The last few months have been very busy. Getting ready for the show season almost seems more work than the "actual" competing. I have been driving up to Los Angeles originally for Developing Riders and was invited back to the last two Training Sessions, which were extremely informative. I feel like my riding has really gotten the boost it was needing. I was able to take Bubbles as well as a few young up and coming horses. I rode with Sandy Phillips as well as The Captain and learned as much in my lessons as watching the other riders lessons. The USEF has done a great job restructuring the Training Sessions and I can't tell you how great it was to train at such a great facility as El Campeon Farms! First Class ALL THE WAY!

Recently, I have had some struggles with being too "invested" in my students and at times it can drive me a little crazy and the people around me because I want them to get better and when they take a detour or some steps back I take it as a personal defeat.

I felt as though I needed to step back and not be so "invested" because I only disappoint myself. But out of the blue I received this message today from a previous student of mine and I thought I would share it.......

Hi Tami,

I saw this quote by Winston Churchill and it made me think of you. You were always such an inspiring trainer and I've found that quality is actually a real gift. Many people can be good at teaching but not necessarily inspiring. You are/were BOTH!

It also made me think of you--as I've seen you well up with tears a few times when your students came out of the ring after a good round...... (including me when I jumped that dbl. clear round at Galway after I had had such a disastrous practice round a few days before). 

"Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself. Before you can move their tears, your own must flow. To convince them, you must yourself believe."

Anyway, just wanted to pass it along....

K


Needless to say.......I will continue to be "INVESTED"!
Thank You Kathleen!

So NLE is off to Twin Rivers for a great event this week. I will be keeping you all posted and hopefully we will try and stay dry. Rain is in the forcast. Thank God for my Kerrits Riding Jacket! I think I will be putting it to use this weekend.

Til next time..............T

Well it's been a busy start to a busy year! I just arrived @ the HITS Horse Show in Thermal. I'm looking forward to perfecting our show jumping here this week and also watch Susie Hutchison in the Grand Prix ring.
Training Sessions will begin again next week February 10th-12th at El Campeon Farms. It will be another wonderful experience and I believe an educational 3 days.
Capt. Mark Phillips as well as his wife Sandy will be teaching. I'm looking forward to working hard and learning alot!
Well I will keep everyone posted on our progress at Thermal. Until news changes I will be signing off!
Good Night All!

Best, Tamie :)