The Need for Speed

I am back home at Derby Road.  There is a new snow storm on the way. It has been the coldest April in 25 years.
Banner and I won Ram Tap Preliminary Rider Division on the weekend of April 16th in Fresno, Cal.
I am eligible to ride in Preliminary Rider because I have not ridden at a higher level than Prelim in 2 years.  This is a cozy, appropriate division for me because the California super stars like James Alliston, Jennifer Wooten and other advanced riders are not eligible for this division. I found the Prelim Rider Division to be challenging anyway.  Californians have the opportunity to compete alot and they want to win in addition to giving their  horses a good experience as do I.
Gene Lewis said "there are only two things you can do wrong when jumping, go too fast or too slow".
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Preliminary level's optimum cross country speed is 520 mpm. Banner has a better experience when I allowed or asked him to go faster. He jumps better by coiling and proping off the ground in a bascule when I'm not holding him off the fence or going too slow. He lands lighter and the jump requires less effort.  I am not advocating running down to a fence. I mean keep coming, re balance and maintain balance to jump.  A couple of my coaches said I had a good eye.  I am grateful they think so. 

I learn by experience and here are some of them I had in my journey to riding Prelim level successfully and confidently.
I had to change body position, lower hands, fall off alot, study videos, get lots of time penalties, become stronger in core (yoga), have access to good galloping track and facilities, have a eye on the ground most of the time (Connie) and refuse jumps at competitions and home.  I rode multiple horses every day and I was immersed in horses training.  It was a fabulous winter. Thank you Connie and the staff at Lone Tree Farm for tolerating and supporting me.

At Ram Tap I also got to ride "Charming Waltz"  a 14 hh Haflinger mare owned by Kim Fischman.  What a gem she is!  She has immense power and desire to jump and is fun to be around as she is always knickering at us and adoring us with her soft brown eyes.  She has lots of potential to be a super star. We placed 9th as our dressage placing was 10th in Beginner Novice division. She was clean in cross country and jumping and it was a blast to ride her.
I was slated to ride Mary Morris "Otter" in his first event and was very much looking forward to it as he jumps superbly also but alas he stepped on a nail. He is ok now I hear.

What now?  I plan to attend some HJ shows and Golden Spike then Rebecca farms.  Not much work here in Wood River Valley. It gives me time to write and rehearse music.
I'm working on my solo performance.  Played last night with Jim Paisely and Keith Waller and it was very fun.
When I get the Ram Tap video from Ride On productions, I will post on Facebook.
Thanks for reading this.
Gratefully, Mia and Banner