This weekend in Florida was the World Dressage Masters, part of the richest dressage competition series in the world. The Masters has different shows throughout Europe, and just his one in North America. Many of the world's top riders were there and there was some great riding to be seen. 

I was able to watch some of Friday's Grand Prix online, but missed Saturday's Special and Freestyle classes. But the awesome people at Horse Junkies United were all over the coverage, posting updates on facebook and being the first to have videos up. What a great way for me to wake up this morning, to be able to watch top riding with my morning coffee. Thanks HJU!

Grand Prix

GP Special recap & video of winning ride

GP Freestyle 

My favorite stars on the scene right now are Charlotte Dujardin and her pony-like gelding Valegro. She rides so nicely and Valegro looks always forward, light, eager, and so happy to do the job. Oh yeah, and his mechanics are fabulous. They are both young and talented, and look so happy with each other that I find it hard not to be inspired by them. 

Ah, mistakes. It's just what I do, it's how I learn. 

Of course I wish I did everything in life perfectly the first time, but it seems the more I screw something up the more I eventually understand how to do it right.

Once in a while, we get a golden mistake. Where you don't get what you intended, but something even better. 

Today, my coming 8 year old superstar Double Up and I were playing with the flying changes. After perfect 3's and 2's, I set in for the 1's. I asked for six. He gave me eight.

And Morten just happened to see them and said they were super.  Bonus!

Such a clever one, that big Banana. It's not often the ponies get a reward for doing something I didn't ask for, but this was a mistake I'll take any day.  

Sorry for being absent here for a while, it's been a busy few weeks!

I had a quick trip to the US over last weekend to work with some great horses and riders in New England. It was mostly combinations I’ve worked with at least once already, but there were a few new faces. It was such fun, everyone had great lessons. The difference between the work two months ago and now is impressive, it looks like every rider has done her homework.

I only rode a few horses, but it was a blast. First of all, Adonis, the horse of my great friend Kathy, is one I’ve known since he came to my farm in Pennsylvania as a fugly yearling, to grow up and play with a few other boys. It’s been amazing to see the transformation from a geeky, angular, shy boy into a handsome, brave, and talented seven year old. Kathy has made great decisions in their training and raising, and they are ready to go! 

The other horse I got to ride was “Goose,” a Lusitano stallion. Let me tell you, that is some good stuff! I’ve worked with Goose before and he may be the most fun horse on the planet! Goose never says no, it’s always 100% effort with him. He is so athletic, yet incredibly comfortable, with an amazing character; I blame him for breaking down my snobby disinterest in Baroque breeds. Suddenly, I get it!

It was such an exciting trip, I can’t wait to get back in May and keep this positive momentum going with everyone. 

Meanwhile, the horses are great at home. The Orange Goodness is getting better every week, while still reminding me, and anyone who may be watching, that I have so much to learn. Mares just don’t sugar coat, do they?

The Banana, aka Double Up, has been absolutely rocking it. His piaffe and passage is getting bigger and better, and we are getting more coordinated and confident in the one-time tempis. That’s right, you read it correctly. The big guy is headed for the Grand Prix ring. Why no one has bought this horse is beyond me, but you won’t hear me complaining! I will actually be devastated the day he’s no longer my ride; who’d have thought I’d ever say that about an 18 hand horse!

On a less awesome note, our American visitors are moving out this week. Chris Hickey, from Hilltop Farm, has been here for three months with five horses, and tomorrow they’re all starting their journey to Florida. Bummer!

It’s been a privilege to have Chris and his herd of amazing horses here, taking lessons every day from Morten, while I get to ride around and listen in. I’ve learned so much from watching his lessons and seeing the changes and progress in the horses. Chris is a talented rider who will discuss what he’s feeling and break it down, so I’ve really been able to pick up some great tips. 

Besides the learning aspect, it’s just been fun having these people around. Chris and Christine, his super-groom, have added extra energy and laughter to the barn, and it will seem quiet and subdued next week. Boo. 

Yesterday Christine, Kathryn, and I went up to Hjallerup to watch the Grand Prix class at the national level horse show. With 20 combinations to watch there was a lot of inspiration to be had. I promised myself I would do some cleaning in my apartment before going down and tormenting Countess with my visions of Grand Prix greatness, so I guess I’d better get off my chair and find the vacuum... 

The new year has kicked off to a good and busy start. Wednesday afternoon Sarah and I were talking about her upcoming show and she asked if I wanted to take one of my ponies to the Prix St George class Friday night since there was room in the class still.  So with one day to practice our moves, Double Up and I headed to Fredericia to see how we were doing.

While our test wasn’t perfect, I’m really happy with the Banana (his barn name, long story). I think he’s getting strong enough where I can give myself more time in the warmup without the risk of him feeling exhausted half-way through the trot.  For the first time I wish I’d had an extra five to ten minutes to get him more relaxed so he could maintain his uphill frame. 

What I’m most thrilled with was his rideability. Wow! Now that he’s an 8 year old he’s all kinds of clever and mature in the competition ring. This ring was one of the freakier arenas we’ve been in, with advertising banners everywhere, a carriage in the corner, and the public above us. Banana raised his eyebrows at a few things but never once backed off. That was such a great feeling, and I’m so proud of my big guy. 

We had a few mistakes and the frame was a little too long and low for an outstanding impression, but we still came in the middle of a big class of 21. Hooray for cleverness. 

The rest of the horses are doing great. Countess is still being her amazing Orange Goodness. A few days ago Morten said, “now you’re passaging!” While that was great to hear it did make me wonder what the hell we’ve been doing the last couple months? We’re also working to get the canter more active & underneath, while keeping it balanced & collected at the same time. It’s pretty hard but when it works all the exercises are so much better. 

I’m also having a blast with my young boys. My four 3 year olds are now 4 year olds, so it’s time to get serious... kind of. While it’s not as complicated work as what the older horses do, it’s just as rewarding. When one of them learns how to hold his own head up and balance in an uphill frame for an entire ride (of 20 minutes), it’s ridiculously thrilling. Or the first time they truly take the outside rein and bend through a corner or balance through a circle? Delightful! 

So now all the horses are technically one year older and the expectations will be a little higher. I’m ready for the challenge and, it seems, so are the horses!