So after last weeks success story I have been thinking a lot about what I want with Texas this year. I have come up with 2 separate lists. One is a riding list and the other is this…a show goal list. I welcome input. I think I finally have my head together when it comes to this horse! It was tough at first because I had high expectations and then I realized how green he was and I had super low expectations. I think these goals are right in the middle. They should be challenging but doable. My real main goal for this year is to make myself a show horse for next year!
1) HAVE FUN
I want to laugh a lot and smile even more. Also in this I am including learning how to chill out at shows. I was so nervous leaving Texas on the trailer waiting for my scores last week. And my worry was for nothing because he was totally fine and happily munching on hay. I want to be able to relax with my baby horse and know he is fine this year.
2) Get a score for every test I ride
(also known as staying in the ring so I don’t get disqualified)
3) Have a judge write something alone the lines of “great mover” or “nice gaits”
When he rocks back he is a lovely mover so I want someone to take note!
4) Get a 7 on my position
I did it last year so I want to do it again. I also hope I never get lower then a 5.
5) Go to at least 3 different show grounds this year.
The more the better. I want him to see it all this year so by next year it will be old hat. Even going on a field trip somewhere for a lesson or a clinic will count. He just needs experience.
6) Qualify for a year end award from the local show grounds.
This is the only year end award I am going to go for. And the local show grounds tend not to have a ton of people going for year ends so since I would like something I think this is the best place to go for it. Super low key, I just need to show enough. You all know I love my ribbons and I wouldn’t feel happy about my year unless I qualified for a year end. This is the most doable of any of my clubs so I think we can handle this one.
7) Do at least 1 other type of show besides dressage
The local show grounds run at least one show every weekend. They have hunters (unrated), western, jumpers, draft, carriage and combined tests. Right now I am thinking I will drag my poor Appy to the hunter show to do the Evergreen Class just for fun. Maybe he will get to go to the western show once and do games. I just want to play with him this year and get him out and about and seeing as many different things as possible. This year is all about exposure.
8) Break 60% 3 times
Since I still don’t know what level I am riding I don’t know if this is a hard goal or an easy goal yet. I supposed that if it is easy I should bump it up a level. Time will tell on this one.
9) Show Training Level Test 4
Yeah…notice there is no score goal attached to this one! I just want to do it to do it. The year end for the local show ground does not require it, but I just really want to show training level test 4 this year. The local show ground has these shows in the summer that are non-ribbon giving and count for little except experience and I think those would be the perfect place to try out training 4 at.
10) Go for the local show ground bronze medal
I have wanted my GMO bronze medals FOREVER! It has been YEARS of me dreaming about getting them. Letting go of the fact that it was not a doable goal this year really bummed me out. I realized that if I am showing at the local show grounds so much I should hopefully be able to qualify for one from there. I am still upset about giving up my other medals this year, but I know that staying small and keeping him happy is much more important then a $2 piece of metal.
And for those of you asking where are my dreams of championships and victory gallops? Well, they are not on my radar this year. I am hoping against hope that my bad luck streak is over and that Texas and I will have more then one year together. So hopefully those fun things will be put on my list of show goals for 2010. Lets get though this year first though!
Good goals.
1) You are the most positive, happy person I have ever met at horse shows. My husband knows you as the “the smiling person at the horse shows.”
2) I don’t think that will be a problem.
3) Don’t be dissapointed if they say “cute mover.”
4) This is most people’s goals! You ride well, though, so you should be fine.
5) This one is up to you. Speedy and I will be more than happy to go with you…
6) I don’t know much about this one. Good luck.
7) I understand this one. I would love to do HUS with Speeds at a AQHA show.
8) Remember that Texas’ owner only scored a 61% and we all know what type of rider she is. I think you can do it but it may take until the end of the show season.
9) Practice that stretchy circle!
10) Don’t know much about this one either. You’ll be fine!
I think those all sound great, and furthermore, achievable! Number 1 is especially important, in my book. If it’s not fun, why are you doing it? I also really like #7, because I think it’s always great to make your horse well-rounded.
Have you had any more luck finding boots? I noticed SmartPak has started carrying some items from a brand called “Fuller Fillies,” like breeches and jackets and things, and while I couldn’t find any actual tall boots they do have some leather half-chaps and a pair of gaiters listed under the “show” collection. Might be something to look into!
OK. This may sound like a stupid question. But will you please explain to me what a GMO bronze medal is? I keep seeing that term thrown around on different dressage blogs. I ride hunters. I’ve never shown dressage. I’ve learned a lot about actually riding it over the years, but I don’t know much about the show circuit. Please, enlighten me!
All good and reasonable goals. The main thing to focus on this year is to get some experience under his belt umm saddle and just have fun doing it. There should be very little stress involved in achieving your goals. Since the weather is getting nice now, why don’t you try to take him on a few trail rides so he can just relax too.
Ditto to what everyone else said – your goals sound great. Hope you guys have a fun season!
Double ditto to what everyone has said to you. I think you’re right on track. Next year you can think of new challenges and raise the stakes. Have fun!!!
same with me on the GMO bronze medals, my GMO doesnt offer anything like that. I starting to focus on my Dover Medals