Kathleen - February 7, 2010

It’s been awhile since the last entry because there have been so many horse-y things to do! At home in Erie, it’s nothing to drive over an hour to get a lesson with my horse. And clinics with name pros are often as far as 5-7 hours one way. I am still in awe at all of this is so close to me here.

I am so glad Herf and I competed in the Wellington Classic last weekend. I think every horse show is an emotional roller coaster, and this one was no different. I had some good rides and some not so good! But we did it and we held our own and I don’t think we looked out of place. Bent Jensen helped me so much in the warm-up. I cannot thank him enough. Anyone who might think they could do these shows without a coach is crazy. It is an intense environment and a ground person to keep you focused is essential. I could not have done this show without Bent to keep me thinking and revamp my warm-up.

I had friends fly in this weekend for the Exquis Dressage Masters Competition. It was fun to spend time with them and catch up on home. The Masters is the Super Bowl of Dressage. Everyone was excited to be there and the audience was well educated on the subtleties –another reality check for me!

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the MacLeod family for hosting my horse and I. There’s absolutely no way I could have afforded this experience without their overwhelming generosity. I’m going to miss everyone when I leave on the 16th. At the risk of sounding corny, this has been a life long dream to compete and train in FL. I hope to make it an annual trip to improve my business through education and maintain my sanity by getting out of the snow. I hope other farm owners will follow suit with the idea of sponsoring a stall for all or part of the season. There are so many people like me out there who would do absolutely anything to learn and improve but simply don’t have the finances. I love my sport, but sometimes am embarrassed by how exclusive it is. The MacLeod’s have restored my faith!!

Kathleen - January 27, 2010

The Gold Coast Opener, the first CDI of the season, was truly a memorable experience for me. Rarely, do I ever have time to just sit and watch, uninterrupted and completely focused. I was impressed by the depth of talent and quality of horses that this country is developing. While we can read about it, it is something else entirely to immerse yourself in it! Wow! I have to say, my favorite ride of the weekend was a GP Freestyle done by Mikala Gunderson to “Big Black Horse in a Cherry Tree.” While she was in the national level GP, I felt it was better than many of the CDI GPs. She scored a 73+ %.

Herf had his first day back today after his deep muscle therapy last week. He felt super. I wish I didn’t have to wait 2 more days for a lesson with Bent. I’m starting to gather my thoughts for the show this weekend. I’m trying to nail down as many of the no-brainer things as possible like center lines, accuracy, etc. One new development is that now that we have Herf’s canter so much bigger, my tempi changes have fallen apart. My timing is a bit off, as is his response time and our mutual balance. It’s like riding a strange horse- nothing is where I put it! It makes me laugh. It will even out soon, I’m sure!

I talked to some friends from home today who are making plans to come down for the Dressage Masters in Feb. I cannot wait to see some familiar faces and enjoy a great show. I have to stay busy or I really miss my animals at home. It’s bittersweet to think that I am half-way thru my stay here at the MacLeod’s.

Kathleen - January 23, 2010

Hi! Having been in Florida for just over two weeks, let me give you a brief overview:

My horse, affectionately known as, Herf, and I arrived here at the MacLeod’s farm on 1/6/10. The 22 hour trip was uneventful, but it took a few days to really feel rested.

It was a relief to meet Stacey and her family and see the facility and see that all is well at their lovely, horse friendly facility!

At present, I have had 4 lessons with Bent Jensen. I clinic with Bent up north so no time was wasted in assessment. We went right to work on connection to the left rein and throughness of the left side. Bent is quietly efficient in his work and has a knack for giving his info. in little doses, just at the moment it is needed. He is always willing to hop on a horse and get the feel for what the rider is dealing with and that is very impressive to me. I also clinic with Carol Lavell in the north and will connect with her ASAP.

I also have had the opportunity for a long-lining lesson with Kari Garber of Garber- Jena Long-lining Systems. Kari is upbeat and passionate about her work and spent a ton of time showing me her system. Again, we addressed the connection to the left rein. Her unique surcingle system makes it possible to achieve real bend on the lunge and not just a cramping of the poll and jaw. I already incorporate a fair amount of long-lining work into my horses at home, but she gave me more food for thought and sparked my creativity. I hope to do another lesson or two with her in my remaining time here. I feel like a kid in a candy store!

Herf and I are entered in the Wellington Sunshine Classic at the Brandon Equestrian Complex on 1/30 and 31. Showing in FL has always been on my “bucket list” and I’m excited to give it a shot!

This weekend is the first CDI of the winter season. All of the big names will be slugging it out hoping to qualify for WEG. Whew! So much has happened; it’s hard to believe Christmas was less than a month ago!