Ribbons and trophies: Musing on winnning

Okay, it's time for True Confessions.  This year I was lucky enough to get some above average schooling show scores, in no small part due to the judges seeing Ri's potential and good attitude.  I've submitted them for some year end awards (two GMOs).  I hate waiting for the results! The temptation is to cull through the newsletters and see the likelihood of getting  in the top six ribbons -- but it's kind of unsavory, isn't it?

I've resisted.

One thing that's helped maintain a bit of perspective on the whole business is reading this wonderful post by The Dressage Curmudgeon. She writes about the amateur's elation at winning the coveted blue ribbon...

"It is hard to be objective when you arms are bundled with carrots and leadshanks and shampoo, and you are basking in the glory of kicking the ass of other sweating middle aged women on their sweating middle aged horses..."
-- The Dressage Curmudgeon

This passage made me laugh out loud. Maybe the image of the fifty-something woman bouncing around the ring isn't strictly true--there are a lot of talented juniors and very fit, accomplished riders out there competing. Winning does mean something. I'm just not sure if it means what I want it to mean. Skill is a big part of winning -- but so is the quality of the horse, and the support of a trainer, and just plain  luck (weather, who shows up that day, who's judging).   Truth to tell, I doubt that my accomplishments in the ring merit the grandeur of the ribbons and the trophies.

Doggone it, I want them anyway :-).