I apologize for not writing yesterday, by the time I got home I was exhausted, so much so, that I almost fell asleep in my dinner. Hard to do in a noisy place like Guadalajara Grill.
It began with most of Team Gray Matter in attendance, plus new and old friends that were there already and others that showed up to give support.
I have to admit at this point I was a little disappointed in myself and feeling very humble by the words of encouragement and the support I was receiving. I was feeling as if I am not worthy, for dear readers, it was my error that pulled me down to 21 after cross country, it was a little lack of faith in the dragon, that I alone have created and honed into a cross country machine, that caused my 20 points to be added to my score.
My dragon, how he felt flying underneath me, chills crossed my back, so confident, so stoic, so amazing. Yet, I did not trust him still. I know better, or so I thought, and yet, in my over confidence, in my lack of faith, in that split second, I pulled him so hard, I pulled him off the line he was traveling ( the wrong one) but also, hard enough that I made him fly right by the correct line, had I been softer, had I been more faithful, he would have done it for us, my dragon, my horse, my partner. I still have much to learn.
So let me tell you about our final day. We had our last formal jog-ups. And as I was told by our Team Leader(Joyce) I clean up well! Jerry and Zachary were in attendance as well. And I promise there will be pictures later. Ezra behaved himself once again, however, this time it was like we had the Paparazzi following us, in which case he grew even bigger and strut ed even more. I ran without the hat, but with sunglasses ( at my husbands request) and still with the three inch heels. We had hardly passed the ground jury before we heard the words "number 18 accepted". Then it was back to the barn as fast as possible to get out of the "cocktail" wear and into comfortable white britches.
Horse was clean, tack was clean, with much thanks to Gab, the indispensable groom and great friend through this whole adventure. My bridle happened to be quite gross after Saturday, as dust and water had mixed on leather... EW! So Gab and I walked the course together, I did not walk it with my good friend David, as I truly trust Gab's assessment of a show jumping course and how to ride my horse, he has ridden the dragon, and knows what he is like, and he has jumped many courses higher and faster than David and I have seen in a lifetime. Gab gave me good, sound advice. The hard part is putting that into play, when you are cantering along and jumping fences, that when you walked them were as high as your chest and as wide as you arm span. So dear friends, I dropped two poles, to add 8 points to our score. The idea of a ribbon had long ago left, but my heart was breaking anyway, I had disappointed my support group ( I thought) and I was so sorry I had let them and the wonderful beast down. Yet, when I got back to the barn and was done feeling sorry for myself, everyone was so complimentary. It seems that after I went, there were quite a few problems on the course, so many that Ezra and I actually moved up to 16th. In our first CCI* we still managed to come in at least in the top half!
I learned so much this past weekend, and I hope you did to.
I have so many people to thank, and I think dear readers you should know who they are.
Joe and Kaye Shaman, for providing the entry fee and enough for the first formal jog-up outfit.
Stella Russell for all the extras including the new dressage bridle.
My Godfather and Sue for more extras.
Eva Beck for the wonderful logo.
Joyce Wells for the home away from home.
Kathryn for the quiet support and the help with shopping.
Eva, Barry, Jacob and Tina, for the Gas and Food.
Tanni and Al Grachian for the ability to go schooling.
Tom and Sharon (aunt and uncle) for more gas:)
Joan Carini, Michelle Kelly(and family) Lynda Ehrich, Dee Dee and Chris Heath, Vicki Anderson and family, Ashley Klekar, Max and Laura, and of course my Emma:} who believes no matter what!
But the biggest most hugest thank you (besides my wonderful husband and son) has to go to the dragon's groom, Gab, I could not have made it through the weekend with out him. He was the Zen for both Ezra and I, I only hope that when it is his and Flyers time to shine, I will be at least half as good as he was.
I can not end this without the biggest Thank You going to my Mother, who saw the beast and I, 4 years ago and knew what kind of partnership we would make. Thank you for the dream, Mom, I love you.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Saturday, May 5, 2007
7 minute adrenaline rush
I read 125 pages in a Candace Bushnell book while preparing for Cross Country this morning. Actually, my groom prepared my horse as I tried to zone out. I was not to nervous(just sick to my stomach with anxiety) and heady with anticipation of a 7 minute gallop on the dragon.
As we left the start box, I spoke to my horse, I told him that I believed in him, and that I knew he would keep me safe, and above all that this was what he was meant to do. He left the box with exuberance and took me along for the ride. As we approached our nemesis fence. I dug in with my legs. No worries, he sighted in on the out and never even broke stride or looked twice. We were hitting our minute marks, as we went to the first water complex I felt totally sure of our line, however, Ezra has an interesting way of jumping into water, he "usually" peeks first then jumps. So as we rode over the first fence in the complex I expected that ride, and instead got a very bold ride into the water, so much so, that my horse sighted and locked onto the wrong fence out. I over corrected and in doing so pulled him so far off the track of our correct out that we flew by it. We circled around and managed to pick it up easily once Ezra figured out where we were supposed to go. The rest of the course rode on automatic pilot. Ezra was finally galloping and I felt like we were soaring. As we crossed over the finish lines the fun really began. As required we had to check in with FEI vet. She took Ezra's temperature and pulse and respiration, at that point we were supposed to cool him back down in the time allowed, before we could be released back to the barn. So buckets of ice water were tossed on by both Gab and Jerry as I scraped it off and walked him. At the first recheck, his pulse and respiration were coming down beautifully, but his temp was not. So more buckets of ice water, lots more, then finally they rechecked and we were released.
Ezra is resting comfortably, I made chicken enchiladas for Team Gray Matter and my in-laws who came to cheer me on. And now it is time for me to rest comfortable as well. This whole experience has been amazing. And I can't wait til the ** in November.
As we left the start box, I spoke to my horse, I told him that I believed in him, and that I knew he would keep me safe, and above all that this was what he was meant to do. He left the box with exuberance and took me along for the ride. As we approached our nemesis fence. I dug in with my legs. No worries, he sighted in on the out and never even broke stride or looked twice. We were hitting our minute marks, as we went to the first water complex I felt totally sure of our line, however, Ezra has an interesting way of jumping into water, he "usually" peeks first then jumps. So as we rode over the first fence in the complex I expected that ride, and instead got a very bold ride into the water, so much so, that my horse sighted and locked onto the wrong fence out. I over corrected and in doing so pulled him so far off the track of our correct out that we flew by it. We circled around and managed to pick it up easily once Ezra figured out where we were supposed to go. The rest of the course rode on automatic pilot. Ezra was finally galloping and I felt like we were soaring. As we crossed over the finish lines the fun really began. As required we had to check in with FEI vet. She took Ezra's temperature and pulse and respiration, at that point we were supposed to cool him back down in the time allowed, before we could be released back to the barn. So buckets of ice water were tossed on by both Gab and Jerry as I scraped it off and walked him. At the first recheck, his pulse and respiration were coming down beautifully, but his temp was not. So more buckets of ice water, lots more, then finally they rechecked and we were released.
Ezra is resting comfortably, I made chicken enchiladas for Team Gray Matter and my in-laws who came to cheer me on. And now it is time for me to rest comfortable as well. This whole experience has been amazing. And I can't wait til the ** in November.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Let's get together, baby
We entered down center line with Barry White in our hearts. Perhaps I even had a smile on my face. I honestly don't remember much of the test. I know my horse behaved, I know I rode well enough to end up in the top third, but at this moment the day is a blur. I have managed to walk my cross country course 3 times, which I have not done on any previous courses in the last 4 years. I have to admit that walking with the course designer was a bit gratifying as he picked the same lines I had chosen earlier. Now the test will be if I can ride the lines I have chosen. I am pretty sure that I can. I trust the dragon to keep me safe and to show everyone how grown up he is now
Today was a great day, filled with promise of more to come. I was judged by 2 international judges, one of them Sally O'Conner who often judges the Olympic Games. We were found worthy. And Barry White sings in our hearts, because Ezra really is, my first, my last, my everything.
Today was a great day, filled with promise of more to come. I was judged by 2 international judges, one of them Sally O'Conner who often judges the Olympic Games. We were found worthy. And Barry White sings in our hearts, because Ezra really is, my first, my last, my everything.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Pictures from the First Formal Inspection at the Twin Rivers CCI* (May 3)
Expectantly waiting for hour number to be called
Jogging away
Jogging back
Jogging away
Jogging back
And the hat flew...
At 5:30am, Max and I went and fed Ezra and his stablemates. We had nothing to do until the mandatory meeting at 1 1am, so I crawled back into bed. I suppose you are wondering, as was I, why my groom was not awake at this hour and tending to his beastie. I had taken pity on him yet again, and let him sleep. I enjoy the early morning anyway, as the sun was not yet on the horizon and the moon was still in her full glory.
I have found out that the one star and two star are full of "mandatory" meetings. It is a time of information gathering for me. So many rule changes, and useful information. Plus, Ezra and I were asked to join a team. Which should at least ensure a ribbon out of this venture.
I was going stir crazy waiting for the 3pm jog -ups, I think we all were. So the tack was cleaned, the horse washed, the stall fluffed, etc. At about 1pm, I started to get nervous, I had rented a young rider for the weekend to braid for me (all proceeds go to the area 6 young riders)she had not shown up by 1:30. Panic was starting to set in. I went back to the "home" to see if she had called, yup, and she had left a nice voice mail saying she would be late. Alright, I will start breathing again.
Ezra was being beautified, so it was my turn as well. Surprise, Surprise I even blew dried my hair and used product in it. The linen suit that Kathryn and I picked out looked perfect. And as I put my hat on, I realized I had left my hat pin at home. Okay, the wind isn't really that bad...(yes, it is)No matter, I looked smashing and so did my horse. We arrived late to jog but the shuffled us in. I proudly walked up and said good afternoon to the ground jury. Ezra stood proudly, front feet square, hind legs slightly off set, as the vet inspected him, yet again. Then we were told to walk to the first set of bushes the trot all the way down, and trot back past the jury. With whip in hand, and 3 inch heels, we of course did what we were asked. Ezra behaved! He looked so smart, with his neck arched as we trotted past the judges and I did not trip and fall as I had dreamed I would. But... My hat flew off. I grabbed it somewhat deftly as we jogged past. Then smiled in relief when I heard, '18 accepted". We are in, our ride time is 8:58am tomorrow. The groom says he will wake early.... We shall see...
I have found out that the one star and two star are full of "mandatory" meetings. It is a time of information gathering for me. So many rule changes, and useful information. Plus, Ezra and I were asked to join a team. Which should at least ensure a ribbon out of this venture.
I was going stir crazy waiting for the 3pm jog -ups, I think we all were. So the tack was cleaned, the horse washed, the stall fluffed, etc. At about 1pm, I started to get nervous, I had rented a young rider for the weekend to braid for me (all proceeds go to the area 6 young riders)she had not shown up by 1:30. Panic was starting to set in. I went back to the "home" to see if she had called, yup, and she had left a nice voice mail saying she would be late. Alright, I will start breathing again.
Ezra was being beautified, so it was my turn as well. Surprise, Surprise I even blew dried my hair and used product in it. The linen suit that Kathryn and I picked out looked perfect. And as I put my hat on, I realized I had left my hat pin at home. Okay, the wind isn't really that bad...(yes, it is)No matter, I looked smashing and so did my horse. We arrived late to jog but the shuffled us in. I proudly walked up and said good afternoon to the ground jury. Ezra stood proudly, front feet square, hind legs slightly off set, as the vet inspected him, yet again. Then we were told to walk to the first set of bushes the trot all the way down, and trot back past the jury. With whip in hand, and 3 inch heels, we of course did what we were asked. Ezra behaved! He looked so smart, with his neck arched as we trotted past the judges and I did not trip and fall as I had dreamed I would. But... My hat flew off. I grabbed it somewhat deftly as we jogged past. Then smiled in relief when I heard, '18 accepted". We are in, our ride time is 8:58am tomorrow. The groom says he will wake early.... We shall see...
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
First hurdle
I couldn't sleep at all last night and into this morning, one because I was going over all the lists I have made, and randomly lost while preparing for this endeavor. And two, Ezra was officially ready to go as he had seen the trailer packed and loaded. From 1:25 AM and every 45 minutes there after, Ezra let me know he was awake and ready. I on the other hand was TRYING to sleep; to no avail. By the time Gab showed up to drive the motor home (8:30am) all the chores were done, and everything was packed, including Max. As we hit the road, with the obligatory stop at Starbucks, I kept my fingers crossed that I had remembered everything. Thank God for Harriet should the need arise, she told me she is the Fed Ex Queen.
We arrived at Twin Rivers without incident, we even made it past King City without a problem. After we unloaded, Gab had some work to do, I had to go and pick up my number. Due to our early afternoon arrival, we were one of the first ones here. Therefore, we were able to hear Ezra's elephant like screaming from as far away as where we parked the motor home. Upon picking up my number, I was told that in barn inspection was taking place in barn 1 stall 1. I was also told to take my paper work with me. So I did. As I am standing in line waiting for the vet to inspect the horses in front of me, I noticed that the young lady directly ahead of me, had numerous papers in her hand, I on the other hand only had two. I only had two. The butterflies that were already in place, grew to very large buzzards. They were no longer cute and charming. Perhaps, I thought, if I was especially polite and nice, two would be all I needed. Well, I was polite and nice, and for once so was Ezra, so much so that he was half asleep as she took his vitals. It seems that two papers was all I needed. First hurdle leaped over. We passed, and went back to our cubby. Later on to tempt fate, I rode. It feels like, after our emotional breakdown yesterday we are on the same page, and perhaps even like one another.
Thursday brings us our 11am official briefing and our first ever formal jog-ups. I hope the wind subsides but I am thankful that I took my Mothers advice and brought my hat pin, for the prettiest hat ever!
We arrived at Twin Rivers without incident, we even made it past King City without a problem. After we unloaded, Gab had some work to do, I had to go and pick up my number. Due to our early afternoon arrival, we were one of the first ones here. Therefore, we were able to hear Ezra's elephant like screaming from as far away as where we parked the motor home. Upon picking up my number, I was told that in barn inspection was taking place in barn 1 stall 1. I was also told to take my paper work with me. So I did. As I am standing in line waiting for the vet to inspect the horses in front of me, I noticed that the young lady directly ahead of me, had numerous papers in her hand, I on the other hand only had two. I only had two. The butterflies that were already in place, grew to very large buzzards. They were no longer cute and charming. Perhaps, I thought, if I was especially polite and nice, two would be all I needed. Well, I was polite and nice, and for once so was Ezra, so much so that he was half asleep as she took his vitals. It seems that two papers was all I needed. First hurdle leaped over. We passed, and went back to our cubby. Later on to tempt fate, I rode. It feels like, after our emotional breakdown yesterday we are on the same page, and perhaps even like one another.
Thursday brings us our 11am official briefing and our first ever formal jog-ups. I hope the wind subsides but I am thankful that I took my Mothers advice and brought my hat pin, for the prettiest hat ever!
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