I first must say WOW! What an amazing experience. Galloping on the cross country course at Rolex was everything I imagined! 
Going out of the start box was the most exciting feeling ever! I have never felt so ready to ride cross country in my life. After watching Saturday mornings rides, I was a little uneasy that I possibly wasn't up for such a challenge as Rolex CCI ****. But Mike Huber, Bonner and myself re-walked all of our lines and discussed the possible options and decided to stick to the plan of taking all of the direct routes. Mike assured us that we know our horses and we know how to ride our lines and to stick to the plan.
I think both Bonner and I felt much better after the reassurance.
I went out of the start box and got every distance. The first water jump I got a bit deep to the C element of the out but kicked on and quickly left that behind me. The coffin jumped amazing! The second water had a big drop in to four strides roll top out. Buzz was foot perfect. We were off to the sunken road where this proved to be one of the most influential combinations on course. I saw my line and it was perfect. He jumped in and we negotiated the out perfectly. I remember galloping away from the sunken road with a very big smile on my face and thinking this is amazing! And I finally made it! The next fence was a beautiful cord wood that led to the head of the lake. Galloping up to the head of the lake was absolutely incredible. There had to be 10,000 people around. Buzz had a very big jump in and landed quite hard which forced me to do the option at the corner. He zipped around and did the corner and the direct route out fantastic. I came up to my 7 minute marker 10 seconds early and was having the ride of my life. Little did I know that I had been bleeding internally from hitting hard at the head of the lake. After an amazing jump at the Keepers Brush I jumped up the Normandy Bank and Buzz added two strides in the bounce at the bank. I immediately thought "something is wrong with my horse". I turned him to jump the option and as he took off it felt as though he was very tired. He landed in the trot and then walked and I immediately thought, there must be something wrong. I retired and still really had no clue other than the fact that I was in a bit of pain that something was wrong with ME. I went to the medic as well the hospital later and found out that upon impact at the head of the lake, I ruptured 2 blood vessels which then caused internal bleeding. We got Buzz's blood work back and it showed no signs of elevated levels or possible tying up issues. This then made me realize, he knew something was wrong. An unfortunate ending to a dream that I've always had, but what an amazing horse.....and what an amazing experience.
I have to say that Rolex didn't go as planned, but I know way more today than I knew a month ago, I have amazing friends and family, and it was the best experience on horseback EVER!
Buzz will now be semi-retired, only competing in CIC's here and there. Jessica Burch will be riding him at the Preliminary level and Buzz will let me know when he wants to come live in our pasture at home to live out his days. I have learned so much from this amazing horse and am better because of him. I will always cherish our partnership and my first experience as a Rolex CCI **** rider. It might have not been ideal, but it was amazing and I thank everyone for all the support and appreciate everyone's sacrifice to help get Buzz and I to the most extraordinary event in the country.

Thank you to everyone! I couldn't have been there without you!

Tamie and Buzzie XOXO

Hey everyone! It's way better than I ever imagined. We arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park yesterday evening and settled the horses into their stalls. Buzz traveled amazing and has been drinking and eating......it's a miracle!
I've been a bit uneasy until I drove into the entrance and it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. It's been a lifelong dream to be here as a competitor and not just a spectator or groom and it's finally here.
The weather is very cold and of course Buzzie is not enjoying the fact that this isn't California, however he is very happy that Genie is here as his "goat". hahaha
This morning Emily and I took the horses out for a hack and got to see most of the cross country course. It looks amazing! I can't wait to be galloping on that track!
The new stadium they built for the World Equestrian Games is amazing and definantly changes the atmosphere. Not like it really needed any more atmosphere but as soon as I saw it, I got the biggest smile on my face and really havent stopped smiling.
We have a busy day tomorrow.....we will be going to hack out in the morning, then off to the official briefing, course walk YAY! and then schooling in the big stadium in the afternoon.
I will be riding Friday afternoon and will be in great company......going after the European World Champion Nicholas Touissant and before Lucienda Fredricks who was the Badminton winner last year......I'm expecting to get some dressage vibes from both of those horses.
That's about it so far......thank you all for all the support and great messages! I received flowers from Kathleen Murphy and Winnie this afternoon. What a pleasant surprise!
Til tomorrow.......I will be going to sleep now dreaming of the most relaxed, accurate dressage ride ever. I'm very happy to be here and feel like the luckiest girl ever!

We are still doing good here in Texas. Genie and Buzz get to go out in grass pasture at night and they finally let Manuel catch them this morning.
I had to go to the dentist today because I was having pain in my lower left side. I thought for sure that I had a cavity, especially with all of the candy I have been eating in the truck, but the dentist said that I have been grinding my teeth and that my entire lower jaw is bruised. Imagine that! It's amazing what a little stress will do. hahaha
Well Mallory got to ride Genial yesterday.......she is in love and now if we could convince her dad to come up with an extra $65k he could be hers. Not convinced that will happen. Michelle has ridden Genie a couple of times and doing a fantastic job.
We leave for Holly Hill in Louisiana on Friday early morning. Buzz will compete in the Intermediate division and Genie will compete in the Training division. Looking for a good confident go our last outing before Rolex.
We will arrive at Rolex on Monday morning.....I can only imagine how that is going to feel pulling up as a competitor this time instead of a spectator.
I will continue to keep everyone posted! Thank you again to everyone for your wonderful support and well wishes.

will be checking back in a couple of days.......

Tamie

Today was another day of riding at the barn. I had jumping lessons with Mike today. Genie was a bit full of herself.....as usual. Buzz jumped fantastic. Jumping very well was a great confidence booster. The last few weeks it hasn't felt like Buzz and I have been on the same page, so today was exremely needed. It will be great being here to really focus on Buzz. My lesson on Genie was really helpful also. It's really great being here with not only great instruction but being here with Heather too. Heather and I are like sisters and grew up together......so it's going to be very nice to experience my first Rolex with her.
Michelle and I helped Heather gallop horses today. It's a complete different way to condition since they do not have hills here.....and Heather has some pretty amazing horses. Michelle and I had a blast.
Thanks to Mary Pat and Barry from Plastic Source, Buzz gets to wear his Centurian Magnetic Blanket twice a day. He loves it!
I really have had amazing people help me get where I'm at. Rose from Big Horse Feed has been amazing with all of her help getting me outfitted and well equiped for Rolex!!!!.............and Chris who whips everyone into shape at Big Horse talked to me about Buzz and his diet and suggested us to put him on Adeptus Gleam and Gain. I wasn't sure he would eat it, but he loves it and it really has made a difference. Buzz didn't loose any weight traveling to Texas and that was with our unplanned stop in Deming, New Mexico. Dr. Emily Sandler has been instrumental with Buzz's treatments in prep for Rolex. We have really conformed a team of amazing people. Because it is true what they say.."It takes a Village"!

So we are supposed to be getting rain tonight and tomorrow. We get to sleep in tomorrow and going to ride in the afternoon.

Here are a few more updated pictures.......I love the Buzzard! He's so great!
Bonner Carpenter from Mike's us riding for her al

Our day started very early this morning…it was about 45 degrees and Michelle got to gallop “My Goody Bar” this morning. Rick ponied her at first and then let her go. It was pretty cool to see….obviously by the huge smile on her face.  Mallory got to ride one of the pony horses. She has now been appointed not only the NLE braider but now our official photographer.  I think I better be careful that Rick doesn’t try to steal them….they had way to much fun.  

 I rode Buzz after Michelle got done galloping. Buzz was much better this morning then he has been the last couple of rides. Hopefully we stay on the upswing.

So Marvin came into the shop at the crack of dawn this morning to finish the truck. He drove it a lot through town passing us numerous times and waving and none of us had a clue who he was, or that he was driving my  truck. Dumb girls! Hahaha

So we hooked up the truck, packed up the horses, and went for another test drive. We decided Marvin is coming to Margie’s to build her a windmill at the ranch. He does it all….and reminds me of my brother-in-law, Steve. I’m figuring if we can convince him were not too crazy he might just do it.

The Madrid’s took us to breakfast this morning….it was actually sad to leave. Pepper and Jacob remind me so much of Tyler. It’s getting hard being away from Ty and Lana.

The Madrid’s are coming out in December to the Tamale Festival so we will be seeing them all soon. Can’t wait!

So we left Deming at about 1:00pm after having Michelle and Mallory sucking out helium from the Ford balloons. I’m pretty sure that does some kind of damage to your brain but not quite sure. It had to because Michelle thought the rest stop said “PANIC EXIT” instead it actually said “PICNIC EXIT”. Margie was pretty funny when she said, “Oh yeah, were supposed to pull over, scream and then get back on the freeway”. Note to self, don’t suck on helium.

We just got to Adelene, Texas and the truck is still pulling great. No flames behind us so that’s good.  

So we should be pulling into Mike Huber’s at about 2am. Genie and Buzz get to be turned out in a huge pasture. It will be so nice being in our destination for a few days.

Hope your all doing well………………til next time!               -Tamie

Well, the bad news is were still in Deming New Mexico, the good news is we found STARBUCKS!

We got to drive to El Paso to pick up parts for the truck because once again parts were not ordered correctly, and Margie almost gave Tamie a heart attack............when all of a sudden she screamed out Starbucks!!!! We haven't seen a Starbucks since we left Cali on Sunday morning.
That was our good news for the day!!!

So Marvin, who has been working on the truck needs to do a few more things to make it perfect. I have a feeling everything is going to be done correctly this time, but not after another big chunk of change that Tamie has to pay out of pocket since Dyna-Trans in Temecula will not pay for their mistakes. That's an entire different story. Hopefully they come to their senses before too long.

The Madrid Family (who have our horses and loaned us their truck) celebrated Jacob Madrid's 6th birthday. We celebrated by going to Super Walmart and buying him 2 cap guns. Pepper (Jacob's brother) who is 7 and a half and Jacob are the most well mannered kids around. We have really had fun getting to know them and the rest of the family.

Tomorrow, Michelle and Tamie will be getting up early to go ride before the 65 mile an hour winds start. That is NOT a joke. This has got to be the windiest city around. We were starting to re-think our moving to Deming after today. We had to go buy Abby (Tamie's dog) a leash so she didn't blow away.

Michelle gets to work a racehorse for Rick Madrid tomorrow.....Tamie decided she better lay low and not press her luck......getting on a strange 2 year old is probably not a good idea, but it will be very fun to watch Michelle.

As for today we learned a few more things about Deming, New Mexico

The people are still very nice.

Cops will pull you over for going two miles over the speed limit, but you can ride in the back of a truck while drinking a beer.

Marvin and Chucka at Ford still need a raise.

And the quote of the day..............

I better go check to see if I need to scrape Tamie off the ceiling. - Margie Molloy

Were hoping for a uneventful rest of a trip to Texas.....looking forward to get to see Heather and Mike and let the horses be on grass pasture although we are going to miss our friends here in Deming. I have a feeling we will be keeping in touch!

til tomorrow...............

Yes, we are still in Deming New Mexico. Things went from bad to worse as far as the truck goes. The company that worked on Tamie's truck was being so great and dealing with warranting their work and then decided they would only warrenty the parts they replaced in the truck. So it not only cost $4300 to upgrade the truck but now it is going to cost another $1500 to try and fix what was done incorrectly and the company is not helping.
Everything happens for a reason RIGHT! Well that's how we are trying to stay sane.
Thank god for Margie being here or Tamie would have lost her mind.
On a lighter note we have learned alot about Deming New Mexico.

They have the best transmission guy in the world.....his name is Marvin and he works at Ford. Marvin needs a raise because you can't find help and knowledge like this!

Never ask if there is a bathroom.....ask where it is.....people tell you to go outside and scrape bark off of the tree for toliet paper.

Breaking down in Deming is amazing, because everyone is nice!

When you order Chili Fries they bring you Frys with Green chilies on them

Bring sunscreen and allergy medicine

Order Ribs from Adobe Deli............they are amazing!

Follow the rules....there are a lot of cops

There are 54 churches and 3 motels.......not sure if people really need Jesus or that is why everyone is so nice.

There is 1 Sonic, which is the most amazing fast food.

There is 1 Super Walmart and O movie theaters


And last but not least.....the quote of the day

"Tequila makes people around me fall down" - JUSTIN, From CarQuest

Well we started on our epic journey from Liberty Oaks, our first planned stop being Dallas, Texas. It was around lunchtime when we got Buzz and Genie happily situated in their individual box stalls which contained two hay bags, one with bermuda and one with alfalfa, two water buckets, and their grain. They were able to move freely as if they were still at home in the barn.
Things were going fantastic, the truck was prepared and had a lot of work done to it to make our trip smooth and have it pull the trailer easily. We were ready for our trip and so excited to finally be heading to Texas for our prep for Rolex when at 1am in the morning a car pulled up beside us and flagged us off the road. While Michelle and Tamie were panicing and telling Margie "DON'T PULL OVER, THEY MIGHT HAVE A GUN AND ARE TRYING TO KILL US". Margie of course looked at Michelle and Tamie like they were crazy and got out of the vehicle to see if something was wrong. Out the darkness appears an elderly man and woman, of course Michelle and Tamie both still hiding in the truck with the doors locked were still convinced the couple were axe murderers. When the gentleman said, "Your truck is on fire"! We of course didn't believe him and proceded to get back on the freeway, calling our good and faithful farrier "Sage" asking him what we should do. He said to find a safe place and stop because the rear end of the truck was leaking alot of fluid.
We pulled off at the next exit......thinking we must be in the middle of nowhere since the only thing in sight was a Motel 6. We parked the trailer next to our room and frequently checked on the horses in the box stalls in the trailer.
8am didn't come early enough. We found the only automotive shop in town, which was a Ford dealership....called Jack Key Ford, in Deming New Mexico.
Charles, aka Chucka......was our first person we spoke to at the dealership and has been the best source of help. He introduced us to a friend of his who has a racehorse facilty where Buzz and Genie could stay. It wasn't 30 minutes and he had his friend Rick show up with his truck and trailer. We loaded the horses and took them to the facility where they were able to be turned out. Rick, who owns and operates CarQuest Auto Parts down the street from Ford went above and beyond. He loaned us his fathers truck and took our horses to his facility. 
I have to say......if you had to break down anywhere, DEMING NEW MEXICO is the place to be. Rick Madrid and his wonderful family, his father Henry have treated us like family and they didn't know us from a hole in the ground. It really is amazing and a blessing to know there is still good hearted people in the world today.

Until tomorrow.................goodnight!