Another Brush with Fame!

I had the great honor to 'sit' with "S" judge Ms. Sarah Geikie at the Orlando Winter Classic Dressage Show at the Clarcona Horse Park in Apopka, FL Saturday. Connecticut's Ms. Geikie is a judge, competitor and trainer. She has trained and competed many horses through Grand Prix, is on the USDF Instructor Certification Program's Faculty, a really sharp cookie, very passionate about what she does and a really nice person to boot.





The horse park is about 80 miles south of Ocala. I woke up at 4:45 to get chores done and head out at 5:45 to make sure I arrived with plenty of time to spare. The show started at 8 AM sharp! The show manager, Gayle was doing me a huge favor allowing me to shadow the judge. I was required to 'sit' with "R" or "S" judges for a minimum of 10 hours prior to my "L" candidate examination. The cancer ordeal took precedence and I squeaked in the bare minimum of 10 hours before the test.





The trip was going along really smoothly. I was rewarding myself for being so organized. I had written down the directions provided by the show staff, I had Mapquested it, AND I had my GPS programmed to the Horse Park's address. HOW COULD I NOT TRAVEL 80 MILES IN 2 HOURS AND 15 MINUTES? I even remembered to have cash for the toll booths. I was on the Turnpike about to make the turn towards Apopka, about 8 miles from the show grounds, when my annoying British accented Ms. Tom Tom GPS said "Exit 267 A towards Tampa." I remembered reading that, so I did. There was also a sign that said "Apopka" which took you in the opposite direction. I trusted my GPS, she hadn't misled me (well, just that once) so far. But, my gut screamed that I should go towards the town the show is in, not where the Buccaneers play. I saw a sign that said next exit in 40 miles. Yikes! I had to turn around. Turning around on a turnpike is not an easy thing. After several miles I broke the law. I never break the law! I'm one of those geeky people that stop, completely, at stop signs even when there are no other cars. Drives my husband crazy. I turn on my blinker when turning in to my driveway. It would never occur to me NOT to do so.





Anywho, I did a U turn on the turnpike at one of those 'emergency vehicle and police only' turn spots. I held my breath and waited for the sirens. You'll remember that I have gone 49 years without receiving one single ticket (knock on my wooden noggin) and in my first four days in Florida was pulled over twice! No tickets, but, I am still paranoid driving in this state. I thought turning around would solve all my problems. But I was again going in the wrong direction. I was now headed to Miami. I pulled over and reprogrammed my GPS. It examined 600,000 possibilities for me to travel 8 miles! WHAT WAS WRONG?? I took a deep breath and decided to have it out with Ms. Tom Tom once and for all. I usually rely on a teenage boy to solve all of my technological problems. In Florida I'm on my own in this regard. After quite a bit of screen tapping I discovered that my GPS was programmed to avoid all toll roads! I'm fairly certain that is impossible in Florida. I informed my road guidance companion that I am quite willing to pay the tolls to save myself 2 hours of additional travel. Ten minutes later I arrived at the show grounds with 12 minutes to spare.





Sarah was a great help and very generous with her knowledge and time. I was able to practice my judging skills and get some issues solidified and clarified. Towards the end of the day a gal came into the ring on a lovely, athletic tall drink of horse flesh. She rode a good test, but, just looked like an eventer to me. How could I tell? Wide low hands, super athletic, hot horse AND she wasn't remotely intimidated by his energy. Her attire also looked more like an eventer than a strict 'dressager'. A bit more colorful, rough and ready attire. I saw her coach leaning on the fence. The handsome man looked familiar. The young lady rode a couple more rides on different horses and did a good job. But, I was still convinced she was an eventer. After the show I walked past her coach while someone was saying, "Oh, I'd like to introduce you to Darren Chiacchia, my trainer." Hah! I was not only right, but, Darren was her coach and trainer. Darren is the 2004 Olympic bronze medalist for Eventing. He had a very serious accident on the cross country course, I think two years ago. Big brain injury. He looks great now! I knew he looked like someone I should know, but, my Minnesota brain just doesn't jump to the fact that people like Darren Chiacchia, David and Karen O'Connor or Leslie Law could be leaning up against a show arena fence coaching at a show I could be riding in. It's a whole different mind set.



I almost hate to share this next bit of information, but, can't resist. I am going to ride early this morning TO AVOID THE HEAT OF THE DAY!!! Yes, read it and weep Minnesotans. It's going to be mid 80's and humid today.



Anyone who wants to 'Skype', or is it 'talk on Skype' or 'Skype me.' Whatever the term, I am set up to communicate on Skype. An early Christmas gift from my sister, Kim and her family. I'm game to try!



Cheers!



Jodi