If you’re a product of the 70s (or 60s) you likely remember that ketchup commercial and the Carly Simon song that accompanied it… Anticipation, Anticipation is making me wait. Well, anticipating I am! Carter and I will be making our First Level debut later this month!
I wasn’t sure we were going to put all the pieces together to get the green light from our trainer, Laura, but apparently the encouraging self-disciplined discussion I had with myself last week worked – of course she also gets credit (A LOT of it) for having the patience to get through a fun summer with the two of us. With the reminders: counter bend, sit back, hands quiet, and find the 1,2 rhythm I am confidently anticipating September 27 and 28 when we get to show First Level Test 1 and First Level Test 2 as we begin our quest for a Bronze Medal.
We have worked hard this summer. It’s been just awful in terms of rain. We’ve had far too much of it to ride in the outdoor. That, I realized today, may be a blessing after all since Carter has learned to also anticipate – anticipating the canter departs at A (okay, actually he’s overachieving at F) – and I’m hoping since we’ve been working in the smaller indoor that his intuition will be a little less heightened when we hit the big outdoor with more room to stretch out and a bit more space for those departs.
We’ve taken a breather this summer, too, at times. When the weather permits, riding in the Grand Prix jump field. I even tried my wits to jump over a small rail. I mean it wasn’t even cavalletti height and we walked over the first time, but trying put me ahead of those who never will! We’ve taken a scenic ride in the pasture and just spent time hanging out together. It’s been a blast. After all, fun is why we do this in the first place.
So, anticipate I will. I need to gather up all my show gear; ready the tack trunk and finesse the leg yields, half circles, lengthening at the trot and canter, and have a go at First Level. Anticipation is making me wait!
Dressage in Black, White (and Pink) 