California Here We Come!!!!

It is finally the day of the show and we have four of our own riders that are competing to go to nationals in LA, California. I am one of the four!!! :) The first and second place riders of every class qualify for nationals so I am hoping that I will ride well enough to be put into the top two.

When it’s my turn to ride I draw JR, one of our horses that I don't usually get along with. I am literally shaking in my boots as I stand at the gate waiting to go in. I have not been this nervous about a show in a long time.

I focus on every jump, doing my best to hit every spot and every lead. I end up with one wrong lead and I try to change it before the second jump but JR trips! Thank goodness the second jump still comes up smooth. So now it just depends on how the others do I suppose.

After all of the other competitors jump, the judge calls back three numbers for a ride off...I am one of the three!!! This means that only two of us will advance to nationals, so it is imperative that I ride the test well. The test starts with a short approach to the first jump, then proceeds to a roll back. Then we are instructed to halt facing the wall. Next, broken line to an oxer and end by promptly leaving the ring at a walk. My round was smooth but I ended with the wrong lead and I was slow to come back to the walk at the end of my test so…. to state the obvious I am worried that I would not move to nationals.

Getting Tips From the Founder of IHSA, Bob Cacchione, after my ride

Then, all of the riders are called to the middle of the ring. They call places 8th through 4th and I start to cross my fingers and pray. When 3rd place is called it’s not me! I AM GOING TO NATIONALS!!!!! I have placed second in the class- probably due to my wrong lead and late walk but that’s OK because I have another shot!!!

Two of our other Delaware Valley riders also advanced to nationals. A Freshman who is competing in Walk/Trot/Canter, and a Junior who is competing in Intermediate Flat. I will be competing in Intermediate Over Fences. Wish us luck and I will keep you posted! And good luck to all the other IHSA riders out there….we’ll see you in California!