Before I get too far ahead, a HUGE thank you to Denny and May Emerson and everyone at Tamarack Hill Farm for letting us invade and being beyond kind to us while we were down there. It's a beautiful farm, great facility and there is no better person to ride with than Denny!!
We all learned a lot, I lessoned about every day I was there on one or both of my horses. Steve was his usual "game" self and was eating up the cross country schooling. I think he is definitely ready for this years competition season. We have definitely grown up QUITE a bit - our first cross country schooling I had an un rateable wild beast (we busted a breastplate or two...no kidding) while this outing had a forward, game but RIDABLE horse underneath me (such a better feeling!!) Our first approach to water in schooling is usually a bit hairy, but with minor hesitation he walked right in....and also jumped right in, with a giant splash (I was SOAKED!!!) Anyway, it was definitely a confidence boost for the both of us, making me BEYOND ready to get into the show arena this spring.
As many of you know, Chile has been available for sale...after a long talk with Denny, it has been decided that she is going to stick around for a little while longer and get some more miles under her belt. I wanted to take it a little easy with her due to her age, so no cross country schooling after the long trip, but she hacked around brave as ever and we had a great flat lesson. It was a great experience for her and I learned a lot of things to add to the toolbox to help with my training of other horses in my program.
On a sidenote - we are looking to lease Jolie out to the right home. I don't think I will have the time to really compete her this coming season so am making the proactive decision to find the right fit for her to keep her active and showing. It's a tough decision, having owned her for her entire life but I think it will be beneficial in the long run. Remember to pass her info along!!