Mark your calendars!

July 17th Dressage Show at Sussex: Scribes, Ring Stewards, Runners, Set-up and take down.
August 29th Mini Event & Dressage Schooling Show
September 19th Dressage Camp at Victoria Farms
November 7th Dinner and Awards Ceremony
           

Enjoying the Unexpected
By Stacy Rose

       
                It’s spring and we all know that means the flowers are growing, the grass will need mowing, and it’s time for showing!  OCDA held its Dressage Sweepstakes and Schooling Show on April 19th at The Stables at MiraBella.
            During the last 6 months of getting to know my new horse, Zips Fanci Chocolate (Zip), I had vowed not to show until I felt I knew him better; I wanted to play it safe.  Playing it safe could be translated to succumbing to my show anxieties and missing out on having fun with my equine friend.  There is something to be said for Nike’s motto, “Just Do It.”
            Before I knew it, I was cleaning tack, bathing my horse, and packing the trailer for our first dressage show together.  What happened to not showing yet?  The timing felt right and it was.  From driving up MiraBella’s driveway to warm-up, to completing each test, I kept self-checking for the butterflies and nausea but to my surprise … I was completely fine.  What I realized was that I already knew Zip well enough to know there was no need to worry – he would take care of me.  In his first show out Zip didn’t win a blue ribbon from the judge but earned one from me for living up to all of my expectations.
            OCDA’s show provided an atmosphere where riders were encouraging and supportive of each other.  Pat Jacobson, the judge, gave each rider constructive criticism to help them get jump started for the season.  The Stables at MiraBella was an inviting facility that made both horse and rider comfortable.  As a Board Member and a rider, I believe the show was a great success.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself and look forward to another OCDA show.