Allons!: Just like old times.....

Yesterday I woke up at 5:45, donned a pair of tight beige pants and tall shiny boots, stuffed every piece equestrian equipment that I own into my car, and headed off to the barn for my first horse show in over 4 years.

Back in the day, I was really serious about showing and would average about 1 show a month between April and October. Unfortunately college and Army obligations have kept me from this pastime since 2007, so I am very happy to be enjoying my fav hobby again. I jumped back into the saddle a little over a year ago and let me tell you it feels AMAZING! I don't know how I lasted so long without riding. There is nothing like it and it is so hard to explain the feeling. Contrary to popular belief, it is a very physically and mentally challenging sport. Yes I said SPORT, all you naysayers out there should know that anyone can sit on top of a horse but it takes skill and commitment to maneuver a one thousand pound animal traveling at speeds around 25mph over obstacles while concentrating on the course/pattern you are riding and trying to look good while doing it. Keep in mind that the "thing" you are riding has a brain and (most likely) an attitude. Horses will not do anything unless the rider specifically cues them to do it, not to mention the cues that we use are very technical. I know this has turned into a bit of a rant but one of my pet peeves is having someone who has never been on a horse tell me that it cannot be considered a sport because the horse does everything and the rider just sits there. HELLO, Nascar?!!!!

Anyway, over the past few months I have been riding a a cute little pony named Lulu.

Isn't she adorable?! We competed in the 18" Hunter Division and did great considering it was my first show in years and Lulu's first jump competition in a long time. Here are some pics from the day!