rules and regulations

Last year I learned a lot by trial and error in the paddock warming the kids up. The F.E.I. (International Equestrian Federation) has all sorts of crazy rules, some of which seem totally reasonable, and others are, but perhaps are a little crazy nit picky. (the horse show in Guatemala is a nationally rated CSI*, which means all the F.E.I. rules apply)

This year i got the F.E.I. rule book. It's thicker than any text book i ever had, and smaller print too.

In the warm up paddock they have a steward who makes sure all the rules are being followed and that everyone is ready to go in the ring, moving everything along at a nice clip. Last year in Guatemala there were over 50 riders in most of the classes, and there would be five classes a day.... so you can imagine that this was a pretty important thing.

So, in somewhat roundabout ways I found out that it is illegal:
-to have the two poles of the crossbars touch (makes it harder to knock down, can be dangerous).
-to have a back rail lower, even by one hole than the front bar of an oxer (this makes it hard to see the back bar and so when the horse gets to the jump, they are surprised by it, making them jump bigger)
-to make a horse drop a rail on purpose
-to make it harder for the rails to come down (see above, plus making the standards closer and squishing against the poles)
-take a jump from the wrong direction (duh, no collisions please)
-change anything about the tack. except stirrups and tightness of the girth... take off/ on a martingale, rubber rings, boots, whatever.... without permission of the owner/groom

While walking the course, pista, you must be in full wear if you are not the trainer. boots, britches, jacket, helmet etc. aka you must look presentable.
If you are the trainer and walking the course, you must also look presentable. Though what that means exactly I don't know. But if you walk it with no boots but you have britches on.... that's no good.

the list goes on.

ANYWAY! the exciting bit is that there is a two day course to be certified as a steward starting this afternoon. And Beth is seeing if there is another spot open. Which means that i might not be certified, BUT i definitely will know whats what. Mostly know how to follow the millions of rules.
Then I could probably be a steward at home for local shows and stuff.
That'd be fun.

I'm excited at the prospect. I hope it works out.

Today is windy, the sky has a few quickly moving clouds, and it's quite warm. i've been getting some rays without sunscreen (20 minutes or so a day) cause my skin has been super sensative and ouchy when i put the stuff on it. and it seems to be helping. But no sunburn for me! Nope nope nope. I will not be leather skinnned or cancerous if I can help it. But some sun is definitely good for the soul and the skin.

Everyone is super excited for the show. Every five minutes the girls say, "i can't wait!" for what? "guatemala silly" or "DUHHHH. guatemala"
 I completely agree with them. I'm counting down.
I'm excited for Guatemala. But mostly I'm excited for what comes along with Guatemala.

xoxox to all my snowbirds at home. make some snow people for me and snow angels. a fortif you are feeling ambitious!