Holy Cow, it's almost November!

Time flies by...Fall is officially here this morning, as evidenced by the ridiculous rain, urban flooding, and the closure of the road I usually take to school due to a fallen tree.

Dylan is managing...we're working on how to manage a cold back - probably both his and mine.  Now that he is learning self-carriage, it seems I am having to re-tool our warm-ups.  It's really now about warming up muscles before we go to work, instead of a conversation about all the things we could do INSTEAD of work.

Little Bit Redmond is closing down the boarding aspect of the business in preparation for permitting & construction of the "new" Little Bit.  The public announcement of the capital campaign was on the 17th - I rode Little Bit horse Raphaelo (Raffi) at the event and it went really well.  He's a beautiful big grey german warmblood, donated by the Rattner family (Devonwood Equestrian Center) - I had so much fun riding him.  Dylan will be able to stay at Little Bit Redmond, but I am exploring other options for us as well.

Last week Roxanne Christenson hosted Conrad Schumacher at Trilogy Farms in Monroe, and invited me to audit.  I really enjoy watching him teach, he has such a keen understanding of what the horse needs, and how the rider can make it happen.  After the rides, she and her clients had organized a wine & cheese reception, where she put me on the spot and asked me to talk about Para Equestrian, WEG, and what I'm up to.  !!!!.  I was mortified, but spit something out.  Conrad then spoke about his experience with Para Equestrian, and how much sheer will disabled riders have.  I couldn't agree more!  

This week I've been invited to clinic with Kathleen Raine.  I rode with Kathleen last year, shortly after I had gotten Dylan.  She had also worked with Dylan when Leigh Cochrain (Bear Creek Farm) was working with him.  She understands him and his quirks really well, and was not at all phased by working with me (and my quirks!).  Hopefully  I can shuffle my schedule to make this work!

In November we have the USEF sponsored clinic with our team coaches, Missy Ransehousen and Sharon Schneidmann.  USEF is providing transportation costs for the riders who have their FEI certificates of capability to come to the clinic, so I am hoping to get the chance to see some of my teammates!!   Dylan conveniently threw a shoe during the last clinic, so I am excited that the coaches will get a chance to see how he's coming along.

Wow...I guess I have been busy! :-)

Lastly, still looking for sponsorships & help fundraising.  I'd much rather be riding than fundraising....but it's become very apparent that in order to keep this adventure alive, I will have to do both :)  If you have ideas, as always, please feel free to contact me.

Until next time...