Baby, are you coming for the ride?

Trail ride!

Had a seemingly benign conversation with a friend the other day. She works her ass off as a show secretary and was telling me about a parent who complained about the dressage judge and other things.

"Why don't you just be better?" was what my friend wanted to respond. Obviously she handled the situation professionally at the time, but if you are complaining that you or you kid is getting low scores in dressage ... then be better. Take more lessons, buy a better horse, practice more, BE BETTER and maybe you won't be so disappointed in your scores.

Like the 54% in out first Grand Prix. Yes he did all the movements,
but we just were not good enough for the 60.
(An a good photo demonstrating DAP+)

I realized ... well shit, the amount of complaining/blaming/blowing off of judges that I do is kind of shameful. There is plenty of it on this blog. I have never complained to officials of course, but plenty to my friends and on here.

Are there judges who are tougher than others? Yes of course. Are there judges who will simply not like your horse? Yes, probably.

But if I get a disappointing score, the hard truth is that I am simply NOT GOOD ENOUGH. 

I can spend all the time I want saying things like "the judge doesn't like my horse," "I won the warm up" "Well so and so big ass clinician said I was good" "The judge is drunk" "I don't understand this score" "The judge is biased and wants flashy gaits"

That is all a load of shit because the actual truth is pretty hard to admit to yourself.

A low score = you is not good enough.

So, as the new year approaches I am going to try very hard NOT to complain about the judge. To take low scores and work harder. To take the better scores and ... keeping working. And not let a judge get me down about my really nice horse, because that happens too. 

Maybe we will aim for Regionals in 2022!

Just chipping away. To be better.

And on that note, we are off to Aiken for 4 days! 

Actual interesting blog content to come.

Caught a vibe

Thanks to my friend who got this cool orb shot of the horses! haha

Hamp is back to full work! Schooling most of the FEI again, and doing as much trail riding as I can manage before the weather totally goes to shit.

Did some dressage on the hills at Flying Cross Farm while my eventer gals had a great
school! So pretty right now!

Do not question Reign of Porkchop

Taylorsville Lake State park was a nice ride!

You can sort of see the lake straight ahead

Speaking of my eventer friends, one of these ladies COERCED ME into going to Aiken for a short trip in December. I am telling you, she twisted my arm and held a gun to my head. Not left with a choice, I lined up some lessons and hopefully will give us a boost going into winter.

Argyle polos, but don't ask me to have matching bell boots. ugh

Just a reminder to live in the present. Live your life because it can change in an instant. Eat the french fries, take the chance, ride the dressage test even if you are not totally ready. Go to Aiken. If you have your health (and your horse's health) you are truly rich.

Live your dreams.

Off unemployment!

 

Hampton has re-joined the workforce!

He feels GREAT and while he is a bit out of shape, that's ok. We are going to live in 2nd/3rd level land for a little bit while he regains strength and fitness. I have had zero issues with stumbling, or weirdness or anything. He feels better than he has in at least a year. I could not be more excited. And Hampton seems fresh and happy and is no longer in pain.

I might already be making some adventure plans, too. <grin> 

Halloween sunrise on the farm.