Region One

The Region One horse show has arrived and left. While not a large show, it was still very important to my trainer and I due to the "timeline" I put together when we purchased Shiek. Region One was determined to be our first "pattern" show and the coliseum type arena offered a great test. While Sheik still looked green in his turn-arounds and slightly rough in stops (my own doing from lack of leg), we held it together. I had two major take-aways: 1. memorizing patterns is just preparation and the best trick I have learned in my "second" go at showing is to jog the patterns first to find your spots. This saves a lot of frustration when you actually practice the whole thing, particularly regarding turns and angles. 2. Riding without stirrups pays off. Not only does it make you a much better rider, but it can make or break a class. The amateur horsemanship class required a stirupless extended trot during the rail portion. While my pattern was not quite as smooth as a I would have liked, we were prepared for the extended trot which determined the winner. Reviewing the video really showed how important my rail work was. In the end we were first, but more importantly, we are realizing the rewards of practicing and consistency. Homework/training is the only way to make you prepared for the show ring- my lessons from graduate school and marathon running during my "sabbatical" are paying off!