Sky,

To answer your question....yes, I wear white riding breeches, black field boots, a white shirt & stock tie, & a black wool jacket. My saddle & bridle are black with a white saddle pad. For some reason, dressage is sooooo conservative. At the beginning, I bought a peach colour shirt to wear & that was just not correct. At least the royal blue austrian chrystal browband is acceptable. I bought my cloths when I was really thin the last time....weighing even less than I do now....but they fit again & the show cloths cost so much....it is my incentive to stay at this weight.

The show went well....for my first time showing at level one. I went off course once...stupid me....my trainer was calling the test but I blanked out....not realizing the letter came up so soon...I was way past where I was to do the 15 meter canter circle before the judge rang the bell.

We were both pretty pleased...I came up with a 52.9.....% score on both tests. I am now focusing on the sitting trot (not posting), & just haven't gotten the hang of it yet...I bounce all over the place along with my hands. That keeps my horse from going onto the bit as well as is required to get a higher score. I am not sure what place I took in my classes because we left before all the scores were in...I probably took 3rd in one class & 2nd in the other....but I may be surprised when I receive my tests & ribbons. The show arena is reversed to the one I practice in....so I had to reverse my mind during the test. As if I didn't have enough to think about. He looked pretty good for a 27 year old along with this 52 year old riding him. USDF has a category where if both ages together add up to 100, you can show in that category for the year & find out where you place at the end of the year....I will probably be riding Izzy when that happens.

I felt good that I broke the 50 % mark for the first time riding that test....the second test I rode was only the second time I had completely ridden the test also, so I wasn't very sure of myself....thinking that was part of why I went off course. I never make the same mistake twice, so I am sure I will find another mistake to make at the next show in August. I usually have a pretty good photographic memory, but I have to look something over more than once for it to take effect.

The next show is the weekend before my trainers wedding....I told her she would be too busy to go but she insists it will be ok & WE ARE GOING!!!!! I am working out every day & taking lessons 3 days/week now. I never thought I would ever find something I would ever have a passion for like this. I love having the time where I am free from all my creepy thoughts going through my mind....there just isn't room for the creepys while focusing on everything that is going on with my horse under me...trying not to fall off.

I wish my whole life 24/7 could be with my horses & dogs, not allowing the other things in...but during the other times....I have been going through some rough times....between divorce issues, working on my Mothers home, & misc. other issues that seem to pop up that scare the H$!! out of me.

You are truely amazing _Sky. You are fimiliar with so many things that people are involved in & have so much valuable information in your mind. I am always impressed with your knowledge & ability to express it in a way we all can understand. Your talents are never ending.

I always appreciate your responses, information, & knowledge you are able to provide to all of us here. You are a very special person.

Debbie