It's mid January and I can't help but wonder what good ol' 2012 has in store for
me!

I say that with a laugh for those of you who shared my 2011 with me, you know
that the past years have brought many adventures, and many lessons.

The best lesson I did learn and I think it's a lesson we all should learn is that
"Eventing" is a tough sport.....we all know that.....it takes time to find "the
horse of a lifetime", whether that's for the novice/training level amateur or
someone like me trying to find that amazing 4* horse and when you find that
special horse it takes time to develop a strong partnership......but while we
all strive for what we love and live for.....and that's success.....we have to
have fun in the process!

The process, journey or whatever you call it, is what makes up our life. That
was the best lesson I learned in 2011. My thoughts before were....if I was
having fun I wasn't working hard enough.....REALLY!!! Ha! Well I've been missing
out on more then I ever knew.

Reflection is was teaches us our lessons.....and I have done a lot of
reflecting!!!

I actually went on vacation in December with some amazing friends and got to
meet a wonderful new friend! It was a much needed break! I learned many lessons
this past year, some I wish I had learned years ago, but everyone learns at
there own time......and that was one of the lessons I learned.

Some changes have happened as always in the horse business. I have a new
assistant coming to work for me. Amy is not "new" to NLE, but new to the job.
She just graduated college and has a very nice 1* horse that she is excited
about moving up the levels.

I have some nice young horses starting their careers and I'm excited about their
futures and I am going to be riding and showing some of my clients horses this
season to help produce stronger more confident horses so their riders can go and
enjoy them.

I used to wish I had a crystal ball that would tell me my future but then I
realized.....I would never get to enjoy the process of getting there if I
already knew what was going to happen.

So 2012 is the year of enjoying the journey for me. I love my job, and I love my
life......and everyday I get to feel that amazing feeling of putting my foot in
that stirrup and sitting on an amazing creature......developing that trust and
partnership that only happens with patience and hard work........and that's a
wonderful part of the process. It took some time for me to realize that, but
thank god I did!

So here's to the future and all of the great friends I have made in the process
who share my journey of becoming a top level rider. I'm looking forward to some
fun times!

Let's have a great 2012!

T