Everyone has ridden their share of tests that look something like this!
Hello there! I spent this past weekend thinking about all of the good news that one of our favorite Kiwi’s received after crushing the field at Burghley. Here is my comprehensive list of the things that we eventers simply love to hear (sarcasm may or may not be included).
1. That little rear/buck/scoot combination during your test was quite spectacular!
Yes, yes, thank you very much. We worked quite hard on our aerial pirouettes at home, and even brought in some growling flower boxes and horse eating dressage letters to complete the atmosphere. As long as we can bring in a score under 85, I’ll consider it a success!
2. Trainer: Your 20 meter circle actually somewhat resembled a circle!
After realizing that my horse has a preference for octagons and triangles and basically every other shape besides a circle, these words are quite well received after successfully navigating something resembling a 20 meter circle. I pity those who have to tackle the 15 and 10 meter circles – the horror!
3. How do you keep your white breeches so clean??
I find I can usually measure my turnout success by comparing the amount of green slime and dirt that covers me to the amounts found on my peers. I’ve tried almost everything I can think of to preserve the white on dressage day. I’ve found that scrub pants work the best, although I can’t say they give me much help in the style department.
4. Your braids turned out textbook!
Why, thank you! I’ve been here since 2:30 am braiding, undoing, and re-braiding while my horse caught some more beauty shut eye. Now if you’ll excuse me while I go and apply copious amounts of under eye concealer so that I can look as bright eyed and well rested as my fine, well braided steed.
5. Jackets have been waived!
Nothing sounds less appealing on a hot summer weekend than wearing your jacket, especially considering the fact that you haven’t upgraded to one of the super cool new breathable jackets. Not that donning your Under Armour and cross country vest is much better, but at least you can sweat freely now and not hide under your jacket!
6. There are only 3 upper level riders in your Open Novice class!
Personally, if I saw a big name in my division, I would probably be too star struck to be able to ride coherently. If the likes of Lainey Ashker and Kim Severson were in my division, I might spend my warm up time harassing them for autographs and Instagram-ing photos instead of actually getting ready for my own dressage test.
7. Your cross country colors match so well!
I’ve harped on color coordination I don’t know how many times, so it only makes sense to put this little nugget on this list. Currently, I am trying to scheme up a good combination that does not primarily involve navy blue (trying to be original here) but considering everything I own is already navy it’s hard to justify buying everything again just to have different colors. Plus, what if my next horse is a chestnut? That makes color combinations that much more difficult!
8. You have qualified for AECs!
YES! That email is always a welcome one as it helps you feel better about the countless amounts of money and time you have spent competing that year. What is not welcome is trying to figure out the logistics of making the trek down to Texas. But hey, it’s all worth it because there are cowboys in Texas, right?!
9. You have 2 rails in hand going into stadium jumping.
Thank you, eventing gods! Now my crash and burn technique for stadium may actually come in handy! The last time I had rails in hand going into stadium jumping, I tripled that number. I think it’s the added pressure, or maybe I was just going for the entertainment/shock factor. I still have the video, too, and let’s just say my trainer was not buying the whole entertainment approach.
10. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Have a great ride!
Every eventer’s favorite phrase. What I love about this the most is that you can find it at every single event, even the big 4* events. It is truly the eventer’s catchphrase and it encompasses everything that we love about the sport.
