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!!