Whee, those jumps look scary in the Montserrat Arena. Princess and I just completed the HMI Equestrian Classic Horse Show this last week. Just us and 600+ horses cozying up at this double A rated show. After the last Amateur Owner Modified 3'3" hunter classes, I was delighted to hear I made the cut for a ribbon, and therefor needed to be off my horse, saddle removed, all sweat lines smudged out, and ready to jog her across the arena, so that the judge could assure soundness in all participants. I think the people can limp all they need to. Our 60 year old knees can be completely worn out, and that is why we ride and stopped playing tennis. But the horses need to be sound as the dollar used to be.
Feeling ebullient, I started a conversation with the woman to my right holding her beautiful mare. I had seen her round, she had some super long distances (taking off dramatically far from the base of the jump) without a flinch from her, all in a days work. "Your horse has a lot of scope," I mentioned, giving this pronouncement with great insight.
"Yes, she is a 1.45 meter jumper learning her new job." Background, and to repeat, our jumps were 3'3", our a half inch off ONE meter. "And imagine," sniff, "we are hanging around to jog for a 6th place ribbon."
"Uh, er," becoming instantly nearly inarticulate, "we're jogging for 7th." The sound of silence ensued. But I was STILL jazzed. Thank you, UP and Hugh.
No comments:
Post a Comment