I feel like I'm looking Fear in the face almost every day. Sometimes I wonder why am I challenging myself so much? Then I think, why not? I'll never know if I can do something if I don't try.
So, the business is still priority number 1 and I'm learning a lot about massage, but still longing to take the rehabilitation courses-in that way February can't get here fast enough!
Dogs are priority number 2(but only barely). The 4 star events for IFCS world team qualification are starting to be announced with the first one in JANUARY!! I have admitted to myself and my coach, Kim, that I want to do this. I may not make the team, especially since every one and their mother will be trying for this team since it will be in the USA, but it won't be for trying. I need to see what the competition is like and I know I have to work on my own anxiety and pre-run nerves and the only way to do this is compete!! Brink will be getting some serious work-outs in the next few months. We are drilling weaves and off-set jump shoots, making him bounce, read angles, and extend. Then we work collection on one jumps, with constant reminders to jump from the back-end. I know he is a special dog and hopefully one day the world will see it too. :)
On the other end of the dog spectrum, I some how got suckered into running River on a team event. Can she do this? Yes, if the event takes place in my back yard and I can have a cookie in my hand. Doing this at an arena is another story. Practice began today and she still seems happy. We will be practicing a lot of weave poles and starting anti-anxiety medication. I think my team mates understand (may be not to the full extent) of River's psyche. I keep reminding her, that it was her cousin that won Agility Finals this year.
Priority #3-Possibly starting a new agility club in New Mexico for USDAA. We need more trials down here and I'm unhappy with how the current club does things. I want to have the trials like I used to go to in Colorado and Utah. Starting a new club is hard and even in this very early, brain-storming phase I'm stressed. I have great ideas though!
Update from 2 posts ago:
Traveling to Texas was rough-I think the original 2 week vacation plan was better than drive to Texas one day, compete in Finals the next, then drive home. Both Rival and Tundra were super troopers. Tundra had an amazing time with a 6th place in jumpers and 3rd place in Rd 1 of Regular. She and I were amped for the last round, I knew I was going to push as hard as possible and unfortunately our combined adrenaline caused Tundra to literally leap from the top of the down ramp of the dogwalk. Even with that huge time eater and holding her a-frame after that, her time would have been close to first place and an over-all top ten finish. I will say that I will never forgot that run and maybe that was Tundra's plan all along:)
Rival did well, and we had some bobbles, but he gave me his all. I know he'll never be competitive, but he does it for me and that's all I can ask.
The future holds more Aussie promises, but we'll talk about that later...
P.S. River says, "Happy Halloween!!!"
