May 10, 2021

IDS May: Sigh

Last Saturday I competed at the IDS May Schooling Show. My intention was to ride two tests in one day before I try that at the rated show next weekend, and of course, when ride times came out my rides were 5 hours apart and I couldn't make the second one. We were hosting a graduation party/prom for our friends at the IU School of Architecture on Saturday night, and I had to get home to help prep.


All of these folks had to have two negative tests in the previous 5 days in order to attend graduation and almost all are fully vaccinated, in case you're freaking out about the large number of unmasked people in my house.

On Friday afternoon, I went out to catch my horse to load up for the show and...

"WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
 

I mean, I knew better than to go out to catch him in a raincoat like that. But he lulls me into this false sense of security these days, because he only does this about once every six months now. And we were overdue, since his last episode was in October at GP trainer's.

It was raining on one side of the farm and sunny on the other

He cantered for THIRTY. STRAIGHT. MINUTES. I gave him opportunities to stop only if he kept his attention on me and either stood still or took a step toward me. If he took one step away from me, I clucked him on, not that he needed much encouragement. Even after he was clearly tiring, he still didn't stop cantering.

The next morning, he was pleasantly polite in the bridle but also behind my leg, probably thanks to his endurance workout the night before. I rode the shit out of the test, and it was much better than our last attempt in April. No errors, no mistakes, and our first true canter-walk EVER in the show ring, in his tough direction no less. The only bobble was a buck going into the first canter lengthening, see previous comment about him being behind my leg. It felt like a solid test overall.


First pic with my new coat! This is ABSOLUTELY the most front end elevation I've ever seen in a canter photo of this horse. PC: AK Photography

Unfortunately the judge just straight up didn't like my ride, and scored us a 59.404%. It was like she gave us a baseline of 6.0 for everything, and then if she didn't like something, it was straight to a 5.0, with hardly any 6.5s and only one 7.0. I got the lowest scores of my life on things he always scores really well on, like halts and reinbacks, and just could not understand how that test deserved to score that poorly, especially at a schooling show. 

I need a half halt in this moment, but look at me not pulling on my horse's face! PC: AK Photography

The mystery was solved when I ran into Karen afterwards, and she asked, "Did you have [judge name]?" And I said yeah, and she said, "Been there, that's just how she is, don't let it get to you." I did win my class with that 59% so...yeah. That checks out.

He looks as tired as he felt. PC: AK Photography

That said, I'm not upset. We rode 2-3 error-free. We got a canter-walk in the ring for the first time. I learned how to show him well even when he's tired. All of those things are good things to learn at a schooling show, so I came away feeling like I accomplished something.

Next weekend, less of this!


25 comments:

  1. That purple coat is STUNNING and looks amazing with Connor's coloring (insert all the heart eyes!)! I can't stop watching him gallop around -- he looks so good, even when he's being a turd! Congrats on the win, too :-D

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    1. Thank you! Yes I agree, I was standing there watching him like "I hate you right now but also you're beautiful," lol.

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  2. While the judge was tough, she was on everyone. Congratulations on your win! Connor is such a goof. Lets hope he doesn't pass these ideas on to his little brother.

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    1. I know, that's literally my only requirement for Disco, lol.

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  3. Congrats on the win even though the show conditions (and the judge!) weren't 100%

    I have to admit - I watch the gifs a few times - he is a shiny majestic cantering creature!

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    1. He really is. And that was dirty in the field with no grooming! Shine supplement is really working.

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  4. I LOVE that purple coat. And that canter photo- swoon. Some judges are ridiculously harsh. Don't let it get to you. The placings tell the story.

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    1. Thank you, that coat is alllllllmost perfect. I wish it was a Dressage cut, but I don't think it matters that much.

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  5. I mean, the fitness to canter for 30 minutes straight is something else at least! And honestly, winning a class with a 59% makes for a great story...

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  6. I am unfortunately familiar with the Cob gingerbread man routine. Luckily Roscoe gives in much quicker. Congrats on the show. Have run into that kind of judge at our schooling shows.

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    1. Normally Connor does too, even if he plays hard to catch these days it's never for more than 5 minutes at a time. Not Friday though!

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  7. on one hand i appreciate a judge who doesn't give away points willy nilly but.... simultaneously i'll never understand that certain segment of judging that seems determined to rob any shred of hope or joy from competitors in this sport. bleh. for real tho, congrats on laying down a clean test - i love the pics!!

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    1. Yeah, same, I prefer a judge who makes you earn it, but in this case I didn't feel like earning it was possible. Oh well, now I know.

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  8. I think some judges don't actually understand their role. Sorry you got stuck with one of those. But YAY for a great show (judging aside)! You two look amazing!
    The field antics are ridiculous, but he does look awfully handsome galloping around.

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    1. Yes he does, he is winning the shine awards with his new summer coat that's almost in!

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  9. I'm being overly dramatic and keep sighing and rolling my eyes reading this post. YOU WERE ROBBED! ;) Ah well... I'm glad that your ranking at least tells you something about the quality of your test (and maybe says something about the grumpiness of your judge). Good luck at the show this coming weekend!

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  10. You look awesome in that coat, and sorry the judge was whack but ehhh Congrats on winning!! lol

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  11. Oh Connor! If you feel like adding conditioning work, do it some other time! Glad you came away with good learning and experiences - on to the next one!

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    1. Yes, and very soon, this coming weekend!

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  12. The look on his face while running around. Sounds like you had a good show and learning experience and you totally have the right attitude. All signs point to you having a great showing season.

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    1. Haha, right, you can see it even with the fly mask on. He was having a blast, until he wasn't, and that's when he finally let me catch him. Which is the point of me sending him off again with a cluck if he doesn't show me that he's ready for me to catch him by standing still or moving toward me. It's hard work until you allow it to not be hard work, buddy!

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  13. Every now and then it's nice to hear a discipline has as jacked up judging as mine sometimes, though sorry you had to be the victim of it! Glad you won though. He looks faaaaaab.

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  14. Connorrrr!!! LOL I love it when otherwise saintly ponies just have to pull out something quirky once in a while to prove they're still ponies! Great job on the show, and while 59 isn't what you'd hoped for, some judges are just sour old goats. There's a certain one in my area as well that I want to run away from if I see her glaring at me out of the judge's box like I'm something nasty she just trod in, LOL!

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