Pretend Eventing

Most people that meet me find out within the first 5 seconds that I'm an avid horse-rider, equestrian, fur surfer. What isn't readily apparent is what TYPE of riding it is that I do.  Nope, I don't race my horse. Eh, not so much into the rodeo.  What I do is pretend to Event.  Yep that's right, I'm calling it like it is.  Pretend. For the moment. Even though I will still shout "3 days, 3 ways baby!" obnoxiously.  And I have cross country colors.  And I am crazy enough to hurtle myself at obstacles that do not move or come down if we/I hit them.

Eventing is described as an equestrian sport in which competitors must take part in several contests, usually dressage, cross country jumping and stadium jumping.
~From Wikipedia


Okay technically we do that:

And for the last year or so, we have done just that at the most beginning level they even sometimes call it amoeba, tadpole, green as grass, we have just begun, etc. The "jumps" at this level are low enough for a Chihuahua to walk over.

courtesy cutcaster.com

However, we are getting ready to make our shining debut at Maiden this summer and I'm super excited because the jumps get just a bit bigger (enough to where all four of Pony's feet must leave the ground). And with each cross country schooling and each bank, ditch, or water we stomp through, I'm thinking we get closer to real Eventing vs. just pretend Eventing.  Now don't get me wrong. Our goals do not include Rolex Kentucky (well, aside from spectating in 2013).  However, we do aspire to Pre-Novice. One day. Maybe.

And now, I suppose it would be a good time to introduce you to the trustiest of trusty steeds, Nova (also known as The Golden Snitch). Nova is a 13 year old Haflinger Gelding who got a higher score on the SAT than I did. He enjoys food of any kind, particularly Icee Pops.  He also enjoys trail riding, flirting with mares, and contemplating the purpose of winter clothes for humans.

I will tell you Nova's story in upcoming posts, but suffice it to say that this is the horse of a lifetime. I intend for this blog to chronicle our misadventures in Pretend Eventing and all the other fun stuff we do.  

And for now, I will close this post with a note about my dear husband, who fully supports this equine addiction, without whom this blog and its contents would not be possible.