Remembering the Fun!

Yesterday was the deadline for application to the USEF for developing riders. I don't expect much, but it's like the lottery, you can't win if you don't play! I KNOW that Melissa is someone who would be a good rider to invest some energy into...Maybe USEA and USEF will see it that way too! We will let you know, when we do.

In the quest to fund these endeavors, we look to jumpers. As many know, we came from a jumper ring, and the really nice thing about jumpers? They have money! Last night, we went to a show over at Canterbury, and they had a winner take all classic. I am always Leary about those winner take all classes. You can spend a ton, then end up in second, or worse. Here in Florida, in Ocala, those classes can be full of people like the Waters, Vales, and well, you get the picture. They are certainly NOT for the faint of heart!

Last night we gave it a shot. I think there were 22 rides. Missy went in and did a wonderful job, going clear to move into the jump off. Now, I don't know how many of you know Missy and jumpers, but when the chips ate down, that girl can get it going. She brought every ounce of knowledge, skill, and turn she knew to make. Her time ended up being almost 2 seconds faster then anyone else. So we won, and qualified to run Sunday in the bigger money class.

Yippee! I asked her on the way home, WHAT is going on? You can fly like a demon and go clear, but at events lately.....well, it's been a while since having a good stadium round. so we had an interesting discussion. That made me sad.

She told me, "I would have gotten a DR for that riding. At half that speed, I would have been given a Dr for leaving out a stride. I worry so much about getting DR'd, that I make him put in the strides, and we bring rails.". HUH???? Wait a minute, I pay how much in entries to go to an event, and my daughter is bringing rails because she is worried? STOP! Hold the Phone!

I have not been a big proponent to DR, for those who don't know, DR stands or dangerous riding. I want safety, of course, but the DR is so subjective, and can be political. Missy's horse is 17.3 hh. He isn't going to have the same stride as a 15.2 hh horse. We don't punish horses for adding, though I have seen more accidents from burying a horse in the base of a fence, then a long, flat jump. Yet, we punish horses or leaving out a stride. Something wrong here!

I told Missy to have fun last night, to just RIDE. What is the answer? Maybe to just go ride, have fun, and quit worrying about a DR. Much easier said, then done!