Memo to myself

Kingsbury Hill horse trials this weekend. I've been diligently taking dressage lessons since March, went to a good jumping clinic with eventer Amy Barrington, I've been schooling fairly productively on my own, and I've checked and double checked which dressage test I should be memorizing for Sunday morning's ride. All I need now are my ride times and a measure of self assurance. I've done this before, it's just that it's been four years since I've done it. During that time there were several fairly dramatic life changes and a steady corrosion of self confidence in the saddle. Thankfully, that's come back with a change of trainer and working with my own horse again.

So, the only things I'll really try to keep in mind this week are:

• Give myself enough time to memorize and focus on the jump courses--Amy said I should trust myself that I can do that, so I will be able to concentrate on riding the course, instead of worrying about finding my way around the course.


• Ride forward. Keep Clover's feet moving underneath her. Stay organized.


• RIDE THE LAST STRIDE. Don't passenger it.


• Don't jump ahead. Good luck with that one.

I schooled a two stride last night, after warming up with a ton of flatwork and a figure eight bending exercise over a cross rail to warm up--the one we did both days at the clinic--I only ran through it a few times because we made the two stride easily and I was the only issue, my jumping ahead, that is. That's my biggest concern, jumping ahead, and my fitness.