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Monday, January 23, 2012
Welcoming 2012
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
9:12 pm pst
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Lessons learned..............The end of the season is here…..and
everyone is writing about how great and educational 2011 was…..and those of us who didn’t have a great season
or should I say a frustrating one are not writing about it at all. I pondered for a few days about updating my blog. I thought
to myself….would it be that obvious that I didn’t write about anything for months……probably not..….and
then my wise and wonderful husband scrapped me off of the floor, looked at me and said….."I read something really
good that you should read"…..it defiantly sparked my interest. He said, “I read an article about professional
athletes struggling when they are about to achieve a long standing goal. For instance….Barry Bonds had trouble right
before making world records in baseball.” He then looked at me….put his hand on my leg and said….."this
is all normal". "You’re a great rider and you’re going places". I took a deep breath and thought
to myself, how can I for one second be so devastated when I have this guy on my team! The last week so many of my friends have been so great! Supportive!
Encouraging! It’s important to have a strong support system…..especially when things don’t pan out the
way you dreamed….planned…..or even remotely thought! You find out the true character of people when things don’t go as planned. Mostly I
was pleasantly comforted! I can’t imagine what Leigh was going through knowing Dinero and I had crashed and being so
far away. She couldn’t have been more supportive! And some who just thrive on someone else’s failures….those
are the people you feel sorry for….because they can’t help but thrive on your misfortune. You can’t help
but feel like the world is caving in….and then……reality hits…and you realize that there is more
to life than competing on the US Equestrian Team……..or even just wanting to become one of the best riders
in the world……. and no matter what, anyone worth caring about still loves you the same! Now don’t get me wrong…..I was down
for a few days……but those of you who know me……know it was no more than 3……and during
those 3 days my house sure got sparkling clean!! As for my goals......well they are still there….and they are so close I can taste them! I know at the
right time I will be able to represent my country as I have always dreamed. I’ve been accused of having a bit too much
American spirit, but I can’t help it……it’s just a part of my make-up! I know that with success you must have failure……and
with failure the smart ones learn. I’ve learned more this year than I have learned in my entire career of riding……which
says a lot considering I’ve been competing since I was 8 years old and I’m now…….well…..I’ve
finally reached the mid 30 range of finally maturing…which I can bet will make my life a lot easier in the future.
I’m sure you all have heard
the saying……you can’t substitute experience. It’s so true……things that come with experience
are almost un-teachable. So as I become experienced and mature I realize that all of this is NOT for nothing……all
of this is part of the journey to success. I will continue to learn and grow and some might think my goals are unthinkable……but
some you never thought I would make it this far. So I have to say a big thank you to everyone who continues to believe in me…..support my crazy dreams…..and
honestly no matter what happens tomorrow, next year, or in the future I already have so much to be thankful for.
9:00 pm pst
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Decisions............It feels like eternity since the last time
I sat down with my computer and started trying to think of clever things to say……and now I have a lot of feelings
that I’m sure if you could open up my head it would be a huge scramble of overwhelming information not many people would
quite know what to do with……that includes myself. Since our last meeting, so much has happened. We competed at Woodside H.T. and most recently Richland
Park Pan Am selection trials. Woodside
was a great show and being able to coach and ride some babies was refreshing! I recently got the ride on a very cute TB Gelding
by the name of Top Secret, owned by Krystie Bush. He competed at Woodside in a very competitive Open Preliminary class and
won. This little horse has probably the biggest heart of any horse I have ever ridden. He then went on to Richland Park and
competed in the Open Intermediate and I went into the show not putting any pressure on the result……well maybe
a little. But most importantly I wanted to see if “Sai” was ready for the level. He had competed OI with his previous
rider, who by the way has done a great job at getting this guy around. The course was huge to say the least
and Sai really had his work cut out for him. He would end up 2nd after cross country with a double clear and go
into a very technical show jumping course with no rails to spare. Sai jumped his heart out, but just had the in of the triple
combination which was our last fence on the course so we would move down to 5th position in the class. Still not
shabby for whom we were competing against! I was thrilled with him and his ability to try harder than any horse! We will come
home and continue to work on strength. The next competition will be the Area VI Championships…..I’m looking forward
to seeing how that show works out and riding my favorite mare Fleeceworks Fernhill! This year overall has been so exciting…..consisting of a lot of travelling
and I’m assuming its only going to get better. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed because I have some decisions to
make and soon. We headed off to
the Pan Am Selection Trial last week. Thanks to a travel grant given by the USEF we were able to fly Dinero this time. He
has been on a trailer quite a lot this season and I really wanted to give him a break from the travel. WOW!!! What an experience!
Flying is the way to go! It was so easy….Greg at Tex Sutton really made everything so easy! So much can go wrong and
these guys were so organized…..it was a fantastic experience and frankly spoiled me! I went into the selection trial feeling the most prepared mentally
and physically then I have ever felt. Dinero felt the best he has ever felt and the weekend really went well. I believe in
my bones this horse has it all. Some might look at me crazy, but Dinero, although a bit difficult sometimes…..is truly
a class act with unending talent! I
was picked first in the division! YES! First…..again! Are you serious!!!! CANCEL! I quickly wiped out of me mind that
being first would be a bad thing and focused on how great it would be. Dinero and I put in a great test! He was very relaxed and his trot work was beautiful! We scored a
47 and that put us just 3 points out of the lead sitting in 4th place. The cross country as always with good ol Ian Stark was a BLAST! Don’t
tell anyone, but so far my favorite course designer! I’ve jumped things in every one of his courses that I had never
jumped before. And it always rides perfectly! Dinero was a champion! We ran around the advanced course like it were Novice.
Very exciting as I’ve struggled a bit with control this year…..I can thank my good friend and Dineros owner Leigh
Mesher for getting the brakes back! THANK YOU LEIGH!!!! We moved up a spot after cross country and I was really feeling confident
going into show jumping. The course had some technical lines and was a good track for us both. Much to my dismay as I entered the ring, Dinero as he usually
does got a bit tense. He quickly relaxed going up to the first fence and I rode it very soft thinking and always believing
that my horse would and does jump above the standards….we had the first rail down behind. I thought to myself……really!!!?….crap…..well
put your leg on a bit more….and the rest of the course Dinero was flipping his head quite a bit….it was clear
something was bothering him. We would have another down in the triple combination which I didn’t even hear come down.
A huge disappointment as I haven’t had a rail on him in 6 shows. We got back to the barn and he had a slice in his mouth
which would make the puzzle come all together and from that point forward it was wondering what the selectors were thinking!
When I stopped and looked at our
overall performance I was very pleased! But I’ve never been one to be happy when I haven’t achieved perfection.
I felt like it was a bit of bad luck…..but really I’ve been riding Dinero for 6 months now…..trying to
develop a partnership at the advanced level and I’m really happy that every show everything comes more and more together.
The best part of the whole weekend
was Bec came and groomed for me and did an amazing job, Dave was there to cheer me on and I got to see my best friend and
share a great week with her…Heather Morris! Tuesday afternoon I received a call from the USEF congratulating me on my selection and just 30 minutes after that
I received a call from Sara Ike notifying me that I received a grant to compete at Boekelo CCI3* in the Netherlands and that
Mike Huber would be calling me shortly with the details. I’m not sure I’ve had that many emotions flow through my body ever in my life. This is
what I’ve worked so hard for……and it’s here! I have so many people to thank for helping me get
here and I know it’s just the beginning, but I am the first one to say this….it’s been a long rough road
and there wasn’t nothing that was gonna get in my way! I just didn’t realize it would come to fruition! So now for the decision making…..do I
go to Boekelo and compete in the CCI3* on our Nations Cup Team or hold out for the Pan American Games. It is a big decision
and I’m very lucky to be in such a position! Dinero and I have a fabulous new partnership…..we have many more exciting things to happen in our future and
I am very lucky to have Leigh Mesher be such a great supporter and reality check for me. She was one of the first people I
called when I got the news…..I was a bit overwhelmed and I guess emotional and she used her new motherly instincts
and quieted me down….talked about our options and everything seemed so much more clear. So this month will be a busy one…..I have some dressage
shows, some jumper shows and a couple horse trials to attend. I am looking forward to being home for a bit and getting into
a routine….soon to be shaken up with some exciting new adventures. Again, I can’t thank every one of my friends and family! I know I have a huge pool of people
routing for me and it means more than you know! Thank you to all of my sponsors and I’m ready for this ride so hang on!!!!
Til we meet again...........kick
on and stick on!
8:51 pm pdt
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Remembering Rebecca Broussard......This weekend was full of everything that comes with eventing and competing. But it also was full of remembering a staple in
our sport "Rebecca Broussard". We spent the week remembering a wonderful woman who has not only been instrumental
in the sport of eventing, she and her family have put West Coast Eventing on the map. It was inspiring to hear her beliefs,
the story of her life, and what she brought to fruition. I never knew Mrs. Broussard well, but I could see as anyone who knew
her, the passion she had for our sport and helping people! In her memory they developed The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider
Grant. This grant will be awarded to help developing riders travel and compete at Rebecca Farm each year. Candidates that
travel and compete at Rebecca Farm will then go on and interview for The Rebecca Farm International Grant. Each year 30k will
be awarded to one individual to help them achieve there goals of riding at the top level of the sport of eventing and help
them get that much closer to competing for Team USA. I was fortunate to receive a travel grant to help with competing at Rebecca
Farm. I then interviewed with the Endowment Trust Committee for the International Grant and although was nervous I quickly
became intrigued with the knowledge I learned about Mrs. Broussard and her vision for the sport of eventing. This woman has
helped so many people start their careers or even just continue them. She believes in keeping the sport alive and that is
exactly what we have lost in our sport. The Broussards are not just people who have money to put on the best competition in
the country or even the world, they are believers in The Sport of Eventing and its because of them that the West Coast has
thrived! Yes, there are more people that have a lot to do with the success of west coast eventing. But the generosity both
within there local community and the eventing community is astronomical. I asked what Mrs. Broussards vision was....and what
I mostly got out of the Committees response was that Becky wants to keep this sport alive! I reflected on that and thought
to myself, what can I do to keep eventing alive.....I know I already feel the same! I love this sport. It has keep me up in
my darkest days and kicked me right back down when I needed to be. Its been what saved me and raised me from a kid to a woman....its
what has created most of my lifelong friendships. So I guess if your reading this blog....its because you love eventing too.
So let's give back and try and help promote and keep eventing alive! No matter how big or small your contribution is......Team
USA and Eventing need a rebirth! We need to pick our sport up and believe again! Believe that we have brilliant horses with
talented riders and supportitive owners and sponsors! And mostly an amazing supportive community! We need to have pride and
even when the going is not going good....we need the eventing community to stick behind this sport and pick it up, instead
of stomp on it and point fingers. There are too many people in this world who thrive on failures.....our country sure isn't
about that.....and neither is Eventing! We all have a personal obligation to help lift our sport up and bring it back alive!
Let's create what I had as I watched the 1984 Olympics.....I sat on my living room floor and said, "I wanna go to
the Olympics and represent my country"! We need that again! We need that passion back in this sport again! So when someone
looks at you and says....your an Eventer!? Say.....yes...and we have the best equine athletes in the world, we have the toughest
competitors in equestrain sports, and know that we have the most supportive community in any sport because we know how hard
it is to lead from start to finish, and sometimes the under dog comes from nowhere and wins, sometimes the best of the best
wins, but there is one thing for sure in eventing.....you never know! Keep kicking on.....and do your part to bring
Eventing ALIVE! Bye for now, T
7:48 pm pdt
Rebecca Farm Recap.......Here I sit on Southwest flight 1190
on my way to Young Rider Championships to coach and show my support to our Area VI Team and my student Scott Kuhlman.
This will be Scott's last year competing at NAYRC and its especially meaningful because he's riding Clark
Kent, a scopey horse that I found as a hunter reject. I'm very excited for him and really want all the stars to
align and let Scott and Clark shine like I know they can.
Michelle and I arrived to the farm last night
at about 12:30 after driving straight through from Montana. The drive took exactly 24 hours for us....and once
again "the goat" was a good truck! Buying a Dodge has been the best investment not only to our pocketbook
but for mine and my husbands sanity! I spent a whopping 12 hours at home. Kissed my kids and cuddled with my wonderful
husband and off I went to the airport.
I have to say that as an overall picture Rebecca Farm was highly successful!
It was so good to have Michelle back helping me! She is such a great help! We started our trip by heading up to
John Camlin's farm in Washington. Its always very nice to go to Caber Farm and take the horses for a spin before
heading to Rebecca Farm. John is very helpful and I think a great supplement to my program.
When we arrived
in Washington...you will never guess, but it was raining! Yeah, much better than the 100+ degree weather we've had
at home, however I quickly got tired of feeling soggy! I taught a clinic up at Annie Grandias place and had a great
time teaching eager students! I had a chance to ride with the master "Mr. Jimmie Wofford" and learned
as always about how to make my position more efficient and to let my horse jump the best he/she can. I was
going into Rebecca Farm with a lot on my mind....Dinero and I are still perfecting our partnership and although every
phase continues to get better and better, I still feel as though I want it to happen faster. I know...I have to be patient. And....at the end of the day, I really don't feel like it can happen any faster.
Preparing
Dinero for the 3* test was very tricky. Niki (my dressage trainer) and I have really brainstormed how to best prepare
him for the test. We took him and Fernhill to a dressage show to figure out the best warm up we could for both of them. It's really about staying 2 steps ahead of them. Dinero and I put in a very respectable test. With
a lot of 8's on the sheet.... it shows that the progress is getting better. The ring at Rebecca Farm is especially
difficult with cross country running and this year we had some wind and cool weather. I guess a good test and
preparation for those rides in Europe coming up! This cross country was especially nerve racking for me for a million
reasons. But mostly because Pan American Games are coming up, selectors are watching everyone's every move
and really anyone who wants to lean towards that track has to produce good results. Its tough trying to develop a partnership
on a new horse in 4 months and after coming home from Bromont I really wanted to show that Dinero and I can put
in a fast clean round. If only I had jumped the correct 3rd to last fence! I finished the course, feeling relieved and
exhausted and I heard the announcer say I was technically eliminated. WHAT! That's impossible! No....it wasn't.....and
I quickly came off my adrenaline high of jumping around clean. As I grabbed my helmet on my head, something in my head
said, take a deep breathe and go take care of your horse and cry later. D came in the box fit and having more
gas in the tank. I however had none. Luckily Leah Mesher (Dinero's owner) was there and basically said I was crazy
for running him around the xc in a snaffle. Thank you Jesus! I can put the queen mary back in his mouth and get
my life back! Leah is right when she says Dinero is a masochist. She's said "He likes barb wire in his mouth
and Tamie's legs wrapped around him". Oops! Did I repeat that! Well it was too funny not to. That's one
of the things I love most about Leigh! She says it like it is! I had so many friends come show there support with
a hug, or a pat on the shoulder. Oh and Sarah Kelly flicked me in the head. Haha But after I cried, I quickly got my
composure and held my head up despite wanting to go hide in the french mans stall and cry on his head!
I got the phone call Sunday morning from The Captain, that they wanted to look at Dinero again. The team vets
look over the horses to do an overall lameness evaluation to make sure the horses are going well and sound. Dinero passed
with flying colors and The Captain, Leigh and I headed back out to the cross country course with The French man.
I put the big bit back in his mouth and it was smooth sailing! Good communication goes along way let me tell you! Always
remember it takes a village! But you have to pick who's going to be in the village first and not listen to
the rest! That wisdom is worth a million dollars!!! Not only did Fleeceworks Fernhill and I win the
CCI1*, Fernie won the award for most improved this weekend. What a mare! She has been one that I have really had to take my time with and let her grow at her own pace. She's a funny combination of very sensitive and hot, but
stubborn and dull. It can be tough to predict and every ride is always a different result. Judy McSwain and I have carefully
put a plan together for Fern and it paid off this weekend. Its such a great feeling to have an owner who understands
the process and is so supportive in every decision. Fernie stepped up and was brilliant in all 3 phases and was the
only 1* horse to end on her dressage score out of both the CIC and CCI divisions. Her cross country has always
been her strongest phase, but this weekend it was her show jump round! The Captain Mark Phillips said Beezie Madden
couldn't have done a better job! I'll take that compliment any day of the week! But I have to say, its
easy to ride well when your on a careful and ridable horse! It sure makes my job so much easier! :)
The newest
addition to NLE is Fleeceworks Cinco. He is a 4yr old Judith McSwain purchased from Kristi Nunnick for me to produce.
We have high hopes for the sweet gentle giant. He's a very easy going and trainable creature. I'm having a blast riding him and this weekend he dominated all 3 phases in the Young Event Horse class. He continues to surprise
me every time I sit on him because he trys so hard and he's just easy!
Last.... but not at all the least,
we brought Dr. Emily Sandlers 3 year old "Irish Blend". Peanut, is what we have been calling her since she
was in the womb, placed 1st in the Future Event Horse class and dominated with a score of 82. She too has an unbelievable
disposition and so easy to handle and get along with. She has been started under saddle and its so exciting to think
about her future! Not only is she gorgeous but so far has a 10 temperament!
So 3 First Place finishes out
of 4 isn't bad, and in hindsight, going back out on that xc field and schooling Dinero in his new found brakes was
worth a million bucks! We have been short listed for the Pan American Games, so we will head off to Richland
Park at the end of August to compete head to head to win a spot for the US Pan American Team!
5:04 pm pdt
Friday, May 20, 2011
Soless Visor Photo ShootWhat a fun time having a professional photographer come out and shoot us with our new Soless Visor! It's very exciting
to be a apart of Heivi's Visor Company and producing her mare Uma! I posted a few pictures so everyone could see.....the
photographer did a wonderful job! She was very creative and very friendly! Visit www.thesoless.com on how you can buy you very own UV Protected Visor. The most exciting news is that we are going to be on the cover
of Horse Connection next month. :)_
10:00 pm pdt
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Making Progress......It has been about a month since my last blog
and it feels like it was yesterday! Twin Rivers CIC3* happened….I then went onto Rolex 4* to help my best friend Heather
Morris, and I am now back continuing the daily routine of refining and perfecting as much as I possibly can as I prepare for
Bromont CCI 3*. Twin Rivers
was a great event for Dinero and I…..I really felt like we made a lot of progress and it started to feel as though
we had some mutual thinking on how things are supposed to go. I really feel like everyday gets better and better. It’s
so refreshing to see his continued improvement and our trust developing. The dressage at Twin Rivers is always very hard so
I was not as thrilled as I wanted to be, however it was good enough to put us in the lead with a 50.4. It was then onto cross
country where I really wanted to have a good steady go…..with enough horse to keep going if I needed too and that is
exactly what I had. Dinero’s fitness has felt great and he surprises me how fast the Frenchman is! J My
other horses I competed all performed great! Fleeceworks Fernhill put in a personal best on the dressage phase! She really
is getting so much stronger and although the cross country for her is her strong phase we continue to keep working on getting
her better on the flat to assure when she moves up to Intermediate it’s as successful as it can be! This mare is very
special and I’m really excited about our future! After attending Rolex Kentucky 4*…..it really makes me want to return on horseback as soon
as possible! Walking the course and watching Heather compete was really a great experience for support, but as most of you
know…..it’s much harder to watch and support than to do it yourself. I went to help groom for Heather and mostly
just be there for moral support. Tamara Ryan, who works for me came along and really did the grooming. And I might add….did
a phenomenal job! She stepped up to the plate and Heather and Roe were stunning! Give that girl a job that involves organizing
and cleaning and she’s your man! Everyone involved with Team Express….from the owners, friends, friends of friends,
coaches, mom, Jake and last but not least Doc were really unbelievable! Heather has as good of a group and crew as I do…..and
that’s pretty hard to believe! As
many of you know there is a “Closest to the Score Competition” that we are running…..we had a few problems
with the launch at Twin Rivers, however for those of you who donated your score amount…..we will accept a revised score
for Woodside and you will still be eligible for the basket at Woodside. Visit the fundraising tab on my website for more information.
The sponsor basket is valued at over $500 and it's a fun way to follow the progress of Dinero and I. I will be going to coach at Galway Downs this weekend and looking
forward to focusing on just that “coaching”! We had a successful schooling this past weekend and everyone who
is competing should be feeling very prepared! We have some exciting news to announce in the next month so stay tuned for that……..until then...... Kick on and stick on! J
9:01 pm pdt
Sunday, April 17, 2011
New Blogging UpdatesGo to http://nextleveleventing.blogspot.com/ to follow updates. That way you can get up to the minute details about shows that we are at as well as updates news. Simply click on the link above and go to Follow! Its super easy! Thanks for following!
Tamie :)
5:46 pm pdt
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Galway Downs Recap........It’s about that time to reflect and
look onto the future……… Galway Down’s was a very good event….educational and an overall good performance from all of my horses.
Of course I’m crazy competitive so I’m never completely satisfied unless it’s a 1st place, however
nonetheless, pleased! John Camlin
came to our farm and helped sharpen me up on my show jumping…..a smack on my elbow and my chin and I was sitting and
looking up with good equitation pretty quickly. Of course everyone enjoys when they see me get reprimanded. I think it’s
a good part of learning, both for my students and me. We headed off to Galway and I was able to ride with “The Captain” (Mark Phillips that
is) since he was out for training sessions. The insight helped tremendously and I really felt that I made more progress with
my riding. Mar De Amor,
affectionately known as “Dinero” or “D$” “Super D” or “Handsome” and the list
goes on……of course every horse in our barn has multiple silly names, but it’s what we do. So “Dinero” is a new ride for me
and I’m thrilled to be riding him. Thank you Leigh Mesher!!! Galway was our first 3* together after a short 6 weeks.
I am thrilled with the progress we made each day. It’s a process to learn about each other and to develop our trust
towards one another but we are getting closer and closer each week. Dinero’s flat work is coming along. He is a very
smart horse and has a whole bag of tricks up his sleeve. I think a new nickname might be Inspector Gadget! Nevertheless, Dinero
put in a very workman like test and scored a 45.9. We were a little conservative but very obedient and would love to score
that any day of the week. The show jumping was the afternoon of dressage and I’m not certain if it was beneficial to
me or not having to jump the same day as dressage. I was trying to work out a few new techniques with Dinero so some of my
round was very good, and some needs more work. I plan to go take some lessons from Hutch and hit a few jumper shows before
we think about moving onto a CCI3*. The cross country course was brilliant as always. Ian Stark builds
a course like the horses he used to ride. Big and Bold! There hasn’t been a time that I haven’t had a blast riding
around his tracks! We are very lucky to have an icon designing courses for us here in the United States! The track rode great.
Dinero and I had a little miscommunication issue at the “A” element of the angled, skinny brushes; however we
quickly regrouped and fixed our communication mishap. The rest of the course rode beautifully! I feel very lucky to be on
such a great minded, talented horse. He improves everyday and try’s his heart out at every jump. If there is something
that goes wrong it’s because he doesn’t quite understand……it’s very refreshing to be riding
a horse that has Dinero’s heart and I’m very excited for the future! The other horses I competed were Clark Kent and Fleeceworks Fernhill. Clark
competed in the 2* and one too many lunges made Clark a little tired for his dressage test. We have worked on a strategy this
spring and I just thought I had it down…..I just didn’t realize Clark would actually learn from the last show
and be so ridable. A valuable lesson learned! The rest of the competition was brilliant for us as Clark jumped a beautiful
double clear show jump and cross country! He really has grown up into a wonderful horse and I see a bright future for him. Fleeceworks Fernhill competed in the 1* and although
our dressage was green, she sure stepped up to the plate in the show jumping and cross country. Fern is such a good jumper
and careful…..she really try’s her heart out and it’s so nice to go into the ring and know your horse is
going to do her best to jump clean. I have to say that having a good woman on your side is hard to come by…..but when
you find it…..it’s like nothing else! Each competition with Fern gets better and better and it’s been so
rewarding producing this mare the last year and a half. She is really coming into her own. I posted 3 pictures this time….Clark in the dressage halting
and me saluting. That will be my salute to Scott Kulhman who will be taking over the ride to qualify for North American Young
Rider Championships. Scott’s horse “Chex” unfortunately was injured and will be on a bit of R&R so Scott
will take over the reins on Clark for the time being. I’m sure he will have the time of his life as Clark is much different
than Scott’s current 2* horse, who can be quite difficult. I expect great things from them and although I’m bummed
about not getting to ride Clark for now……I’m really excited at the same time for Scott! I haven’t
met too many people as loyal as he and I would do anything he would do! The other picture is of Fleeceworks Fernhill show jumping. Looking at her form over that oxer gives
me goose bumps! It’s really been a lot of hard work from everyone and she is finally figuring it all out! That picture
is what makes my job so fun! She has really come along way and I’m thrilled! And the last picture is Dinero and I galloping! That gallop is what makes
Eventing so special. The horse loves the gallop as much as we love it….and when you get to gallop a horse that knows
how to gallop it almost brings tears to your eyes! Well maybe because you’re going so fast…..no it’s not!
It’s because it’s an amazing feeling! We all have experienced it….either watching it or feeling it…..or
even both. I plan on galloping around a lot of cross country tracks in my future…..and hopefully for my country! Every year we start out with a plan…..hopes…..dreams…..and
every year we sometimes fulfill them…..other times we over exceed them……and some years we don’t
quite make them. I have my plans……my hopes…..and my dreams……and I believe that I can attain
them. I hope I can this year…..and next year too. I hope that I over exceed them! It takes a lot of hard work…and
I think some luck….or maybe a lot of luck……to have a sound and ready to perform athlete on the day that
it counts. I hope you all have that and I sure hope I do too! See you on the gallop lane! J
12:30 am pdt
Friday, March 25, 2011
did that really happen.......Fantastic news has been arriving at NLE and when I reflect on my previous year....I have to say it makes
me a bit nervous! But I'm going to keep my positive thinking and say....WOW and do a “jump up and down and scream”
dance! A few great things and some really great horses have come my way! I'm really excited about the up and coming
season and looking forward to ending it way better than it ended last year! This sport is very humbling and is not for the
light hearted.....however, everyone has told me that with hard work comes success so I'm going to run with that and push
for some great successes this year! Twin Rivers was a great showing for my horses and students. We always have a little
bit of a rough go this early in the season at Twin due to the cross country courses being so close to the dressage arenas.....but
for the most part, all the horses held it together and finished with respectable results. We then came home and worked
on polishing up some rough edges and were off to HITS Thermal for some show jumping. Tamara and I went and competed while
Bec and Brigit stayed home and took care of the horses at the farm. Each event Bec has shown how valuable she is and soon
I'm sure I will be helpless without her. I can't express how much of an influence it has been to my riding and performance
to have her here apart of NLE! Tamara and I came home from Thermal with a couple of wins and we were off to school at
Galway for some last minute schooling before 3 Day Ranch which happened to be fairly successful. This past weekend I
could not have foreseen my outcome in the performance of the horses I rode. Even if I had a crystal ball I don't think
I would have believed it. I competed 7 horses with 6 finishing in the 1st and 2nd position in each of their divisions. It
is always a goal of mine to perform the best dressage test and to have 0 jumping penalties if possible. However, that can
be difficult for one horse let alone 7. It was a truly brilliant weekend and I only hope I can keep it coming. All of the
students at NLE were fantastic as well, and watching each of the horses and riders improve really makes this job I do the
best in the world! So now were home and happy to bring with us all of the prizes from 3 Day Ranch. From Adeptus Nutrition,
Professionals Choice, Soless Visors and 3 Day Ranch’s beautiful coolers we were able to win some great prizes!!! I came home from 3 Day Ranch to reflect on what I can improve on and how to have the next show be as successful
as the last. There are some things I can work to improve on with each student and each horse. We have 2 weeks between 3 Day
Ranch and Galway Downs CIC…….not a lot of time to get things situated but happy that I have a plan and hoping
the weather cooperates through the next few weeks and mostly just taking each show as it comes!
Galway Downs CIC starts next week. . . . I'm hoping Galway is as great at 3 Day Ranch!
Til next time......Tamie
7:33 am pdt
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