Thursday, September 17, 2015

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!

28 comments:

  1. I have absolute confidence in my Paddykins.

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    1. Oh, PADDY will be fine. It's me that needs the help!

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  2. you totally got this!!! also i could totally go for a chaider right now. sounds... maybe delicious? haha

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    1. Anything mixed with chai actually sounds terrible, lol!

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  3. I would give you an extra 2 points for tail alone.

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  4. Give the judges chaigaritas!

    Good luck- you and Paddy will be great!

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    1. Hahaha, I think that schmoozing with the judges is verboten, but one could try...

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  5. Good luck :) im sure you guys will do awesome!

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  6. Chaigaritas! I may or may not have downed a PBR or two in the morning prior to a dressage test. Because we stay classy, obviously. 😊

    Best of luck! I'm sure it will be great!

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    1. I'd have to do something with no carbonation. I'm thinking scotch?

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  7. YOU WILL BE AMAZING!! Good luck! I've showed a few times on my own and it is definitely doable, but I really appreciate help, especially with the baby horse. I tend to leave my longeing stuff various places when I'm showing alone.

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    1. I think I'd just leave my brain back at the barn, forget my test and my coat, and wander around aimlessly on my cute horse.

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  8. Never underestimate the insanely cute + super great hair factor - you and Paddy are gonna rock! (and a little liquid courage can really do the trick on nerves... just sayin')

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  9. Psh, Paddy wins on hair alone. You don't even have to be on him to do the tests. Just turn him loose in the ring and be like, "Behold. The most majestic Fabio horse that ever lived. I'll take that 76% and all your blue ribbons now, thank you."

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    1. Yes, if it was a hair contest, we'd do great!

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  10. I should have planned it better - if I wasn't working I would come!

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  11. Good luck! I know how hard it was the first time I went by myself! Definitely doable. Make a time schedule for the weekend during some down time tonight? That's what I do when I'm grooming for my trainer when she has 5 horses going. I manage her whole day (even down to "you have 15 min to take a power nap"). And don't worry about the 22 other WB entries! I've taken my OTTB into big classes and beat most of the WBs. Just be accurate and cute!

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    1. Oh it's doable for sure. I just need to DO it!

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  12. I haven't been to a horse show without a trainer since middle school, so I feel your pain there! But I know you'll do great -- just remember to breathe and have fun!!

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    1. I haven't had a trainer at a horse show in like 15 years. It's kind of an exciting idea!

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