) excellent show photo + superior margaritas... you are one lucky woman.

    Sounds like a perfect weekend. Looking forward to the breakdown. :D

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  16. Congratulations on a successful first foray into the big time.

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    1. Well, I don't know how "big time" it was, but we sure had fun!

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  17. I'm liking that picture.. zipping on to read your next post now!

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    1. It was ONE good moment... if you ignore the fact that he's barreling across the diagonal, lol!

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  18. Those texts from your trainer-amazing! lol! Sounds like a great show, can't wait to hear more!

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  19. Replies
    1. Good thing too since he definitely wasn't the most well-behaved horse there lol!

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