Today I rode in my first show of the 2005 season, at MacNair's Country Acres, a big, fancy, expensive barn about 10 minutes from my house. (No pictures, as Heather and I were there alone.)   I rode Solie, and we had good rides and got decent scores from a tough judge.  We placed 3rd in our Intro A class, and 6th in our Intro B class.  The A test went better- we were tired in the B test.  I am pleased with how it went, especially for the first show.   We have things to work on, but that's to be expected.

Best judge's comment?  "Nice pair."  Yep, he and I have a history, but, as Heather put it, "You like each other."  Yep, he's my Old Man.  (He's 21.  Lifespan of an Appaloosa?  25-30.)

So, that's the good.  The bad?

1. Solie whinnied at another horse just as we rode past the judge.
2. My forearms are burnt to a crisp, and I will have the worst farmer's tan ever once it heals, as I was wearing gloves.
3. Strange bruise on my calf, probably from the stirrup leathers.
4. The brief period (<2 minutes) in which I was Waterworksgirl.  Disaster averted because Heather is a good friend.

Heather's take on the show is here.