Trail Practice

Here is a quick snap from our trail practice two nights ago. It was our first pass at the bridge (technically second, but I didn't have the camera ready for the first pass). I was so elated that Abbey stepped right up, walked over, and stepped off without falling off the side, panicking, or being a spaz in any way. All of the disappointments I was feeling about not being as ready as I wanted to be to show with the big kids evaporated in that moment, and I almost cried with joy. I was really having a hard time with all of our setbacks, and especially with her being so witchy and angry. That seems to have dissipated for the time being, so thank goodness for a happier horse.

 

Trail Pony - Deluxe Edition

Her lope is still not what it should be, and she is definitely heavier than ideal after lots of time off over the past few months, but we will get back to things and start working towards next show season this winter. By then hopefully we will be solid one-handed and ready for the big-pony classes with loping. We may even try for some hunt seat and showmanship, but that all depends on the almighty dollar and how much I have to spend on saddles and show stuff for myself. I have learned that even when you buy things second hand they still cost a pretty penny. I got one of my jackets from Show Me Again http://www.showmeagain.com/ and it was a pre-owned item from Wood's Western. It was a great price, and I was able to have it altered to fit me a little better. Whoever owned it before had crazy-long monkey arms, or was a super model.

 

Altered and ready for action!

After getting my jacket back from being altered and having it fit me perfectly, I am beginning to feel more confident. Things are falling into place. I will say that as much as I love all things sparkly, I have never owned something as bedazzled as my two show jackets (the other one is coated in rhinestones). And I'm not gonna lie, I am pumped about how shiny I will be. For a totally tomboy who lives in leggings and workout gear which is mostly all black, I sure do enjoy getting gussied up every now and then.

As a special bonus, my mom is coming up from Florida for a visit, and she is letting me drag her to the show this weekend. Even at 34, I fee like a little girl getting ready for a dance recital, or a play, or a crew meet. I was never nervous to have my parents watch me as a kid, but for some reason I am now. I feel a little silly, but I know she is so proud of me. I suppose that doesn't ever go away for a parent, no matter how big your kids get. I am a lucky girl to have been loved and supported by them as much as they have. My hubby may or may not come, and certainly will only make an appearance if I ask. That used to bug me, but I am more okay with it now. He didn't grow up with parents at every single event that he ever did, so he just doesn't get the idea of going to watch someone run a half marathon or ride a horse around a ring. I have grown to understand that just because he isn't right there it doesn't mean he doesn't love and support me. And I may just ask him to please come one of the two days, just for me.

I am going to practice some more tonight, but it really is more about the miles that Abbey and I have covered together in the past two years rather than this last-minute stuff. The work has to come one day at a time, inch by inch, and the last few days before a show are just more to reassure yourself that you are ready... at least that's what it seems to be to me right now. For now, we will show in walk/trot pleasure, horsemanship, and trail. I feel a little self-conscious that I will be showing with people in the 13 and up category and I'm more than twice that age, but I will keep my chin up and heels down and be proud of where we stand today.