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!

Watch out Toronto!

I leave tomorrow morning (well...to be fair, I think I am actually getting up in the middle of the night in order to make a 6am international flight!).

I will do my best to post updates on my Facebook page.

See you in a week!!

Pulling together the threads...

Hello Friends,

I often find myself wishing I had more time...but I guess today I had the realization that yes, indeed, time is a relative concept.  Things progress in exactly the way they are meant to.

I leave for Toronto in about a week and a half.  I am trying to get all the details tucked away, particularly with the knowledge that we'll get back and have a pretty quick 17 days before Dylan hits the road for Chicago and Selection Trials.

It is a bit strange to plan for a competition on a borrowed horse.  I am not all that nervous about the riding part, more about wanting to show Peter's horse well, represent the US and my sponsors well, and perhaps try to stay out of the fray.  I will have to be reclassified, which I am not super-excited about...more because I just don't really enjoy being shown the nature and extent of my disability - there's no dancing around it, it is a stressful and tiring process.

Meanwhile, Dylan is peaking at exactly the right time.  He has been working very hard since January, and is really solid in his 3rd level work, and is schooling 4th level work with Jenny.  I can't believe how far my stubborn 1st level horse has come!!  

I am working with a very patient PT who is going to help me get on a good strength maintenance program, and she is trying to talk me into maybe looking at some mobility aids.

If things go well in Chicago, I hope to organize a silent auction & dinner as a fundraiser - let me know if you interested in helping organize, or in attending!!

Take care everyone!  Ride strong!