Language

January is a dead month for a lot of reasons, namely because temperatures dip into the teens and the great indoors looks much better than frostbite.

January is also the start of several educational programs at USDF around the country including the L Program.

Signed up in December, I trekked up to Ohio this past weekend for Session A: biomechanics and conduct.

Truth be told, when the word biomechanics is uttered, I glaze over faster than hot sugar on dough. On paper, its naturally boring material between abducting and adducting legs, center of gravity, non-brilliant movement, lateral gaits, origination and creation of bend (it'll surprise you), engagement, impulsion and diagram after diagram.

Add a little kinetic energy to that dry material and it actually comes alive. Throw in different breeds and types, and you have a party.

Judging, first and foremost, is a systematic use of language and scale applied to standards. While, as a rider you know what the movements are and you may know what a good movement or gaits are, but applying a figure and appropriate language per directives and with the knowledge behind correct bio mechanics is difficult.

It's much like Helen Keller learning associating the right words with the physical thing. It's learning to recognized water in different forms and learning to adapt the language to it. Everything still the same, is now different. 

We went through four marathon sessions of biomechanics, biomechanics in relation to the pyramid and threw in conduct for good measure. It was an incredibly pleasurable while challenging in certain areas.  In the end the group was grasping it, now comes the difficult part of finding willing subjects to perform tests (good and bad) in front of you.

Lephant in the room

Even though winter bites (falling on ice in my barn's driveway today is the highlight so far), it has provided a good opportunity to plan and plot for the upcoming months. 

During my research, I found out about the L program being held in Ohio this year and the next.

Doing the L program and, ultimately becoming a judge, has been a goal of mine since '09. 

Normally the program is held in Michigan from winter to spring, and then again in fall. Michigan from Kentucky is roughly a six hour drive, and a pill to fly into during the winter. So, I had applied, late, thinking that all spots were filled.

Received the call the other day from USDF notifying me that I am an L Judge Candidate.

This is a step in the direction where I would like to end up with my USEF card. 

Over the next two years I have to attend all sessions, and test to obtain license. I also have to finish out my score requirements, and by May, I should have most of my sitting hours completed in advance of the 2012 deadline.

I have to say, I'm really excited, but there is a challenge ahead. I need to compete, and finish out my bronze early in the year (April/May) and then buckle down for the finishing climb to FEI so things are set for the later plans.This helping run 12 clinics, a board position, a young horse to show and a full time job to balance.

The view from the corner office

It seems happenstance between Sinari being temporarily off, and my current schedule for scribing has taken over my life.

I'm three days deep into watching very talented Juniors and Young Riders ride quality horses. Not all rides were great. There were a number in the high 50's, low 60's. On top of this, we broke into the 70's maybe four or five times throughout the week, and these were deserved scores by pairs that had rode ultra-clean and maxed out tests.

I'm finishing up my hours needed to pursue my L, and by the end of today, I'll have a surplus of hours. Which, in my book is great.

But the perk isn't just finishing off my required hours, or sitting and watching the FEI arenas with ultra-cool (and very nice) international judges who have been teaching me from everything about where to shop for judge clothes (thank you Ms. Foy) and the finer details of 7's versus 8's, all the while giving me a perspective from a greater standpoint. No, the perk is sitting in the box at the crack of dawn in Kentucky, sipping on coffee waiting for the first ride to come down the concourse, knowing that this is where I feel at home and best serving of a sport that has already provided so much.

To L with it.

Cross off one of the goals for 2010, I've begun to pursue my USDF L license.

I've done plenty of scribing over the years, however, it wasn't until this year that I started seriously going after my L. I've always wanted to become a judge since I started riding. This weekend, after sitting between to FEI I judges, it only solidified that feeling.

The L program is the next logical step in a progression.

I've finally begun document my scribe hours, starting with the KDA's Annual CDI*.

I'm about 8 1/2 into it and I'm feeling very positive that it will be completed out in mid-July where I will be scribing at NAJYRC.

Speaking of the CDI*, the show went fantastically this weekend. It was well-organized with wonderful management behind it. I'm happy to see the KDA expand again, and improve and capitalize on last year's show. While I miss the breed show end of it, I can understand the reason to expand the under saddle classes.

It was truly wonderful seeing everyone again, and hearing their opinions on the variety of clincians that the Team is bringing in (also all the suggestions for next year). I can't wait to see them at these events.

But the best part was the visit from County Representative- Sara Ivie. We got to try out and fall in love with a County Connection. I about nearly cried when I felt Sinari's back lift and become instantaneously comfortable in the changes. My riding wasn't the best that day, but damn, I'm on a payment-for-life deal.

All, in all, a wonderful weekend.

Hold it in.

Its been an active two or three weeks out of the saddle and I'm happy to see it passed by quickly.

I've been exhausted. Sixty hour work weeks where I have only one day off. It isn't fun. I became so sleep deprived that by Christmas eve, I fell asleep over dinner. I'm finally recovered, I went to a concert yesterday and outlasted most of everyone (which felt good being normal!). Sleeping for ten hours for four days straight does that.

The last two years have been like this due to work. Well, working for the world's largest retailer isn't exactly a cakewalk around the holiday and I'm trying to change that via a new employer. It's just a slow go. I'm sorely tempted by becoming a working student and just eating out of a can of beans.

The three weeks out of the saddle, while doing my body a world of no good, has allowed me to get some work done on the new websites for Anthelois and Gage, Deer Haven Farm and a friend. Deer Haven's is coming the quickest, complete with 500 gigs of goodness involving photographs. Among them, which I didn't realise , are these sets from the Poulin clinic. Sinari looks brilliant to the point where I cried looking at them. I look weird. But still, I see so much. Bella will come along as well.

The out of saddle hiatus is coming to a close- the saddle is ordered (34" Duett Fidelio) and should be here in time for the new year. Sinari has been conditioning since yesterday, just lunge work due to the crappy muddy weather. She broke out her road trot yesterday and gave me some brilliant extentsion that caught the eye of onlookers.

Speaking of the new year its time to review goals.

2008:
Horsey stuff:

1. Four scores of 60 percent (or better) at first and second to earn bronze (finished first level haven't accomplished second)
   
2. Dover Medal? (not even close)
   
3. Compete at all scheduled shows (yep)
   
4. Condition Sinari to fourth level. (yep)
   
5. Successfully breed May (yep)
   

Regular:

1. Complete second 1/2 marathon (no, ran out of time)
   
2. Put cash towards savings/continue financial stability. Budget. Repair credit. (yep)
   
3. Law school entry and exams (did so, but unsuccessfully and am trying a different route)
   
4. Pick up more German. (yep)
   

2009 holds so much more. In addition to the following, I may be expanding the team to add a new member (pony), finding a new job, returning to education and a bunch of other things but here's the rundown:

Horsey Stuff

1. Final four scores for bronze
2. Foaling/ Find home for May
3. Fourth level/PSG schooling
   
4. More education
5. Begin L program
6. Attend all scheduled shows/inspections
7. Expand team and promote ponies
8. Successful NDPC show (and expand to three rings)

Regular:

1. 70 mile bike
2. Start school
3. Smile more
4. Better job.

I have a long way to go and miles to go beore I sleep.