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
Emily and Ryan walk back to the stables after a successful cross country run.
Being in the Preliminary/Training group has one advantage – you are up and at it early. And today I was glad for the early start. It was downright HOT today. It felt like a July day in New England – not the first weekend in May!
UNH chose to hold it’s jumping phases back-to-back, so my daughter went straight from show jumping to the XC start box. As every show mom does, I greeted her at the show jumping exit to help change the horses boot and the position on the bit and then RAN to the water complex to watch the only part of the UNH cross country course that you can see more than 2 jumps.
She looked FABULOUS. Clean XC jumping with a few time faults because she didn’t push him (being his first show in 2010).
A successful finish with a 6th place ribbon to open the show season.
WAY TO HAVE A NICE RIDE, EMILY!
Horses, Shows / Events
- Emily’s boyfriend, Ryan, takes care of Billy. He’s a great help!
She was ready and confident, but nerves got the best of her as she began P/T at UNH. As the Eventer Mom that I am, I noticed one HUGE difference despite the score and the nerves … the way she handled it. In the past she would have come out of the dressage ring mad at herself. And as most mother muckers now, there is no talking with a teen that’s mad for at least 30 minutes.
But this time she came off, turned to her coach Anna Welch, and asked “what am I doing wrong” … and went off calmly discussing the test.
Maturity. That’s what I saw today. I was a proud mama for that.
Tomorrow – all jumping phases. My favorite part! But for now, I’ll let Emily’s boyfriend, Ryan, be the groom and mucker … I’m headed to my cousins for happy hour!
Horses
I’ve been very bad about posting during the start of this eventing season. I think it’s because my 16 year old eventing daughter now drives herself to the barn. It doesn’t bother me too much that she doesn’t need the ride to her everyday workouts. I know she still needs me to drive that trailer … and of course put on my “mother mucker” hat during the show.
Oh … and pay the board.
And … put the check in the mail for show entries.
Places to stay during shows? Oh yeah – that’s still my job too.
At least for the upcoming UNH show we’ll be staying with family. Gotta love that!
So I guess I really have NO EXCUSE to not be posting. I’ll try harder as the first two events of the season are upon us.
Horses
Unfortunately, due to an illness in the family, I was unable to take my daughter south to do a “warm up event” in preparation for the step up to Preliminary. So, to make sure horse and rider are ready, she made the decision to drop down to training for King Oak. However, this will put her in good shape to join many of her other eventing friends as they ALL make the step up at GMHA in June.
Stepping up with all her friends will make it just that much more exciting! BRING ON UNH in two weeks!!
Horses, Shows / Events
Today marked a special day – my daughter’s first entry was sent to King Oak Farm in Southhampton, MA today for her first full preliminary event! It’s a big step that both trainers have said she’s ready for.
The toughest part for her, I think, is that UNH requires the new Preliminary Test A for the P/T division and King Oak requires Test B. As if Prelininary dressage wasn’t nerve racking enough!
USEF #s for horse and rider – check!
New dressage coat – check!
Working hard nearly every day – DOUBLE CHECK!
I hope I can keep the camera still for videos! I’ll be one NERVOUS mother mucker!!
Horses
Our first show entry day has come, which means the season begins in a few weeks. Since I was unable to take my daughter south in March or April this year (due to an illness in the family), her first show will be right here in Area 1 at UNH. This will be her second P/T event – her warm up for her first Preliminary event at King Oak Horse Trails in May.
She is working hard on her dressage, since the new tests take effect this year. In a couple weeks the weather will be good enough for her to start galloping the hills around the barn to build his endurance.
So much anticipation for us both as she physically prepares and I mentally prepare for what’s ahead.
Horses
Our seats are purchased and plane ticket purchased with miles and on September 29 – October 4 my daughter (the eventer) and I are heading to the Kentucky Horse Park to watch the Eventing portion of the World Equestrian Games.
I’ve heard of several other friends from all over the country who will also be there. I’m so excited I can hardly stand it. In true mother mucker form, you can be sure I’ll be blogging from the road.
But focus … we still have our own riding season ahead!
Horses
A clinic with Leslie de Grandmaison
April 18, 2010
Monks Stables
148 Halls Village Rd, Chester, NH
Sponsored by the Area 1 Adult Rider Program
An exceptional opportunity to garner further clarification of the new USEA dressage tests prior to the start of the season. Leslie has the unique ability to work with riders and horses of varying backgrounds. She understands the flexibility necessary when working with multi-faceted Event horses and riders, while maintaining the classical principles of dressage through clear and concise communication.
Leslie de Grandmaison has ridden and trained horses for more than 25 years while studying with some of the world’s best dressage masters and clinicians. With strong emphasis on correct rider position and appropriate advancement, Leslie’s balanced and systematic style creates happy, healthy and successful horse and rider teams in dressage and eventing. She is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist, a USDF “L” graduate with distinction, and British Horse Society Assistant Instructor Certified. She currently teaches and trains at Apple Valley Farm in Harvard, Massachusetts and Saltbox Farm in Auburn, New Hampshire.
All levels are encouraged.
Private lessons are available for $65.00.
Adult Rider Program members – cost is $55.00.
Auditors are welcome at no charge.
Please contact Katie Murphy at (603) 391-6078 or info@murphyeventing.com for scheduling and more information.
Horses
Former Olympic Champion Leslie Law:
Courtesy of Eventing Radio
Former Olympic Champion, Leslie Law, is our guest this week fresh from his win at Pine Top and with a view to Rolex, Kentucky Three Day Event with 2009 Horse of the Year, Mystere du Val. Plus, why co-host Ashley Adams says, ‘Don’t Be Afraid to Ask!’ Listen in…
Horses
