The Katmah Experience

Today was an off day for both horse and rider. Last night’s schooling was mediocre, but I was having a hard time focusing and Willard had too much energy. But whatever, we moved on. This morning I got to the show early to hack out some excess energy. Then we did the usual waiting routine, and begun our day with 2’9 schooling rounds. This is the only 2’9 class we’re doing this weekend! It went all right, there were parts of it that were very nice, like the far outside 6-stride, which we could get right for the life of us last night. Other parts, the the white 5 stride weren’t as nice. But, it was a schooling round after all. So no hard feelings.

My second class of the day was my Sr. Low Hunter.

This round was slightly messier than the first round. By this point in the day, my hip was even stiffer then it started out and my shoulder was being a bad word too. As anybody who rides knows, the hip is a vital joint in our sport. So when that seizes up, you’re pretty much screwed. I was riding very stiff today, and I think that’s why it was hard for us to find our pace on course. It’s frustrating, especially coming off such a great show at Beach. It almost makes me regret taking the past 2 weeks off to rest. Was it worth it? Even when the issues come back as soon as I start competing again? I mean, I didn’t completely take them off, but I did only ride twice in those two weeks. Even more frustrating? The two times I did ride, my body felt fine. Of course, once we get to Heart everything falls apart again when I really need it most.

After my classes today I went straight to an appt with my AT, where I was supposed to start my strength training routine again, but because all my numerous issues have returned, we were unable to do anything besides treatment. My quad, hip, lower back, shoulder, and glute were all worked on. Most of which are actually feeling a little better, except for the shoulder.

But you know what? Tomorrow is a new day. A new show day. We’re going to forget about the pace and distance issues we had today, and start anew in the morning. One day at a time.