Saturday, January 10, 2009

Well, I suppose it could have been colder. After feed, playing and walking (short one) the pups, I drove to the barn watching the temp go from 2 above to -1. Pulling in I glance over to see my little Josie girl eating her hay up by the barn. P was kind enough to feed some up close so I shaved from time from my estimated get ready time.

I set up my staging, strategically placing everything for easy access. I realized I forgot my spurs on the boots I tried yesterday but after a horrible ride I decided to go back to my half chaps. S volunteers hers and they fit. I probably checked the clocks 12 times - so worried about allowing enough time. I want to make the most out of the warm up time we were given and want to be ready to rock and roll. I am lucky, with my first two tests right after the warm up.

I couldn't wait any longer and went and got Josie. I am trying to keep relaxed and need to keep busy to do so. Josie is in a good mood today - this makes things much better. I try a few halts to find we don't have brakes yet. Too late to try to fix this and do not want to make a big deal of this, but make note we need to work on this in the future. Although this is a bit of a problem as we have to halt at the beginning of the test and at the end, it is only one part of the test. M showed up to read and offer moral support. She dragged her hubby (with sore back) out to tape us. Our moments held forever on DVD. This will be a great training aid - watching the DVD and reading my tests results.

Back to our adventure. I was very pleased with our presentation of our skills. Josie gave her all. She was nicely forward and wasn't bothered by the folks at the gate or the table at C with the Judge and scribe. I could feel moments that either I made a mistake or I didn't give Josie enough warning of a change.

One of the halts, Josie wouldn't stop, she kept taking one more step. I felt a bit helpless but just kept smiling - that's my girl for better or worse, she is my partner and likes to point out my weak areas. I had made a point to smile throughout and found it very easy to do as I love Josie, training and riding. I am very proud of her. Listening to the judge say that I would be very pleased with her comments, I was most excited to see my test. Her main comment was to work on my position. I felt a little like I had Josie down by not being the better rider. I have found since the surgery I am more of a shoulder curler than I use to be. I look forward to watching the DVD as that really enforces what needs to be worked on. I have been meaning to take some seat lessons but just haven't had the extra dough. As always something else just keeps coming up - such is life.

The tests had been posted very quickly. M had taken a peak and kept saying go look at your score and I said no, I want to settle Josie. M NO, I'll hold her go look. OMG!!! I cried with happiness (even writing this I am tearing up) our first test second place with a score of 67.5%. I had no idea we did so well. I was looking at this schooling show as a way to know how my training has progressed and what I need to work on. Who would have known we would have gotten the ten cent ribbon!! Unbelievably, she got first place for Intro B with a 68%. Even with this I look at our training test as a schooling test and hope only to get our canter departs.

I unbridled Josie and loosened her saddle so she could relax as it was almost an hour before our Training 1 test. She hounded me and anyone around for treats. I ought not to spoil her so much but can't help myself. She deserves it.

I had decided not to try any canter departs during the warm up. A few halts and a few circles and just some walking on a loose rein. With Josie, she takes it personal if she doesn't get something right and gets wired - we had proven already our brakes aren't the best. I risk but yet hold back a bit. I was very pleased with our training 1 test. Our halts were much better and I felt her relax and actually bend a bit. Time for the left lead canter first - she takes it extremely well but she broke half way through the circle, I correct her, she canters on until I ask for a downward transitionn back to working trot between centerline and B. Keep smiling TJ, the test isn't over. I don't know but maybe this made me go to the right lead canter depart without as much support. We didn't have as good of a depart as I know she is capable of. Down centerline, halt, salute and we have completed our first schooling show. I must say that I did this. No lessons, no training rides - I DID THIS! Well JOSIE AND I DID THIS. I look forward to the comments of the Judge. I agree with all the comments she made on our first two tests and felt them during the ride - making adjustments as I could on the fly.

I keep looking at the board, just amazed that Josie had placings. Who would have thought. Finally, the tests are out for Training 1 - what OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! another first place with a score of 65.65%. I really couldn't believe she did so well. I know the judge is generous as this is a schooling show but I never dreamed that she would do so well. I had worried that perhaps the judge would be one of those that only scores warmbloods well. Josie isn't the most brilliant mover and I hoped she would be awarded good scoring due to proper position and work - she was.

After these scores, I think to the future of finding out whether she likes jumping and how Team J will do schooling jumps. In Eventing you need good dressage scores and clean rounds to be competitive.

Needless to say, Josie got several treats, some gain, apples and carrots. I am giving her the next couple of days off - she deserves a break for her efforts. I do not get a break and must work out and sit on the exercise ball with proper body position. I need to do my part for the team.

I love you little girl!

Okay, now it is miller time!