Spectator --> Competitor

This weekend was awesome.

Karen of Bakersfield Dressage came to my neck of the woods for a Dr. Christian Schacht clinic (click here to read my recap from his clinic back in January). She hung out while Hemie and I played over a few jumps, then she bravely got on and Hemie was a good sport and tootled around. Then we enjoyed some delish sushi!

Random weird thing that I'd love some opinions on. So we are at sushi and a waitress notices my half-chaps and boots and strikes up a friendly horsey conversation. Long story short, she just got her equine masseuse certification and is looking to establish her clientele and is willing to give great pricing. I got her name and number. So here's the question: would you be willing to let a newly certified equine masseuse work on your horse? On the one hand I like the idea of massage therapy, and it being affordable - but on the other hand, could she hurt Hemie on accident since she is inexperienced? Would I be able to tell if he doesn't like it? Opinions welcome!

Saturday I went with J.D. up to the lovely Shepherd Ranch at Santa Ynez to watch cross-country day of their June horse trails. It was a picture perfect day. Sunny and warm but breezy.

Upper water complex

We watched some excellent rounds, and also some nail-biting ones. It was nice to socialize and network and cheer on fellow riders. Laurie had a rider there and she rocked the Novice course like she does this every weekend, when in fact it has been over a year (maybe several years) since she's done eventing.  Its always good when riders your coach trains have safe and fun rounds.

Training level bench jump

I walked the Intro level course and felt it would be doable. In fact I also walked the BN level course and thought that looked doable too. Maybe a few of the Novice questions too. =]  I seriously am feeling so inspired and excited for our July 13th schooling and to sign up for Shepherd's August HT. I am just so ready to go from spectator to competitor. I'm feeling impatient in the good kinda way.

Lower water complex

 Another great thing about going here is realizing just how many different eventing trainers and barns we have in Southern California. I love Laurie and hope to be her client for the long haul, but its also good to know that there are lots of other trainers out there to clinic with. Simply paying attention at these events will tell you which ones are good and which ones are questionable...

Lovely Santa Ynez backdrop