Show prep begins...T-24 days!

The first schooling show of the year has finally been announced (well actually the second, but the previous one was canceled due to lack of entries). We are looking at February 19th & 20th. At the very least I want to do two of the Intro tests on Rose, but maybe one Intro test and one Training Level if she's ready. Our first recognized show will be in March, and there is only Training Level and above at that show, so I'd like to see if maybe, just maybe, we can tackle Training level. If not, there is a 4-5 Mare Material class at the March show, so at the very least I'll definitely take her in that class. However, I think we can do it.

We've been practicing Intro B mostly, as that is the only test I've memorized, and we've started doing the Training level canter half circles...but I haven't actually practiced any of the tests. I am usually alone when I ride so having a reader isn't a possibility. I've resigned to the fact that I'm just going to have to get my old brain to start memorizing things again. My goal for this week will be to memorize and practice Training Level Test 1. I won't be expecting a perfect ride, but at least to start memorizing the pattern.

WEEKEND TRAINING RECAP:
Rose has completely stopped balking at the canter. Her back seems happy once she's warmed up and she's been very calm and quiet for the last week. So much so, that when Gatsby's owners arrived at the end of our ride on Sunday I had his Mom hop up on Rose. They looked great together and she had fun. A set of spurs might have helped though, as Rose had already worked and was tired and was being VERY lazy. It was the second time she'd gotten to ride one of Gatsby's babies, and she was just thrilled about it. Hopefully next time Rose will have a bit more energy for her though.

Happy trails and swooshing tails!