So far, plans in 2020 feel a bit like slamming my face repeatedly against a brick wall. I guess I am just a slow learner because, here I am, trying again. In fact, I made almost this exact same post last year (read here), but… out of the 7 events on that list, we only made it to 2. Instead of moving up to BN in June, we moved up in October.
Again though, slow learner. So here we go again. This year’s schedule is broken out into two options. The “We qualify and go to AECs” option. And the “We don’t.”
April 4 – 5: Spring Bay Horse Trials
Level: Beginner Novice
We did this show at Starter last year. (read here). In short, it was much too easy at Starter, so I am excited to tackle it at BN. It’s a weird horse trial with Dressage and SJ at the Kentucky Horse Park and XC at Masterson Station Park. It makes for long days, since we trailer back and forth, but it’s a bit easier on the wallet. History shows that it will likely rain or snow or whatever, but I think everyone is just stir crazy to get out for the season.
May 28 – 31: IEA Horse Trials
Level: Beginner Novice
I have been volunteering at this show for the last two years and have basically fallen in love with it. It has such a different vibe from the KHP shows, and the courses always look fun but doable.
June 19 – 21: MidSouth Pony Club Horse Trial
Level: Beginner Novice
I basically need my ribbons to quality for AECs by this show. MidSouth is fairly competitive. How competitive? The Open BN division winner last year finished on a 15.3. However, I have heard it’s a fun show, so I figured it would be good to round out the qualifying rides I would need at BN for AECs.
Last year’s omnibus said this, ” All courses: Average for horses with some experience at these levels. We use portable obstacles primarily. Water at all levels… Ditches, banks possible at BN/N/T. Rolling hills, mostly open.” Cross country also runs in a different part of the KHP versus the Team Challenge event we did in October.
July 15: Flying Cross Farm Jumper Derby
Level: Novice
This was on my list last year, but work made it impossible to commit to. This year, I want to do at least one as a move up. Even if we quality for AECs, I plan to keep this one on my list. It’s really the only type of event we can commit to in July without fear of overheating Ms. May.
After this… it’s really up in the air. If we quality for AECs, we will do that and Team Challenge again at BN and be done. If we don’t, then I will move onto looking at a couple of Novice level events to see if we can check that box before the end of the year. Either way, hoping to end the season at Team Challenge in a tutu again.
Either way, keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that we can put together a real season in 2020! What about you? Eagerly planning out the season? Taking it as it comes? Or just focusing on enjoying your horse and the journey?
I hope it all comes together nicely for you!
Me too!
I hope it all works out for you this year. I’m hoping to get out to a few shows but haven’t looked to see which ones yet. Really depends on weather and how we are feeling as a team. There is a CT in March I’d like to do as our first outing for the year at starter.
You are such a planner. I must get up your way for one event is my goal. 🙂 A bunch of people down here with Shannyn have been throwing out Holly Hill and Texas Rose etc for spring and i am like i cant even think about that yet. HA HA HA we are such opposites maybe that is why we get along so well?? 🙂
Looks like a lot of shows……:) And Novice..whoohooo look at you 🙂
Mandy has already told me that I have to do Team Challenge at Novice… she clearly hates me.
Yep she does 😉
I learned long ago that posting about plans seems to definitely jinx them!
You’re probably right 😉
Fingers and toes crossed that all plans come to fruition!
Fingers crossed the plan comes together! I’ve stopped making plans. Entirely. But maybe a horse show this year on one of the free loaders I have!
Good thing your free loaders are cute 😉