Training for the fall season!

After The event at Rebecca Farm in July, Phillip and I spoke about what has been holding me and my horses (Joey and George mainly) back from really going out there and winning......the dressage. We have worked so hard on improving all 3 phases and I am incredibly lucky to be sitting on such talented animals and having great instruction! But when it comes down to it, those 2 advanced horses are HOT! This shows up the most on the flat, they can be near impossible to settle and I work so hard on our flat work so it can truly be disappointing to the point of almost discouraging at times when I can not seem to help them to pull it together in the arena.

Time to make a plan.....

I decided to pull my horses out of Richland (a tough decision because I have been wanting to compete there for so long, but there is always another year!), and find a dressage instructor that works well with my boys and me, has the time, and is willing to really give me a hand in working towards my goals.

I spoke with many people whom are part of my 'team', and sought out recommendations on who to approach. Phillip helped me to come up with some trainers to speak with and then Dr. Greg Staller again mentioned that he thought I should speak, and meet with Betsy Steiner. So I did. Let me just say...thanks Greg!

So far Betsy has been incredibly helpful in just the few lessons we have had to this point. She has sat on Joey and George as well and had nothing but praise and lovely compliments for both boys. Truly inspiring to ride with, watch, and listen to Betsy! I am trying to work with her as much as I can right now to really get a jump start on this fall season! I am feeling my confidence and motivation rising more and more each day...and better yet, I can see and feel it in my horses as well!!!

Today I went down for jump schools on my boys with Phillip before he heads to GA next week...last jump school for awhile with him while he prepares for the WEG. Joey, George, and Rox were super and it was very helpful (as always), to get a 'tune up' from Phillip!

I also took down my lovely 4 yr old, Ray, and jumped with Boyd. Boyd rode Ray for me for 2 weeks in August to help me work through some baby moves that Ray had while being ridden around other horses. Money well spent! He did a great job and Ray is becoming more confident each day! What a super horse, I am very excited to take him to his first event next weekend at Bucks County!

More lessons this week, then Bucks County for Ray and Plantation for the 3 big boys! So Fall has arrived and we are feeling great!

I have to Congratulate Vanessa on selling Poppy today, she has worked so hard on developing this young horse and her work has paid off! Poppy has turned into a lovely 5 yr old and her new owner is very lucky to have her!

Also, our working student, Melissa, from this summer is coming back tomorrow to work for us full time and we are so excited to have her back to stay!!

Till next time,

Kristin