Wrapping things up

Telling Barry how special he is after we secured that last score. Tears were shed.

When I headed down here I had a singular goal and that was to improve certain aspects of my riding to do Second Level really well.  I think I have achieved that.  However, Laura had another goal and that was for me to obtain my bronze meal.  Each level of dressage has escalating requirements for mastery that need to be met to get an acceptable score (60%) in terms of the horse’s impulsion, ability to carry itself, the connection between horse and rider, responsiveness to the aids, and suppleness.  The same for individual movements within a test.  I had achieved the minimal scores I needed in two tests from two different judges at First and Second levels with Galatea.  I did not have the scores at Third level.  That is where Barry and the sheer number of shows in the area delivered the goods.  I rode Third level Test 1 multiple times only to miss the score by less than 1% (like 59.6%). Usually, it was attributable to just a few movements where things crashed - like getting a 4 for breaking to a canter in an extended trot sequence or my favorite where Barry decided to try to exit right at the first halt at X because he objected to people in the judge’s box at the end of the arena in a new show environment.  And my performance in other movements was not stellar enough to overcome the mistakes.  And each test it was something different.  That is where going down centerline (or CL in scribe talk) multiple times is important.  It not only increases your chances (you can’t win if you don’t play), it also increases your experience.  For example, years ago a spin at X would have led me to just retire from the test right then and there.  This year, I just realigned Barry at X and moved on to the next movement – not dwelling on what went wrong, but on what I needed to have under me to do the next movement well.  It was exhausting and stressful.  It was also important for Laura because being able to say that an amateur secured her bronze medal with Barry is a huge plus for finding someone to lease him next season. I woke up the following morning feeling giddy and relieved because I actually accomplished it.  Now, I can simply focus on doing everything better. I could not have done it without Laura, who will whip out the drill sergeant at the last moment in the warm-up arena if needed.

The news on Galatea is not good.  After one month on the Marquis and the ulcer treatment protocol she seemed back to herself with energy and I actually thought I could show her the following week.  However, within days of ending the Marquis treatment she slid backwards.  Not only that but the post-treatment blood test showed that her antibody titer had increased rather than decreased.  The vet and her consultants believe it is indicative of a strong immune reaction to the dying protozoa.  She is now moving to a second-line treatment.  She is safe enough to ride at the walk to keep some fitness but yesterday in the mirror I could see how she was struggling with where her hind legs were.  She ships back tomorrow.  She will not be returning to Florida again in her lifetime.

            I had a chance to slip away to visit my stepdaughter Amanda and grandchildren in Alexandria, VA during March. Lisa Coester had to return to oversee the sale of her parents’ townhouse so she stayed in the condo and watched the cats. Of course, she was immediately smitten with Otto and Bob.   I snuck in a trip one Sunday morning to the National Botanical Garden and immersed myself in their orchid collection. 

Bob being his usual reticent self with new guests. Bribery with "sushi tuna flakes" helps.

            The ability to scribe at Global and to do so at the International Ring for 3* and 4* CDI competitions was invaluable for my learning.  I did have to restrain myself afterwards from visiting The Tackeria across the street; that store is an addiction and will swallow your wallet if you give it half a chance.

So, now I turn my attention to packing everything up.  I drive to Orlando Monday morning, pick Bill up at the Sanford airport, and keep heading north.  We should be home Wednesday midday at the latest. I look forward to being back home and reconnecting with you all.