#14 The Last Practice Before Competition
Today was my last practice before my big show this weekend. I was all ready to go and when I got out of the car, I realized I forgot my most important part of my riding attire?go head and take a guess. Yes, I forgot MY HELMET. Talk about embarrassing. Luckily, North Coast Equestrian Park has a barn full of spare helmets for people that forget their helmets.
So once I got all tacked up and ready to go (helmet on), I prepared for the big competition. Here is a video of my trainer explaining what I will be required to do, and who I will be competing against:
After learning about my big competition (and the ferocious 10-year-olds I will be competing against), I got to tackle my biggest hurdle in all of my lessons -cantering without a lunge line! I was extremely nervous that Libby would decide to take matters in her own hoofs and canter where she pleased. Luckily Libby was completely responsive to my cues. It took me a while to feel comfortable cantering with control, but I finally got the hang of it and had a good time. Here is an amusing video showing my first attempts:
So I guess I am ready as ready as I will ever be for my big show this weekend. I just have to remember my helmet:)
Any tips for your first show? Wish me luck!
Comments
Molly, about 1 year ago
Wow look at you cantering away! Great job Karisa! and good luck!
Jill, about 1 year ago
Good luck on your competition! I'm excited to hear how it goes. Try not to be intimidated by the 10 year olds...I know how scary they can be.
Hunter, about 1 year ago
Good luck - watch out those kids are mean
Janice Arnoldi, about 1 year ago
Getting ready for my first dressage show was a nightmare. I was 41 and hadn't been riding for long. First, I took my bridle apart the night before to clean it and couldn't get it back to together properly. I was practically in tears when my non-riding partner figured it out. When I arrived at the barn the next morning my horse had rubbed all her braids into a frizz and a good friend quickly re-did them. Finally, nobody told me I had to wait for the bell to ring before entering the ring. My friend was waving at me to leave the ring and the judge was so kind, she looked down at her table until I went out.
Even with all that, it was a lot of fun!
Jennifer, about 1 year ago
Good for you Karisa! Best of luck for the competition.