horse shows

I'm just back from the Paso del Norte dressage society's annual dressage show benefitting a local hospice. I was super impressed (and thanks for ordering up that very cool breeze) with the show management, the number and variety of prizes (I can't remember the last time I got something other than a ribbon for my efforts), and the way they honored everyone who came to the show at the nice (if crowded) competitors' party. The racetrack (see my earlier post) was great place for the show (and practicing downhill balance on the sloped warmup arena made me realize how much dressage horses need hill work) and we even got to hear a sound check by the band Malo (Carlos Santana's brother's band) for a concert at the casino across the "lake." (quotes intentional). 

Belle's getting the day off from trailer training today, as I have much to do to prepare for this weekend's double header at Sunland Park Race Track (nope, not racing, going to a dressage show) near El Paso, sponsored by the Paso del Norte Dressage Society.

Yet suddenly, out of the blue, B doesn't want to pick up the left lead canter. When he is cantering left (after much shouldering-in and whip tapping) he feels dead and almost like he's going to just plunk out. I know I am locking my left hip and working too hard at asking for both the transition and the ten meter canter circles, overdoing everything. I'm probably so tense about it he's just like, well, forget it.

So I received this press release from the United States Equestrian Federation today. Is it me, or is this completely incomprehensible? (Posted below, in italics). Perhaps if they want more people to get involved with the federation, they should write in English. But enough critiquing of the writing. What do you think about this idea? They want to reach out to engage new exhibitors. Is this the way to do it? I'm searching for comments, thoughts, ideas on ways to grow all equestrian sports. Post below or add to the forum topic, Rules and Regs!

New USEF Opportunity Classes Offer More Showing Options for Exhibitors and Competition Management

Jelly Bean and Reggie are overnighting here tonight on their way from the Tucson winter jumper show back to Colorado. Having guest horses always excites the crap out of Belle, who runs around whinnying with her tail in the air, then sets to work on freeing them, by mouthing the heck out of the stall latch. Obviously Jelly Bean and Reggie (who was champion in one of the jumper divisions) are old hands at traveling because despite Belle's insistence that they must come out to play, they just settled into their stalls and commenced eating and drinking.

Seeing other people's horses so polished and polite makes me think I should spend just a little more time making my guys look presentable. Right now, they're hairy and shedding and dirty.

My yuckiest job in Horsedom? Clipping, without a doubt. What's yours? What task makes you feel totally yucky and that having horses isn't that fun after all?

Just in from giving B a blanket clip. He looks totally ridiculous and I'm itchy, even after a shower. I probably got microscopic horse hair in my left eye because it itches like an SOB.

All this for an upcoming horse show in which I may (or may not) win a 57 cent ribbon. Go figure.

So what's your yucky job?