Nancy and I dolled up for the exams
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This past December Nancy, Janet and I barreled off to Florida to take our British Horse Society exams, Stage 1 and 2. After several weeks of lessons and lectures with Cedar Crest (and lots of bleary-eyed studying on my own) I felt very prepared for Stage 1 and optimistically hopeful for Stage 2. (I knew going into it that Stage 2 was a stretch for my level at the time.)
The trip was fun and the three of us shared an apartment with a pool; a nice break from New York’s winter weather. I took a few practice lessons at the test center beforehand and sorely missed Penny, Max and the other lesson horses back in Pine Plains who helped me build my confidence over my first ever courses. (Anyone who currently jumps higher than 2’6” please don’t laugh.)
The results for me were mixed. I aced Stage 1 without a problem and passed everything but the lunging for Stage 2. At first I was very disappointed at not passing Stage 2, but that didn’t last long. I pushed myself quite hard and Sam, Claire and Louise were so helpful throughout the preparation leading up to the exams. I’m especially appreciative of the horse care lectures, as now I feel much more confident as a horse owner.
