The season is over and I'm breathing a temporary sigh of relief until December when we begin all over again. This temporary sigh includes remastering the freestyle, redoing a few websites and getting through second level.
Not to mention catering to my "real life". You know, significant other, potentially going back to school and J-O-B.
No one said being an amateur was easy, no one said the sport was a cake walk either.
Don't get me wrong, I love to compete. It brings something different to the table every year. But by Regionals time though, I'm ready to call it a done deal. This year wasn't any exception. I competed two under saddle for the first time, next year I might have three to four at various levels.
It also leads me to re-assess my goals. Everyone has a laundry list of stuff that they would like to accomplish short and long term, and I'm no exception.
Next year:
- I would like to earn my final scores towards bronze (just four away!). Be schooling/showing fourth level.
- I would like Bella to be confirmed first level.
- I would like May's foal to be going to the MSEDA breed show (preferably beating up on all the warmbloods;-)).
Long term:
- Confirm piaffe, passage, changes with Sinari.
- Condition Bella for second level.
- Qualify for the two year old jack pot with May's baby.
Then there are the lofty, perhaps unattainable, such as going after the Brentina Cup. Yes. I said it. I have the odd ambition to qualify for the Young Adult class. I know, I have sucker for punishment written all over me.
Unfortunately, due to rules, I can't qualify with the pony (no ponies or mules allowed) and I don't have a Grand Prix (or I2) horse. So I have a stick horse's chance in a fire so far.
Compounding the problem: you need to qualify via three (3) competitions with an average of 62 percent or better, and I think they need to be CIC* or larger. Luckily, there are two in my area, Paxton and Kentucky Dressage Association. The third international would be in Lamplight, a solid EIGHT HOURS away.
Like I said, it's a huge reach, but for some reason my crazy ambitions have a way of turning out.