the Second Southern Pines

We had a great weekend at Southern Pines II, which proved to be quite exciting on cross country day with lots of thrills and spills.  It was a gorgeously designed course, and quite difficult for this early in the season.

The first thing that I noticed when we got there was that during the two weeks since the last event, all the wisteria had burst into bloom, making a purple cloud in the treetops that created a general "Garden of Eden" impression.  Seeing this confirmed the fact that spring is upon us, and show season is in full swing!  I've always loved the course at Southern Pines, and over the past year a lot of work has been done on the grounds.  It shows - lush green grass is growing in neatly planted rows, and most of the underbrush has been cleared out, leaving scenic tall pines dotting the rolling hills.  The care which has clearly been taken of the grounds here make it seem almost like a pristine golf course.

Many of the big names going for the Olympic team were there to compete in the Advanced and Intermediate divisions, making the atmosphere truly vibrate with excitement.

On Friday, Indy and I had a decent dressage test, improving the trot work and walk alot, but unfortunately swapping leads in the counter canter to put us out of the running for the higher places.  Cross country day was Saturday, and the JYOP divisions went stadium that day as well before heading out on course.  It was an educational show jump round for Indy; he had never jumped in front of a crowd before and had a bit of a spook at the stands full of people - causing a couple of uncharacteristic rails - but otherwise jumped around well.

After watching and hearing about the divisions being decimated by falls, TE's, and withdrawals all morning, nerves were on edge as we headed to the start box.  I was determined to ride my butt off at every single jump and combination, and try to stick with my minute markers to come in as close to the time as I could.  At that point in the season, I wasn't sure where Indy was exactly with his fitness, so this six-and-a-half minute course would be a good gauge.  He's been on a 5 day galloping schedule and trotting all winter, so I expected him to feel pretty good.  As it turned out, he finished easily, 8 seconds over time from setting up at combinations (next time I'll have to adjust my minute markers accordingly), but I felt that I could have pushed faster without taxing him.  We jumped everything easily, and felt very solid in the technical questions - it was an absolute blast!!!  Nothing can beat the thrill and adrenaline of cross country, I'm convinced!

I was very happy to complete the event with my third qualifying score - Indy and I are now all set to go to the CIC * at Fair Hill in April.  Yay!!  Daily training will continue, along with working all the other new additions (more on these later!), as we progress towards April.  Enjoy the spring!

Southern Pines 1: Pipe Opener

I'd been looking forward to the weekend of March 10th and 11th since the beginning of last November... counting days and getting increasingly more excited as the date of my first planned event for 2012 neared, after my plans for riding at Pine Top fell through.  The thrill of competition - the intense bond with your equine partner - the fleeting, adrenaline-filled moments that decide the outcome of an event - the gratitude for your horse, your support team, and your ability to compete and strivings to get better - that is the crux of our sport, the goal to which we direct our passion, the incredible payoff of devoting endless hours of work and sacrifice to horses.

After a successful move-up in the fall, boosting Indy's confidence, and a winter of dressage/gymnastic work and conditioning, to say that he was ready to go would have been more than a mild understatement.  Indy was breathing fire as we walked to the start box for cross country, and finished the course looking for more jumps.  The excitability of the first time out for the spring didn't help as much in the dressage and stadium phases, but that is to be expected, and he is ready to come back to compete in the Junior Young Rider Open Preliminary division with me in two weeks.

A huge thanks is in order to my wonderful coach, my friends/fellow students and their families, and everyone else who provided a support network.  And not to forget my family and everyone who helped take care of the barn at home!  It was a great weekend that re-ignited my passion for the sport and desire to continue competing to the highest level I can attain.  It kindled the fire that I've been fine-tuning and strengthening over the winter, and Indy and I cannot wait for our next show!

Lists

Since I have an admittedly OCD/Type A personality, for the most part, it shouldn't come as a surprise that lists are what make my world go round.  I make lists for everything in an attempt to stay organized and efficient.  With everyone heading out on the weekends now for the spring show season, it might be time to brush the dust off of your competition packing list and get into gear!  I'll skip listing most of the regular stuff so I don't risk boring you here (general tack for all disciplines, appropriate attire and clothing for yourself, feed, hay, bedding, veterinary care items, etc.), but I'm going to try to hit some of the big things all across the board that people either tend to forget, or don't think of at all.

-Tack Cleaning Supplies... unpacking is a lot easier when you don't return home with dirty tack!
-Hose
-Coggins and Vet Certificate for traveling out-of-state
-Make sure to bring freshly washed, weather-appropriate sheets and coolers.
-Extras, extras, extras!  You never know what will get wet, dirty, or broken.
-Running Shoes - to get in that extra course walk... or "course run", if your times are tight!
-Wellies - to walk your lines in the water.
-Duct Tape.. it fixes everything!
-Spare Tire with all necessary tools
-If you're a dog person... bring a leash!  Nothing worse than a random dog jumping into the dressage ring during your test, trust me!
-Handy "How to tie a stock tie" instruction book if you are like me... enough said.
-Old bridle numbers
-Show Sheen, Baby wipes, Fly spray, and Baby oil
-Hair nets!!! And spurs, whip, crop, gloves...
-Always bring more towels and rags than you think you need...
-And of course, the number one rule is to never, ever forget treats.  Peppermints, apples, carrots.. We must treat our ponies like the royalty they think they are!

-Bring some of your horse's extra shoes with the studs already in them to the start box for cross country.  That way they're handy if you pull a shoe on course.

-Don't forget to pick up ice for after cross country!  On busy show mornings that's often the first thing to slip my mind.

- Wraps and liniment or poultice, depending on what you use.  Just watch out for cuts and sand with poultice; it can lead to issues.

-Salt source or electrolyte powder for your horse if heat is a worry.

-Pack a cooler of waters, fruits, veggies, and anything else you want.  Often there aren't many healthy options to eat on the road, so it's good to bring some of your own food, too.

I'm going to keep this brief for now, but the main thing is to double and triple check everything before the day before.  Beyond that, there isn't much else you can do if you are well prepared!  And good luck!