Horse Show Week Is Here!! February 18, 2009

 

Well, it is raining and really cold here in North Carolina.  Temps are only going to be in the 40’s this weekend as we head out to the Raleigh Indoor II Horse Show. 

 

Since my last post we have been getting to know the new facility where we are boarding Ritchie.   Because it is so close to my mom’s office and it has an indoor ring, I have been getting lots and lots of ride time.  I feel really prepared for this show and can not wait to use some of the skills we have been working on in lessons.

 

Lisa has been working with me on combinations and handy hunter course work.  Handy Hunter rounds are more technical courses and can include rollbacks, bending lines, trot fences, halts, and in and outs.  This is different from the more straightforward hunter classes.  I need to become familiar with these type of courses to be able to move to the Medium Pony Hunter division.  They are very fun but are very hard to remember.  My biggest problem is just not forgetting what to do next while still remembering to count my strides and get my lead changes. 

 

This weekend I will be showing in the Children’s Pony so I will not have to worry about Handy Hunter classes.  I will also be jumping the 2′6 schooling pony just like last time.  I want to show Lisa that I can ride in the show ring like I do at home. 

 

Ritchie, of course, is the master of these courses.  He is teaching me how to navigate these courses and proving to be a great teacher.  I do not have photos this week but wanted to share some video of Ritchie and I practicing at home.  Hope you all enjoy! 

 

 

 

I am on my way out the door with my mom to the barn to pack all of my things for the show.  I have to clean my saddle and get the trailer packed and then we will load Ritchie and be on our way to the showgrounds.  Tomorrow I will be spending the day with Lisa at the show so that I can take a lesson and watch some of the professionals ride.  Be sure to check back next week to find out how we did!