Holy Cow...is it February already??

I can't believe how quickly and easily time slips away! There are the tiny signs of spring around me...the crocus are blooming, the robins have started singing in the morning. Today, the sun is shining beautifully, although the air is still cold.

I have taken a break from riding to focus on wrapping up my studies at Bastyr. I am very excited about finally finishing my Master's, and more than that, I am excited to embark on my new career. I love what I do, and I am excited to share acupuncture and chinese medicine with my community.

Dylan is still looking for his next home. I have spent a lot of time on the phone, answering emails, scheduling times for people to come up and look at him...but haven't found the perfect fit yet. I spent a lot of time thinking about it last week, and realized that what I would really love is to see Dylan take another rider to "the big show" like he did with me. I am therefore looking for a JR who needs a solid horse to campaign for NAJYRC. There are a lot of kids out there who have the skills, but maybe don't have the horse. I am hoping in a small way, if I can help Dylan find the right home in this way, I would be "paying it forward" for all help I have had in getting my career started. If you know someone who might fit the bill, let me know.

In the meantime, I am starting to map out the pieces of "what comes next" for my own riding plans. I am hoping to go to the Dressage Affaire to watch my teammates compete, and if I am able to secure a borrowed horse, ride in the Para clinic with Debbie McDonald.

I am also looking at options for a new horse. There are a few options out there - a lease, and/or forming a syndicate of a group of donors who would like to invest in ownership of a horse.

I will hopefully be leasing a horse in the interim to get back into the swing of things. I am also looking at options for competing at US Para National Championships, as well as getting to another Para international - there are several in Europe throughout the year.

The "map" is always a little daunting from a financial perspective, particularly in these tough times. I have faith in the process, and the amazing world around me, though, and I have no doubt it will all come together.

As usual, if you have funding ideas, or would like to be a part of the Team, drop me a line!

Until next time, "it's not about the destination, but the journey"!