No Shows...

Well, there's not going to be a show for us this weekend. While I tried not to hope too much, after our sound ride on Thursday, I got all my tack cleaned and show clothes ready. But it apparently was not to be. Today Jetta was just slightly sore again so it's just too soon. Regardless of trying to prepare myself for a let down, I'm still super bummed. I kind of put all my eggs in one basket with this show. It was the only dressage league show I was planning on going to and without it I don't qualify for year-end awards which I love getting. And it was all set to be perfect: 1) it's less than 30 minutes from where I board Jetta, 2) it was super cheap, 3) the weather was set to be great and 4) I'm just super ready for a show right now, Jetta's doing great under saddle, when she is sound, and I want a chance to show that off!

Yesterday we rode for 15 minutes about and Jetta was great. Today after lunging, Jetta looked fine, so I hopped on and I rode for about 30 minutes. She was pretty good, save for a few moments of trying to get on her forehand, trying to canter when I wasn't asking for it and not picking up the correct lead a few times - the usual stuff - but just every so often she'd limp. Ugh. I felt like she was about 85% fine, but the other 15% slightly ouchy. She's just take one or two limp-y steps and then she was back to normal. I did ride her without boots, but I felt like she would have done the same thing in them. No to mention she was so happy when I took them off. She kept kicking out with her front feet, lol. Plus I just wouldn't want to ride with them in the show. They're just ugly and I feel like they inhibit her movement just the slightest bit.

But really, speaking of these boots (they're Old Macs) they are actually pretty handy. They're great for rehabbing a horse not in work, medications (like my poultice) and I think they'd be great for going on trails for just walking, but I don't really like them all that much for arena work. Even with having them on for several days in a row, they haven't rubbed one bit! And I kind of like the closure system, not too difficult to use and absolutely no worries about it coming off. I still want a pair of Easyboots or Renegades though...

Once I realized that the show wasn't going to happen I started looking for other league shows. But guess what? There are none. At least no shows that are league shows - of course there's plenty of schooling shows, and we may go to at least one of those, and a few recognized shows, but I don't think we're ready to do recognized, not to mention that I don't want to spend around $200 for one day of showing in only two classes. And if I'm going to show, I want my points to count for something!

The league shows that are happening are either way too far away, on a Sunday when I work (we all know how well that works trying to get a day off, just a disaster waiting to happen with my workplace). I'm definitely not willing to drive over two hours away. Just not gonna happen.

So where are all the shows!?!?!? I don't understand. Ok, well I guess I sort of do with the economy and all that but really? Nothing? I'm actually a little ticked at this right now. Childlike or not, I'm feeling pouty about this hitch in my show season get-up. At least I did find several combined tests we're hoping to go to and a couple h/j shows. Still though.

Must resist urge for retail therapy. I guess I'll just finish off my supply of Easter candy chocolate eggs....

ETA - This part is for Kelly, who asked how I find shows. It depends on what shows you're looking for. For me, I am more than happy to ride in basically any show. Dressage, hunter, jumper, eventing, flat classes, trail, you name it I'll do it. I love horse shows.

• So for dressage shows, I keep an eye on my state's dressage society website - they list all of the league, recognized and schooling shows as well as the prize lists and entry forms. 
• Also look at your states's H/J association website and region's eventing website if that's something you're interested in. (If you don't know what region you're in, google it). 
• Check breed associations. There's a Thoroughbred Exhibitor group in my state that has some schooling shows and the state Quarter Horse association that also holds some good shows in my area.
• Some areas will have other websites for groups that hold shows all over the area/state. 
• Since I'm part of my state's dressage society, that membership earns me a subscription to a magazine, Flying Changes, that is distributed in the NW and has a list of events in the back for eventing, dressage, combined driving and jumping. There are also ads for some shows in there.
• Another source, free magazines, for example in my area, I think NW Rider is one of them, often has the show entry forms for local all-around schooling shows in the area.
• For everything else though, I have several barns that I know of that hold shows that I always like to go to. Every so often I check their website calendars for what events are going to be happening and for several barns I am on their email list (they don't have a website) so I get notified of upcoming events. 
• And lastly, a lot small shows will list their events on craigslist, so it can't hurt checking every so often on their, as well as scanning bulletin boards at feed and tack stores.
• Everyone else, please feel free to add to my list!