Well, we finally made it. My daughter's first competition. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to jinx it. We had success; in so many ways.
The weather was beautiful and since this was an outdoor arena: crucial. I'll confess it was a tad nippy after the fifth hour but all worth it.
Our biggest obstacles were Maddie herself and of course, Zoey. Zoey, like any 1200 pound animal has a sense of priority; leadership and stubbornness. If she doesn't want to get in the trailer to go for a ride? Sweet talk and peppermints aren't gonna cut it. She stomped and swayed; her ears back, eyes wide. Let me tell you that was one ticked off horse! It unnerved Maddie. It didn't help to have to use the dressage whip... but with a ton of prayers and a whole lot of shoving, up she went: to the show. Our hope was that she wouldn't pout and be a witch all day.
Maddie was so nervous, I could almost hear her teeth chattering...oh wait, that was me. I paced and watched the other girls. It didn't help to see one rider lose her mount, tumbling to the ground. It's why they practice the emergency dismounts. I hoped Maddie wouldn't have to remember that today. I wandered the grounds and muttered to myself. Of course her division was last. It gave me plenty of time to stew.
Zoey seemed relaxed. She wasn't sweaty. She didn't "misbehave". It took a little time to get her adjusted to the surroundings and,okay, a couple of cookies. She was doing great. We just had to wait; some more.
Well, it finally came. Maddie Grace got her blazer on and her collar. I was too excited to put her dress pin on. Her trainer had to do it. They called her number to get in. I held my breath and folded my hands up under my chin. This was it; all her hard work...
She walked along the rail. Zoey seemed bored and a little miffed that she had to do this; as if it were beneath her. Then came the reverse; no big deal, it's all about rider control/command. Maddie was tall and gorgeous in the saddle. They asked her to trot Zoey. She began to post and the rhythm was perfect. Her posture was fabulous. Zoey was doing fine; until they reversed. Then she took off. She cantered to the center, leaving the rail. Maddie had to regain her and bring her back . She got turned around and went the wrong way. But she regained and that is the important thing. Frustrated, Maddie began to struggle with Zoey and vice versa. Zoey wanted to play and run around; feeling Maddie's stress, she took advantage and began to "hedge". Maddie had to tighten the reigns and there became the battle of wills. So I watched as Maddie fought tears of embarrassment, anger and fear. Zoey jumped around and shook her head. I was afraid. "No emergency dismount...no emergency dismount..." Maddie had to keep her wits and be stern. She did her best. She stayed on. Zoey did not challenge her and she completed her showing. She was awesome.
My heart thumped in my ears when they had her line up; I could barely hear what they were saying but I saw them hand her her blue ribbon. I ran to the gate.
"You did it~ You DID IT! Ohhh Maddie I'm so proud!!! You've worked so hard and this was so great and YOU'RE so great. I love you Bunny I love you!"
"Moooooom." but she couldn't close her mouth she was grinning so hard. "I didn't win Grand Champion. Zoey was too much."
My shoulders slumped a little. "Sweetie. This is the first time you've EVER done this. You did your best and you rocked it. Be proud of all you've accomplished. I am."
"You have to be." and she laughed. I went on to give the encouragement speech. I think she was humming a Taylor Swift song in stead of listening. S'okay. I felt better.
So that's all I've got for ya today. Not much perhaps, but enough for us.
With the closing coming, I'm going to be hit or miss. But let's try to get back together toward the end of the week? Sounds good.
Looking forward to our next chat.
