So yesterday, I sat down and produced the 2009 Brego Calendar of Events (Linky on the sidebar of my blog). I went through the local shows and a couple recognized and plotted our course. There's lots to do, even allowing that I won't do it all. There's a five-show event series from a local barn with year end awards. There's a USDF dressage show not far from me. A couple of Combined Training shows at venues that also host recognized events (so excellent courses). My hunt is hosting dressage shows, hunter paces, and more. The USEA Beginner Novice championship for Area I is in Connecticut in July. I am not sure if I am going to go for it, considering I am trying to stay local (and cheap).
But even without a couple of barns (who are late in posting show dates) listed in my calendar, we have a full roster: two to three shows a month until October, all within 30 miles, with $25/class entry fees. Oh and cubbing season starts in August. I love it!
I am forgoing any showing in March and so our first outing will be late April. That gives us about 6 weeks. No problem. Brego has lost a lot of weight, too much for being out of work, in fact, so I am upping his hay again. Not to original, blubber-inducing amounts, but more. I want him to lose weight because of conditioning, not because of starving. I now feel like he is "trim" enough to start conditioning work though. I no longer shudder when he trots across the pasture.
It's going to be a fun year. Local, low-key showing without pressure can only improve us, so when we get the farm under control, we can attack the recognized circuit with more confidence and experience in 2010. It's important for me to remember that 2008 was the first year we really showed at all, our first events, our first dressage shows. So we are no means behind schedule.
Here's some inspiration for all of us (click to embiggen): Brego jumping a 3'3" triple bar. He really is good, isn't he? (Ignore the rider :) )
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