The only constant....is change.

Hello Friends and Supporters,

It seems silly, but it is true. The only constant in my life at this point, is in fact change. You'd think you'd get used to the roller coaster, but just as quickly as I'm up, I'm back down, and around, and through loop-de-loops!

I suppose the biggest news at this moment is that Dylan is for sale. I think this probably comes as a surprise to many, but it has been "in the works" for awhile due to my financial situation. I haven't spoken much about it, because it is solely a personal burden, and because I had the incredible goal of getting to, and competing at WEG taking precedence!

When I bought Dylan, I had originally hoped he would be the extremely rare horse that could be both a competition partner, and a partner at a therapeutic riding program. It was my way of attempting to give back to the program (Little Bit) that had given me so much. Dylan just did not turn out to be that horse, though! He did turn out to be an incredibly talented, fun teacher, so I dug deep to make ends meet for the past two and a half years.

I am actually very excited to see what adventures Dylan will have in the years ahead with his new person, as strange as that may sound.

As far as my competitive future, it is my sincere goal to continue training and riding in preparation for London in 2012. The greatest challenge ahead will be forging and developing the relationships that will eventually result in the funding and finding a horse to lease. These things just take time. I feel confident in some ways in knowing there are a lot of wonderful horses and amazing horse owners out in the world, and a lot of great para athletes...we all just need to find one another!

I would like to thank my incredible sponsors, Antares, FarmVet, Little Bit, Kerrits, and Olsons, for their continuing support.

I would like to again thank everyone at Trilogy, and all those who came out to my WEG fundraiser - I am still humbled by the generosity of our PacNW dressage community!

A special thanks to Roxanne Christenson for...well, everything. :-)

And lastly, I'd like to acknowledge Jenny Nell, who has given time, money, blood, sweat, tears, AND a truck, to see me transform from a somewhat terrified disabled person sitting on a horse who couldn't get a classification, to an equestrian athlete.

It ain't the end folks...IT'S JUST THE BEGINNING!!!

WEG wrap-up!

Well, it’s been about a month, and I figured it was about time to put some words on paper (virtual paper at least) about my experience at WEG.

It was an amazing, humbling, exhausting, incredible, eye-opening, once-in-a-lifetime experience. During the day-to-day, I really did not have the time or ability to process the enormity of what was happening around me, as I was pretty focused on the job I was there to do. There were certainly a few moments where it all sunk in, though!!

In terms of the riding piece, I am generally pleased. As a competitor, it seems I sometimes get caught up in the mistakes and places I could have done better. Honestly, I do think that Dylan and I put in really solid tests for where we both are in our skill development. We obviously have not competed at this level before, and I am learning about riding and asking for collection at the same time that Dylan is learning how to do it!

Dylan’s trot-work was the best it’s ever been. The trade-off for pushing the envelope a bit and getting that great trot-work, however, was tension in the walk and a few problems with the contact in the canter. It simply a factor of his comfort level in the training, and my skill as a rider – if I had a few more years under my belt I could have perhaps given him the confidence he needed. It’s always a risk to ask your horse for just a little more in a show situation, but at the same time, progress is made through risk. Perhaps I would have scored exactly the same if I had gone and ridden a conservative, “safe” test, but I certainly would have been left wondering “what if”.

Mostly, I am very proud of Dylan. Our horses are such amazing creatures for putting up with every ridiculous thing we throw at them. Dylan traveled well, settled into all his different housing situations well, and just rolled with all the punches. Particularly at the horse park, I was impressed with his ability to look around at the dozens of golf carts, jumbotrons, four-in-hand carts, banners, flags, tents, and the non-stop chaos, and I swear he sighed, rolled his eyes, as if to say “oh silly humans!”. I think Dylan’s highlight of the show was grazing on the cross country course. (He seemed enamored with the cross country course in general…he was definitely staring dreamily every time we passed it…was it all that green grass, or is he fantasizing about a career change?!)

In terms of my highlights…

Participating in opening ceremonies, with the reining team hijacking our golf cart (made me feel way less silly about needing to ride in the cart AND about wearing the cowboy hat),

Meeting the best athletes from around the world, as well as having random encounters with US Team members in the hotel restaurant. I definitely had stars in my eyes, but occasionally would remember I was wearing the same outfit as they were!!

Watching the dressage freestyles, and getting to see Totilas and Edward Gal in person. There is just no tension in that horse whatsoever, it’s remarkable. I must admit, in terms of personal preference, I LOVED Fuego’s freestyle. I have re-watched it on youtube at least 10 times.

Watching my teammates tests. We have an amazing group of riders, and I was so honored to be a part of this group. I am so excited about the future of US Para. In the same vein, it was also incredible to watch the world champion para riders – to see how effortless, how beautiful their rides are. It certainly gave me vision of where I need to be, and I imagine that is true for all the US riders.

Early mornings at KER. Kentucky Equine Research hosted us for our training camp prior to the games. Jenny and I would typically head over to the facility pretty early in the morning, just as the sun was coming up. I will never forget the mist on the pastures, the moon waxing as the sun came up, and pulling into the driveway to see Dylan.

So what’s next?

I earned my initial qualification for 2012 Paralympics by earning a 60% at WEG (only one aspect of qualifying and eventually being selected). However, after seeing the quality of horses and riders competing at this level, I know I have a lot of work to do.

I am also graduating from school in 5 months, and will have to either start my own practice or find a practice to join once I am licensed as an acupuncturist.

I have a lot to think about, and a lot to keep me busy in the next few weeks. I will do my best to keep everyone posted!!

One under the belt!

Hi All,

Today was QUITE busy! The jog was scheduled for 8:30am, but as host nation, we would jog last. The arenas were open for riding prior to the jog, so we planned to ride beforehand to get Dylan loosened up and in a good working frame of mind. That meant we had a pretty early morning indeed. I had a good ride, just worked him over his back and evenly into both reins, and really tried to settle his tempo.

It has been quite chilly here the past two days, and the jog strip is located above the cross country course...so, in a big, open, exposed field. Needless to say, it got cold. I did my best to stay warm, today I used moxa hot packs to try and stave off the muscle spasms.

All the US horses passed the jog, and everyone certainly felt a lot better after it was over.

We had a chance to take a lunch at the athletes cafeteria, where they are serving really good hot food. I have missed a few meals on this trip, so I feel a bit like I am "catching up". The cute ariat jeans I had to stuff myself into for opening ceremonies now don't stay up...so I know I can probably indulge in a few extra snacks!

After lunch, I got myself into my whites for the warm up test. This was a chance for the riders competing as individuals to show their team test in front of 3 judges, but the scores don't really count for anything. The purpose is really to allow the individuals the same amount of time in the competition ring as the team riders.

Dylan was a little behind my leg in the warm up. He looked Ok from the ground, but he just didn't have the "quickness" to my aids I wanted. He was quiet and obedient, so in hindsight, I probably didn't push quite as hard to get the activity I needed. They have it arranged so that you have 4 minutes of final warm-up in a ring across the street from the competition ring. When we moved over, Dylan came to life a bit, but as he was not quite in front of my aids, he was spooking a bit. So, time to direct the energy!!

Once I had things put together, it was time to go into the competition ring. It is a very nice ring, and for a large ring, it feels very close. Unfortunately the liveliness we had just generated in the warm-up faded a bit, and I just didn't quite have Dylan on my aids. That being said, he was quiet, calm, listened, and we put in an Ok test. I made some mistakes, and there were some decent moments.

The score reflected the mistakes, and I felt it was fair.

Tomorrow, our team riders take the stage. I have a "day off" of sorts. I will train during the lunch break, when Jenny can take a break from commentating. Our plan is to make it like a show situation for Dylan, warm up and ride through the test, ensuring we have what we need in the ring.

I will compete "for real" on Wednesday afternoon!

Not sure when I will get to posting again....so until then, ride strong, and go USA!!

Opening Ceremonies

Hi Everyone!

Things are ticking along here in KY. Dylan is well. I think the stress of travel and being in a new place finally caught up with him, and he was a bit worn out on Friday, so he got a well-earned day off on Saturday, and Laura Scherr, our team equine physio worked with him today. He is in good spirits, and after his adjustment, went for his typical gallop in the pasture (yikes!!). I am working with FarmVet on some additional "helpers" to make him as comfortable as possible - a "Back on Track" blanket, and possibly a digestive aid since he is eating more grain than he would at home, which can contribute to problems with acid.

Opening ceremonies were last night. We dressed up in our Kentucky Cowgirl outfits...jeans, blazers and hats! It was a long day, lots of waiting, assembling, but so amazing when it all happening. I rode in on a golf cart, some of the para team walked with the rest of the US contingent. Since we had empty seats, the reining team hopped on board and made a great show of things. Entering the arena was unlike anything else I've ever done! The stands was filled, the crowd was cheering, tv cameras...it was unreal. We looped the arena, then made our way up into the stands to watch the rest.

Tomorrow things start to get down to business! The vet will take a look-see at the horses, we'll ride, and our days will just get busier from here on out.

I just keep repeating it...but I am so honored and humbled to be here. I look forward to competing on behalf of my country and showing Dylan at his best!!!

Drop a line anytime!!

Ride strong!

I Love KY!

Quick update!

Arrived after a furious 3 day drive (16 hours, 17 hours, 12 hours). Dylan is in great shape, happy as can be.

The KER facility is absolutely stunning. They are hosting us for training, and have a brand new barn and arenas built. It's simply beautiful. Dylan was the first horse to "christen" the new barn!

We had "team processing" today, aka getting all the assorted outfits and "gear" we need to represent the US. Again, amazing. I got cowboy boots AND a hat. Yes, I will get pictures.

Dylan is going well, having a LOT of fun riding him right now.

Ok...gotta scoot for now! Back to the barn for a quick meeting and evening chores!

The day before...

Well, the trailer is packed, Dylan is bathed, I have a million lists with just about everything crossed off....that must mean we are just about ready to hit the road.

Dylan did manage to need last minute shoe-repair (he stepped on himself tripping over the lip of the stall door, and popped the end of the shoe...no nails pulled, but the shoe is bent...argh). The life of a fancy dressage horse, you have to laugh a little bit, right?

This morning John Meriwether, Schleese rep and saddle-fitter came and checked out my saddle for a last minute "tune-up". I was extremely grateful, we have been battling a bit with me ending up crooked, and the saddle slipping, and it at times felt like a chicken & the egg type thing...did the saddle slip, and then I ended up sitting crooked, or did the saddle slip because I was sitting crooked? We came up with a great solution, and I felt totally straight and secure in the saddle. It's amazing how small changes really free the horse up, and get the rider in the right spot.

We had a VERY fun night at Olson's last week, I was SO excited to see so many friends, and meet so many new people interested in para. I just keep feeling so humbled about the entire experience.

I imagine once I am in KY, with my teammates, at the opening ceremonies, I will get a little more swept up in the excitement, but for now I feel a little like I have a very important job to do, to ride strong and represent our nation well, and before that, take very good care of my amazing horse Dylan as we travel across the country!!

We head out at about 3am tonight towards Montana.

On that note...I should probably finish packing my suitcase, and get some sleep!!!

WEG, really!

A little birdie told me it had been far too long since I had updated this...so here is my brief attempt to get back in the habit!

It has been a whirlwind summer. Toronto was fabulous. Selection Trials, not my best show, but a lot learned. Now...I am headed to Kentucky in a week. I feel like I need to pinch myself!

Dylan is doing well, he has been in full training with Jenny and Roxanne since returning from Selection Trials. He has grown up a lot in a short time, very mellow and easy-going.

Fundraisder tonight at Olson's, I am excited, and more than a bit humbled to have the support of the Pac NW community. On that note, I am now also sponsored by Kerrits, I am so excited about this - I really like everything that they strive for as a company, not to mention their great products.

On another note, FarmVet has been fantastic in providing a ton of great products, and recommending products that might be useful for when I am in KY.

On another another note, my Antares helmet is fantastic, and I am so excited to meet the team at the trade fair at WEG.

Jenny and I hit the road next Thursday, will be a 4 day drive to Kentucky. We have an amazing hostess letting us stay in her home until the move over to the athletes hotel. Dylan will be at Kentucky Equine Research, who is sponsoring the Para Dressage Team.

I feel like there is so much time before I get to compete, but I also know I will have plenty to keep me busy!

Busy, busy, busy!!

Will do my best to keep everyone updated on the exciting events!