The A Circuit

Just looking to shine a little light on the drama of the A Circuit. Rider for 10 years at a professional A Circuit barn. Some of you may relate, some of you may not, but either way for once-this is the truth.

[theacircuitlife]

Ashton Kutcher Knows

If any of you saw the teen choice awards, I'm sure you remember Ashton Kutcher's incredibly inspiring speech. While many of the things he said are important for all of us to take note of, there was one particular line that I felt is a good lesson for all equestrians; especially those on the A Circuit. "I never had a job that I was better than. Every job I had, I saw as a stepping stone to my success." It is important for us all to remember that you're never 'better than' the dirty work. You're never better than getting a job mucking stalls, you're never better than being a groom. In fact, if you have that mind set, I believe you are actually less than. So no matter where you come from or what you show in, grab a brush and get going. Because isn't that where it all begins?

[theacircuitlife]

you should try and blog more, you seem like a pretty "normal" horse show gal.

So sorry! Life is never quiet on the horse show circuit. Hopefully I will within the next week or so. 

[theacircuitlife]

Both men understood that sometimes there were bonds between horse and man far greater than money.

Elizabeth Letts, "The Eighty Dollar Champion" 

[theacircuitlife]

Word of Advice

With some of my experience on the circuit lately here's a word to the wise:

Don't let yourself be that kid with tons of talent, but who is a huge asshole. (excuse my French.) There are two instances where I see this type of person the most. The first is in the junior jumper division. Don't get me wrong you've got some awesome kids in there, but you've got even more of the kids whose egos are ruining their reputation in the horse business. You don't want to be that junior that wins a bunch and then walks around and thinks you own the world and know everything. Those are the kids that cause people to whisper "Wow, that kid needs a reality check."

The second instance is the young adults who have gotten to the point where they are doing well in grand prixs and are operating successful barns on their own, but have the attitude of a cocky junior. Not only do they think they know everything about riding, but they think they know everything about running a show. These people are the people that often complain about every horse show they go to and how horribly it's run. And these are the people that get made fun of and can no longer be taken seriously in the horse business.

I hope this didn't sound to "ranty" but I encountered both of these instances today, and trust me what I say is true. Neither of these types of people are respected.

So I beg of you, don't be THAT kid. 

[theacircuitlife]

Hello tumblr!

I am completely aware that I barely post on this blog, but I hope that just serves to validate me when I say that I am a seasoned A Circuit rider. When I'm going from one place to another, constantly riding and showing horses, posting on tumblr is at the bottom of my priority list. 

I am also aware that I really don't have that many followers, but I would LOVE to hear if any of you have suggestions for me about what you want to see on this blog. Whether it be more pictures, more quotes, more instructional based things, anything--let me know!

I would so enjoy hearing your input as I attempt to keep up with this blog. 

[theacircuitlife]

can you just enter an a rated show just like any other show? i'm asking because i'm temporarily stopping eventing and i'd like to give jumpers on the circuit a try, but i don't know if you have to qualify for them or if you can just enter them like you would anything else. sorry if this is a dumb question...

basically you can enter just like any other show, with the exception of some big classes that may require qualification.

the only thing you need to do is make sure you and your horse are registered on USEF, which is required to show in A shows.

other than that you just have to pay the fee! good luck :)

[theacircuitlife]

No one gives me a clear round. I earn it.

Beezie Madden

[theacircuitlife]

Beezie Madden; Patience and Skill

In an earlier post, I said one of my favorite riders was Beezie madden. Beezie madden is incredibly well known for her success. She is the main rider that I watch and think to myself, "That's how I want to ride one day." The number one thing I admire about Beezie is the way she handles all her horses. She is soft with her hand, never tense, and has a way of feeling out the kind of ride a horse needs. Her sense of peace when riding and her smooth rides in the jumper ring are incredible. The care in which she rides is a skill to be chased after, something that I'm definitely trying to do. I truly admire any rider that can take their nerves and excitement before getting in the show ring, and channel it into focus and determination. Something I feel that Beezie, along with other Olympic riders, can do. If you got bored reading this post here's all you need to know---Beezie madden is amazing. But you probably already knew that.

[theacircuitlife]

Overcome

Have any of you had to make a choice to keep or sell a horse? Well, I am experiencing that right now. It's a horse that maybe isn't my perfect match, but we can get along together. It is also a horse who experienced her first winter ever in the freezing cold, and decided she wanted to buck me off everytime I rode her. Now that the weather is warming up, I'm starting to ride her and gain back little ounces of confidence--but I admit I'm still scared everytime I get on her. And let's be honest; fear, although everybody feels it, is a pretty embarrassing thing to feel in the riding business, especially as an A Circuit rider. There's that sense that you want to give up and move on, but there's an even stronger sense that you want to make it work. Overcome the fear and overcome the odds. Isn't that what we all would like to do in this business?

[theacircuitlife]

Anyone out there?

Speaking of famous riders, who are y’all’s favorite riders? Out of all the disciplines ; show jumping, dressage, etc. who is your favorite? Or do I not have enough followers to get responses yet? Personally—-I am a Katie Dinan, McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, Kent Farrington type of girl. But it’s even hard to limit myself to those 4. Maybe I’ll explain in later posts why those riders stand out to me.

[theacircuitlife]

My trainer once told me to have eq like McLain Ward. Sure, because that's super easy right?

[theacircuitlife]

If riding were only bright lights and blue ribbons, I would have quit a long time ago

George Morris aka God

[theacircuitlife]

Anyone remember me?

Remember that girl on tumblr who decided she wanted to make an A Circuit blog and then totally neglected it? I'm embarrassed to say that is a description of me. Not to make excuses, but I've spent a whole winter at WEF having the time of my life on a truly amazing horse. I've also gone through the process of applying and then getting accepted into my first choice college. I haven't been slacking off in any sense of the word, and intend to gain full control over this blog again. I want to keep the A circuit alive on tumblr if you will. But isn't that the life of an A Circuit rider? Putting the less important things on the back burner while trying to get on the fast track of making your dreams come true? Because let me tell you; I won't stop until I'm fast tracking myself all the way to the Olympics.

[theacircuitlife]

I defiantly loved showing there. We just have a trainer who was full of drama and every time i didn't place high enough she would call me a failure. You see, since i was reunited with my horse i wanted to put her into a circuit shows. My last question being is how would i go about registering her? Do i need to have her registered in someplace like the AQHA? Since she is QHxPaint. Or a jumping registry? Since we do Showjumping. Any tips. Haha, sorry for all the questions!

Its all good, I love to help!

My trainer is like that too, he never comes out and says im a failure, but he definitely doesn't call me a success.

To be in "A" rated shows, your horse has to be registered with USEF. (united states equestrian federation). As for registering specifically a QHxPaint, I'm not sure about the rules on that. But I know if you do the jumpers and want to go to A rated shows you and your horse have to be registered with USEF. 

[theacircuitlife]

Your lucky that you can ride A circuit. I did when i rode Arabians. But when i found my horse that was stolen i left the Arab barn that i was at. Any tips on getting back into it? It was pretty expensive when i did do it, and the judges were unfair. Is it worth it?

I totally agree with you about the price, and about how judges can be sometimes. And its also understandable when something like that happens, you just dont wanna go back to it. The A Circuit is costly in more ways than one, but I wouldn't want my life to be any other way. Despite the discouragement and the let downs, I love horse showing and being a part of that experience. In my opinion, it really depends on the person, because I have met people who just hate to horse show. And if you really hate horse showing, dont bother. 

But I have a feeling with your situation, that you don't hate it (I may be wrong), but you've just lost the desire to keep at it..which I totally get. I think if what I've said is right about you, then it is worth it to get back into it, because it can bring along so many great things.

Some tips:

1. Remember why you're there. Remember why you love horses and why you love to horse show. For just two minutes forget about any excess drama.

2. Don't go out there thinking, this is gonna suck, I cant do this, I don't wanna be here, I'm intimidated. Its okay to be nervous if you havent done it in a while, and to feel a little intimidated..but do not sell yourself short. I'm sure you're very talented, and while you don't wanna be cocky, know that you can and will in fact be successful as long as you keep trying.

3. Simply- just have fun. I often get wrapped up in my failures, or why I'm not jumping a certain height yet. But instead of doing that, try to get in the ring (not only when you're horse showing) and just have a freaking good time. 

Good luck, keep me updated, and let me know if you have any more questions :)

[theacircuitlife]

Going with the Flow

I feel badly that I havent been posting as much as I should. But I am forced to go to school, and school and riding combined take up all of my time, so I have almost no time to sit down and write for this blog.

Right now I'm just anticipating the winter circuit, not just for the colder weather, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'm going to go to WEF (wellington equestrian festival) this year. Last winter, I was a victim of unfortunate circumstance (aren't well all?) and my horse got injured so I wasn't able to take him to WEF. 

When people ask me, it's hard to respond that I am definitely going to WEF, because of what happened last year. You never know what could happen, so I'm just going with the flow..and come december I hope the flow leads me right to Wellington.

[theacircuitlife]

Born to ride, forced to go to school