Poor planning on my part

Once upon a time, I used to ride a lot. Like, 5-6 days a week. We made progress. We did shows. We had goals. Then summer came and because I am a wuss when it's over 100 degrees, I had a lot of excuses not to ride. So I didn't ride.

And then at the beginning of this month, I realized that the USDF Region 9 Championship show, which we qualified for in the spring, is the second weekend in October. I had barely ridden in three months, and we hadn't shown all summer. Panicking seemed like a great idea.

If I'd had my shit together, we could have done a nice warm-up show in Houston or San Antonio, WITH my trainer. Or we could have done a low-key local schooling show. But because I wasn't planning ahead, I missed the closing dates for both rated shows, and the schooling show filled up because everyone else in the entire world ALSO wants to get one last show in before regionals. And obviously those people have their acts together way more than I do.

The only option left was to sign up for a show this weekend that's a four-hour drive away. Hubby is in Germany, BFF is taking care of the critters at home, and trainer is shockingly not interested in participating in a road trip when she has no horses going. Which means I'm on my own. Just me, myself, and Paddykins. I know lots of you show solo, and you're probably telling me to just get over it right now, but I'm terrified I'll leave my coat off or forget my wraps or not get my warmup timed right because I don't have a functioning watch (no really, I don't, I'm getting one at lunch today) and normally my darling husband just tells me how much time I have left before my ride and keeps me on schedule. Oh and he also holds my coat. And the water. And takes video. Sometimes he even calls tests. Have I mentioned that he's the best husband ever?

Anyway, I'm going solo. I've managed to get Paddy's mane and tail back into show-horse shape, and my tack is clean-ish, but so far my packing list consists of chai, margaritas, and ciders. It's too bad they don't make chaigaritas, because I may need to start drinking before my first test at 10 a.m. My Training 3 class has 23 entries... all Hanoverians, Trakheners, KWPNs, and two imported Dutch horses just to keep it real. No pressure, right?

Moral of the story? Plan ahead, you moron. Also, if you can't wow them with your horse's fancy movement, have great hair and be as cute as you possibly can.

After all, it's hard to beat a fro-lock like this...

... or a tail like this!