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!!
4 Comments:
Hello, good to see that you are doing well! I know you will do well at this show. We miss you greatly.
It sound like you off to a great start!! Look forward to your next entry
Sara,
It's great to read what you have to say. I've always been curious about the IHSA experience and you are really bringing it to life. Since I know how good you are at explaining things, this doesn't surprise me--and it's fun! I hope the tales continue soon,
Alice
This is a really neat thing you thought to do! A couple months ago I was accepted in the Equine Science and Management major at Delaware Valley. Last week I made my first vist to DelVal College and also met with Coach Cory. Anything you could tell me further about your experience at the college and on the team would be GREATLY appreciated! You can e-mail me anytime at Genuineartifact@comcast.net Good luck with the rest of your season! I'll be checking in!
-Amber
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