It’s raining, it’s pouring … and I mean POURING!

It’s THE day Emily’s been waiting for … her first Preliminary Cross Country day. For the past year, as she walked her training xc courses, I’ve watched her looking over at the preliminary jumps saying “cool!” and “I wish I were jumping that”.

Today was the day … for both of us.

I volunteered as a jump judge and requested to be in a spot where I could see the most jumps during the Preliminary run. Although the last jump was an easy jump to judge, I was able to see about 6 jumps in all so I was happy … except for the pouring rain. And I do mean POURING RAIN. I had an umbrella, but it rained so hard it dripped down my back and formed a puddle on my chair. I was soaked right through to the bone!

But the day wasn’t about me … it was about Emily and her friends making it through their first Preliminary cross country outing. Some did, some didn’t. I’m proud to say my daughter made it through with no jumping faults despite the slippery, rain drenched footing.

CONGRATULATIONS EMILY! YOU HAD A GREAT RIDE!

And another congratulations …. to barn-mate and friend Lauren Leavitt on her first (of what we hope is many) successful event with her new buckskin baby, Cougar (Cougar King). A match made in heaven, so it appears.

AND … Oh, and I forgot to mention that to mark this special event … we have a new addition to the family. He’s an adorable, 12-week old, long legged jack russell terrier that my daughter named “BOO”. Holly (my short-legged JRT) became fast friends with BOO! Ok, so someone just shoot me now … I admit, I had a moment of insanity doing this. But I’m a sucker for loving animals.

Horses

The day has been completed. Emily wasn’t that happy with her dressage score – she rarely is. The best part of the day was that I had a front row seat to watch show jumping. I was the judge’s scribe – one of my favorite jobs! So I got to see ever horse in Preliminary and Training go through the show jumping course. To my untrained eye, it didn’t seem like it would give anyone trouble … but several jumps that caught many riders by surprise.

The triple combination was right in front of me and if I smiled too much when the horses rode by, then I’d be eating their dirt. I love it!

Emily did well. A couple rails, but overall a good ride today. Tomorrow is Cross Country Day. I’m volunteering in the morning as a jump judge and hopefully I’ll be able to see enough jumps to watch Emily’s first Preliminary XC.

I can’t wait! I wonder if she’s more excited than I am?

Horses

Excitement and Nervousness … that’s what’s on my daughter’s mind this morning has she prepares for her dressage test. Although this is her first full Preliminary level event, she has completed two Preliminary/Training events. This time, however, it’s the real-deal … all three phases at the preliminary level. She’s ready …. but I’m not sure if I am.

Her coach Anna Welch is here compete and so is our barn-mate Lauren Leavitt with her new 4 year old Cougar (King Cougar). Many of Emily’s other horse buddies are also “moving up” this weekend … so I’m in good company with other mother muckers.

Dressage is always the phase that makes my stomach hurt. The idea of the “perfection” needed drains me. I hope I can make it through this day.

Horses