It's Show Time! Cont.

Where are we? Oh yes, at my first IHSA show!I am looking forward to this show more than I realized because in recent years I have been training young and green horses and did not have the success in the ring that I really wanted. This show is my first chance to be judged solely on my riding and not on my horse. I suppose part of the reason I am so nervous is that if I do not do well I have no one to blame but myself.

The jumps are set at about 2'6" and the course is fairly simple, with a roll back turn at the end. The round feels fairly steady but I am a little tense so I take a deep breath and do my best. The ride is over and the judge announces that I am in fourth place in a class of seven. I am really excited to hear my name called but I can't lie- I wanted to WIN! But the day wasn't over yet, I still have a flat class to ride.For each class you draw a different horse and this time I draw a dark bay named Missile. I am a little calmer for this class and a lot more confident. The class feels really good and Missile is excellent. When it is time to canter, I am nervous because I am having trouble keeping keep him off my inside leg. So I am not sure if I will be able to get the lead-but Missile knows his job. All I have to do is sit and breath in and off he goes, he is so GOOD! The judge calls us to line up in the middle of the ring and I find my heart pounding again, my fingers crossed and hoping I did well. Sure enough my name is called for FIRST PLACE. I am so excited, I fall on Missile's neck and give him a huge hug. I am in such shock I have trouble believing it is real. The team is so excited and it feels great to contribute to our team. It is a long day but it sure is fun. At the end of every show coaches and captains meet and figure out which team has the most points. Cory and Emily report back to the team and tell us that we tied for first for the show with University of Delaware. That means that we are still lead the region by five points-but it’s just the beginning of the season. Who knows how it will all work out?!

Needless to say I do not think I will remember the ride home because I am going to sleep all the way back to the school. What a day!!