April 17, 2013

Scratching Heartland

It's pretty heartbreaking to have to write this, but Connor and I are going to have to scratch Heartland due to my husband's grandfather passing away yesterday evening, and the visitation/funeral being four hours away and on Friday/Saturday.  I feel selfish for being so sad, but after losing what should have been our entire first show season last year due to my husband's job loss, and now having to scratch out of what would have been both his and my first time showing over fences/being eventers, I'm allowing myself a short, small pity party.  Sixteen months of lessons, clinics and schooling with the goal of eventing and all we've gotten to do are two Dressage schooling shows in that time.  But family always comes first, and at least if I have to scratch, it's with a sound horse and a healthy rider.

I'm not sure where this leaves us going forward.  Everything else on the barn's schedule through the end of June is rated, and far away.  I don't think anyone thinks it's a good idea for both of our first time showing over fences to be in a rated Starter event - that's a lot of money (like the equivalent of a month of board for me) to gamble with that we'll actually finish.  I'd like to hold off on rated until we're going BN, which could have been by the end of the summer depending on how the first half went.  Things usually get added to the calendar here and there through the year, but I can't plan on anything that's not on their calendar since I don't have a trailer.

So...that's that.  Have some photos from Return of the Swamp Monster: Part II from yesterday's ride.



My hobby: taking unflattering photos of my horse. Also, who stands like that with their hind legs crossed, besides neurological  cases and my horse?

Summer coat's comin'.

14 comments:

  1. Bummer! Here's to another opportunity coming up soon!

    And so sorry for you loss.

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  2. Something will figure out, for sure.

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  3. Sorry to hear that, but you're so right saying family comes first, even if it breaks your heart at the time

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  4. Sorry to hear about your husband's grandpa, and the missed show. I wonder if there is anyone in your area looking to attend the same sorts of events as you who'd be happy to have someone to split expenses with? I realize it's not as ideal as having the support of your trainer and barn mates, though.

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  5. Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that. Hope another showing opportunity will come up.

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  6. Sorry to hear about your husband's grandpa :( And for your first show :( :(
    Conner's glowing eyes=creepy swamp monster for sure!!
    But he is still super cute, especially with his crossed legs.

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  7. Oh no...so sorry to hear! I'm sure something will come up!

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  8. Pity Party warranted. And my condolences on your families loss.

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  9. So sorry for your loss, Jen. I was looking forward to watching you and Connor kick butt Saturday!

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  10. Can your trainer take him? Not ideal but maybe he could get out even if you can't. So disappointing!

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  11. :( I'm sorry. It sucks to make the right decisions and I feel you on the "no trailer" thing.

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  12. Leg Up is an unrecognized starter event in July, CAF holds unrecognized starter HTs in June and October as well as CTs, derbys, and hunter paces(basically a chose your own XC course) almost monthly.

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  13. Sorry Hun:(. I looked forward to seeing you and Conner. If we were closer I'd for sure haul you guys to a ct.

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  14. Sorry for your families loss. There will be other shows and I am sure you and Connor will kick even more butt with the extra prep time! :)

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