Hi there!

Mason and I have show number one under our belts and what a show it was! We are so much farther along than I ever could’ve hoped or dreamed. 
 
Having only three months together, this show could’ve really highlighted the areas where we needed polish. There were quite a few unknowns as we rounded the week prior to the horse show. The fancy, long-awaited, much-anticipated modified saddle arrived just three days before. It is everything it was supposed to be and more! Mounting away from home turf was a bit of a question mark. Fortunately, the Morven Park show grounds has a tall, ramped mounting block. I was able to drive my scooter all the way to the top. Mason was a rock star, didn’t bat an eye at any of it, and stood beautifully. 
 
Our arrival on Friday was during a veritable monsoon, but my spirits were hydrophobic. Mason seemed genuinely happy to be at a horse show and was cool as a cucumber. We had a marvelous little school in the indoor with the sound check going amongst the other horse show hustle and bustle. 
Day 1 produced better weather. Madison, groom extraordinaire, turned Mason out like a star! My old and new barn families joined ranks to cheer and support Mason and me - what an incredible feeling! Mason and I showed the Grade II Introductory A and B tests. Grade II is my para equestrian classification based on my physical abilities. The Intro tests are the lowest of three tiers of para dressage tests.
Turning down centerline has to be my most favorite thing on the planet! We had a great first test, I am really proud that each time I’ve ridden these test in practice, they’ve improved. I think that track record kept up in the show ring, certainly with the geometry and accuracy. Despite a minor hiccup where we got dinged (due to a clerical error) as we started our second test, we restarted and continued to improve still. Scores came in at 71.75% and 73.375% (with 76%s from the judge at B!) - spectacular! More meaningful to me was the comment of, “Move into the Team and Ind tests you are ready.” These tests are the highest tier of tests and means it’s time to raise the bar!
Day 2 was a bit dodgy with the outdoor footing, but it all shaped up in the nick of time. Lauren did half of Mason’s warm-up, getting him loose and round. She got great insight from this. Discovering these learning nuggets is why it’s so fun and so important to horse show. We had a better warm up and better tests still on Sunday with 68.5% and 73.25%.
 
The coup de grace was when the judge stopped us at the end of our second test. “How long have you been showing para?” she asked. “I showed another horse last year. This is my first show on this horse.” I replied. The scribe’s jaw dropped at Mason and my brief tenure. “Why are you showing these intro tests? You should be riding the individual and team tests. You’re very good. You should be thinking about how to get yourself to Florida.” She said this with the brisk, matter-of-fact tone that experienced horsewomen develop. “Wow! Thank you so much. I showed these tests last year and thought it was a good place to start with this new horse.” I squeaked. “Are you internationally classified?” (This is when you are evaluated at an international show by para equestrian classifiers.) “No.” “Well, that’s your homework.” I thanked her profusely and turned towards the gate. My eyes filled with joyful tears as Lauren practically reverberated on the spot wanting to know what the judge said and why I was crying. 
I’d say it was a successful show. We’re back at home and hard at work. Part of my hard work now comes in the form of fundraising to ensure Mason and I can continue our partnership. I’ve started a GoFundMe for our competition expenses this year. I am in search of sponsors for board, training, and horse care expenses. If you are interested in sponsoring or donating towards them, check out my Sponsorship Page or donate here. If a tax-deductible donation is right for you, email me for details. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram - all the buzz helps to get the word out!
 
Thank you to everyone who has supported us, near and far, and in so many ways. This horse show was one of those milestone achievements that make this dream seem so possible. 
Please consider supporting my journey to the international show ring. Your altruistic donations directly fund this enormous goal. Your one-time, annual, or monthly donation is an investment in my daily effort and future triumph. I rely on giving from friends like you. Donate today! If a tax-deductible donation is right for you, email me for details.