Countdown to Loudoun Benefit

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG it’s almost here. Our very first outing as a team. Our first time off property as a team. Maybe his first time staying on-site for a week-long show (not sure about this one). My first time taking my OWN horse to a big show since I was 14.

Can you tell I’m excited?

I figured now is as good a time as any to fill you in on our preparation and what the game plan is for the show itself. Here goes:

Prep

Homeboy is getting his fuzzies clipped- muzzle, ears, and fetlocks- and his mane pulled. I try to maintain his mane at a non-ragamuffin state, but our working student will be adding some actual polish there. He has literally tufts coming out of his ears, the fetlocks of a clydesdale, and generally looks a bit homeless. A very shiny homeless pony. I’m excited to see what he looks like all prettied up.

Feet are done. Dear sweet dinosaur pulled a shoe earlier this week, but the farrier was able to come out the very next day to tack it back on and he’s A-OK.

Saddle is re-paneled! The rep came and got it yesterday and it should be waiting at the barn for me today when I go after work. The rep assured me that if it doesn’t fit Frankie perfectly then they’ll go re-adjust it for no additional fee, but I’m really hoping that the first time’s the charm here. My half-pad is great and all, but I want Frankie’s back to be as happy as possible.

Bathtime next Monday. He will be arriving on the showgrounds either Tuesday or Wednesday, so he will be getting his first full bath from me earlier in the week. Yes, you read that right. I’ve had my horse for three months now and I’ve never given him a bath. I’m a big fan of currying the crap out of him ’til he shines and using some Herbal Horse coat conditioner to keep his skin and coat healthy. I haven’t saved up for the bathing supplies that I want yet, and the stuff I have access to seems like it strips out the natural oils. In fact now that I’m thinking about it I may stick to just washing his legs. We like those natural oils. I’ll keep you posted on whether or not my horse gets a bath (RIVETING STUFF OLIVIA, THANKS FOR THE UPDATES).

Tack will get a deep cleaning and conditioning and trunk will be packed with the essentials. The showgrounds are close enough to home that I can pretty easily swing by the barn and grab anything I’ve forgotten, but I’d rather not forget things (Seriously Olivia do you think anyone WANTS to forget things?). I’ll pack my Pelham just in case, but I’m planning to ride Frankie in the same bit he’s always worn with me- a plain full cheek snaffle.

Note on tack: we’re pretty minimalist with the Tank. He’ll go in his regular snaffle bridle and my saddle, an AP pad, half-pad if needed depending on saddle fit, and open front boots/polos as Assistant Trainer decides. No breastplate, martingale, or gadgets. We stay very consistent with his tack from day to day and I don’t want to introduce any new variables right as we’re adjusting to show life.

Game Plan

If Frankie arrives on site Tuesday, he will get a training ride from Trainer or Assistant Trainer that day. Since I’ll be taking time off later in the week, I won’t be able to get to the showgrounds in time after work to ride him, so he’ll get some professional attention.

Wednesday

On Wednesday I’ll be leaving work early and heading over to the show for a lesson on Frankie the Tankie. There aren’t really any classes I need to be in that day and we want to ease both myself and Francis into the show atmosphere, so we’ll plan to just school around under the guidance of my trainer. Trainer said that she’s prepared to take him in a class if we think he needs the extra schooling, but we don’t think he will. Homeboy is pretty chill and I’m comfortable prepping him myself unless something truly dramatic happens.
Outfit: who cares we’re just schooling. Probs break out my brown boots and watch the traditionalists gasp for air.

Thursday

Thursday we will go in the 0.90m jumpers (Table II). This height is super familiar for me and barely a blip on Frankie’s radar, so it should be a good way for us to get our feet wet. We’ll play it by ear to see if I want to give the 1.00m a try also. I think this will depend a lot on how the 0.90m rides, the weather, how long we’d have to wait, that type of thing. Both are halfway through the order on the prize list so it won’t be an ungodly early morning.
Outfit: Green/tan TS breeches, navy Clairvaux polo, navy/white belt.

Friday

Friday we’ll do the Low Adult Jumper 1.00m (Table II2B). The Ariat medal is running that morning first thing and I’m really tempted….but I’m not sure if we’re polished enough yet. Also braiding and show coats and formality…. The Low Adults run almost last in the order so we’ll have all day to chill and see how things go.
Outfit: Navy/tan TS breeches, white polo/show shirt, navy/white belt. Unless we do the eq, in which case we’ll dress up like real people.

As such (I’m on the left)

Or like dis if it’s eq day

 

Saturday

Saturday will be the same- Low Adult Jumper 1.00m (Table II.2.1). This should go about mid-day. Then maybe the Small Pony Hunter. I’m kidding. But I wish I wasn’t. Ponies!!!!
Outfit: Tan TS breeches, navy Clairvaux polo, burgundy belt

Dis. But with short sleeves.

Sunday

Sunday will be our big classic day, the $1,500 Low Children/Adult Jumper Classic (Table II2B). We’re the first class in the ring that day so we’ll be there bright and early and have the rest of the day to get things squared away and relax.
Outfit: White TS breeches, white show shirt, green coat, burgundy belt

Outfit like dis

So there you have it! All of this is subject to change (except the outfits, I’m pretty firm on those), but that’s what our plan is for now. We’re not planning to longe or do any special prep (though we’re prepared to if necessary) and we’ll take the week as slowly as we need to so that Frankie and I have a positive, confidence building first time out.

Because moving up in height at an A rated show which just so happens to be your first show with your new horse who hasn’t really done the H/J thing is a totally normal reasonable thing to do.

Extra bonus: my Momma and my Nouna (godmother) are flying down Thursday night so they can cheer me on and be my horse show moms for the weekend!!!! It’ll be my mom’s first time meeting her grandpony and her first time seeing me show in about 10 years and I couldn’t be more excited.

Anyone gonna be in the northern VA area next week? Always looking for a blogger meetup!!