My first horse competition

Sunday I actually competed in a schooling show--for fun. In the morning Cleo and I did two dressage 'tests' both at the introductory level because they don't require cantering. We had a great time; she behaved well and I didn't even notice the 'audience' which was why I had resisted showing before. But I accomplished my riding goals. In the afternoon, we played games on horseback. I actually lasted half way into the egg and spoon relay before I lost my egg, and we did quite well in the pole bending contest although we didn't make it into the finals. Cleo likes it when we are the only ones in the arena, and for the games there were several horses and riders. She was literally chomping at the bit. But I'm gaining lots of confidence and feel likea real rider, not just an old lady on a horse. Today, at my lesson, both of us were sweating from trying so hard. We are preparing a pas de deux for the next show in November. The problem with getting better is my expectations change and I don't want my horse activaities to shift over into demanding more from me. Work is bad enough.