 |
| Nope. |
Honestly it's because it went so much better than last year. The bar for me being happy with this show was set so low this year after last year's IDS Championship 1-3 ride left me sobbing, questioning myself as a rider, and putting my horse in a month of full training because I could not figure out what was wrong, but I knew it was me.
2016:
 |
| PC: my mom |
2017:
 |
| PC: Paul Wood Photography |
My 62.3% this year was 0.1% higher than last year's (with a -2 for forgetting that damn 15m canter circle at A!), but that doesn't tell the whole story. Last year's scores were wildly inconsistent movement to movement, with a 4.0 and a 4.5 in the mix. This year's scores were pretty level across the board, with no 4's.
 |
| Baaaaaaaasically need to totally start this canter over this winter. PC: Paul Wood Photography |
Should I have made more progress in scores over the year? Was it even worth showing this year if I was going to "not improve"? The scoresheets say one thing, and I'm trying to be pragmatic about it: my score didn't improve, and that's good feedback, but I know I'm a different rider with a different horse vs last year after all we've learned this year.
 |
| 2016. PC: my mom |
We both changed a lot this year. The pictures back me up on that. I get a lot out of showing, and of course I wish the scores were higher, but I know we are in such a better place today than we were last year, and that we have a much more solid foundation built now than we did then.
2016:
 |
| PC: my mom |
2017:
 |
| PC: Paul Wood Photography |
(I mean, if I'm being honest, primarily shows are a great excuse to drink booze water with Karen and Liz all day!)
Even if the scores don't reflect it, this has been a truly transformative last six months of my riding life, and for that reason, I feel so much more upbeat about this year's 62% than last year's 62%.
 |
| PC: Paul Wood Photography |
i know it's hard to really believe the whole "it's not about the score" thing at a championship show... but it's still true tho. the score is maybe the most tangible, quantifiable measure of a show, but it's definitely not the only measure and arguably not even always the most important. i'm so glad you had such a positive experience this year - you and Connor have made so much progress!! love the pictures too :)
ReplyDeleteI hate when scores don't back up what you brought into the ring! The photos show a huge difference, and I think you've got a ton to be proud of!
ReplyDeleteDifferent judges - different perspective. While we all want to see the progress we know we have made reflected in our score, there still are variances between judge A and judge B.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are proof of the wonderful changes you and Conner have made in 1 year - you can see it and I know you feel it. That canter and steady connection - Wow!
It's unfortunate the scores don't reflect the difference, because the two of you don't even look like the same pair in the pictures.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a dressage expert and will never claim to be, but even I can see the amazing transformation y'all have gone through this year. Keep at it! You ARE getting results, even if the scores don't show it.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard in terms of scores but so much depends on the judge and the rest of the competitors. If it's a different judge she could have been a 'tougher' one. HOw did you do overall compared to last year? The photos tell a pretty compelling story of change to me.
ReplyDeleteYeah I think that wasn't the best judge ever. I thought your ride was better than that score, too. Maybe we should bribe judges with booze water next time?
ReplyDeletewhen classes are subjective in terms of a person's opinion, it can get muddled. i can see there is a HUGE different between 2016 and 2017. keep at it - you guys are rocking :)
ReplyDeleteFor many of us, showing really isn't about the ribbons -- it's all about the feeling you have when you finish a test or a round. If you FEEL victorious because you accomplished your goals and got 6th the show feels more successful
ReplyDeleteHey when you come away feeling more positive about the show regardless of what the score or ribbons says, that's a win.
ReplyDeleteNot sure how I missed all of your posts recently, but I just wanted to say CONGRATS on the show and all of the improvements you have made. Even a non dressage person such as myself can see a much different horse and rider from last year to this year.
ReplyDelete