January Clinic Schedule

January is going to be a busy, busy month with lots going on.  Check out a few of our clinic opportunities ...

Saturday, January 12th - Sunday, January 13th: Stephen Bradley @ Playland Farm (Union Bridge, MD)
Join us for two days of lessons with Stephen Bradley at the lovely Playland Farm in Union Bridge, Maryland.  Stephen enjoys teaching all levels of riders from beginners to the advanced competitor. His enthusiasm, talent for communication, and ability to inspire confidence in the horse and rider make him a hit with riders of all levels. When training with Stephen, you can be confident that you will receive expert instruction for your level of riding. You can learn more about Stephen at www.stephensbradley.com.

Saturday: Gymnastics  |  Sunday: Coursework OR Dressage

Jump lessons will be 90 minutes each, with 4 riders per group
Dressage lessons will be 45 minutes each, private (limited availability)

Costs: $110 for Jump lessons; $150 for Dressage lessons (cash, check and credit cards accepted)

Saturday, January 12th: Katie Wherley @ Bennett's Creek Farm (Frederick, MD)
Top professional Katie Wherley, of Rock Solid Training in Middletown, Maryland, will be coming to Bennett’s Creek Farm. Katie, a graduate “A” pony clubber, has trained and competed horses to the Advanced level of eventing, and has significant experience in the jumpers, hunters and dressage. Visit her web site,www.rocksolid-training.com to learn more about her!

Group jump lessons will be 90 minutes each, with 4 riders per group
Private lessons (dressage and jumping) will be 45 minutes each

Costs: $65/group lesson or $80/private lesson ($5 discount for current Pony Club members)

Wednesday, January 16th: Stephen Bradley @ A Bit Better Farm (Brookeville, MD)

Join us for another day of lessons with Stephen Bradley at the awesome A Bit Better Farm in Brookeville, Maryland.  Stephen enjoys teaching all levels of riders from beginners to the advanced competitor. His enthusiasm, talent for communication, and ability to inspire confidence in the horse and rider make him a hit with riders of all levels. When training with Stephen, you can be confident that you will receive expert instruction for your level of riding. You can learn more about Stephen at www.stephensbradley.com.

Jump lessons will be 75 minutes each, with 3 riders per group
Dressage lessons will be 45 minutes each, private (limited availability)

Costs: $110 for Jump lessons; $150 for Dressage lessons (cash, check and credit cards accepted)

Please contact Margaret Rizzo at margaret@mythiclanding.com or (301) 502-8929 to sign up for any (or all!) of the clinics.  Cash, checks and credit cards accepted.

A full list of activities for the year can be found on our web site (http://mythiclanding.com/activities.htm) or facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mythic-Landing-Enterprises-LLC/231445710243540).  Be sure to check back often for updates.  Or just tell Margaret to add you to our e-mail list.

Welcome to Sue O'Donnell!

I'm a little delayed in getting this out, but here's my official WELCOME to MLE's newest Account Manager Sue O'Donnell!  If you've come to any MLE staffed event over the past few years, you've probably seen Sue there welcoming guests, setting up silent auctions and assisting Margaret with all the small details that go into these big events.

After years of begging, I finally convinced Sue to come on board as our newest Account Manager!  Sue brings with her years of horse care and equestrian-based retail experience, and is excited to put her diverse knowledge to good use.  A recreational rider, Sue spends her free time at the barn she shares with her mom.  On a nice day you can usually find her and her appaloosa gelding Mickey out and about on a "suburban trail ride" through the development.

Susan Graham White is BACK!

I'm very excited to announce that Susan Graham White will be back to A Bit Better Farm for a 2-day clinic on December 9th-10th!  I've had a lot of riders request a multi-day clinic with Susan, so here we go!

Susan Graham White  on Sunday, December 9th - Monday, December 10th  (A Bit Better Farm in Brookeville, MD)

Not only is Susan an active upper-level dressage competitor, but she also judges at many of the area shows where you compete. Susan is an FEI dressage rider and trainer based at Wolfhaven Farm in southern Maryland. She has been an active instructor, trainer, and competitor in dressage for 25 years, and has successfully trained and coached students through the Advanced 3-day level in eventing, and to FEI levels in dressage. Learn more about Susan at www.sgwdressage.com.

Format: 45-minute private lessons
Cost: $125/lesson; $10 discount for riders signing up for a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th!) lesson

Please contact Margaret Rizzo at margaret@mythiclanding.com or (301) 502-8929 to sign up for any (or all!) of the clinics.  Cash, checks and credit cards accepted.

A full list of activities for the year can be found on our web site (http://mythiclanding.com/activities.htm) or facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mythic-Landing-Enterprises-LLC/231445710243540).  Be sure to check back often for updates.  Or just tell Margaret to add you to our e-mail list.

Another round of good news/bad news

So after a truly phenomenal run at Loch Moy, I was ready to rock it at Waredaca and end the season on a high note.  Lissell has just been going from strength to strength over the past few weeks and I just love her to pieces for it.  With the impending storm, I was a little worried as to whether I'd even be able to ride on Sunday, but thankfully it held off just long enough.

So here's our good news/bad news ...

Dressage: Good news: Lissell warmed up well, not the best she's ever been, but she was obedient.  Bad news: She was quite flat and dull in her lengthenings, but such is life.  Good news: She put in a good little test to score a 35!  Yup, a 35 ... life is good!  Special thanks to Jane and Paul for coming to help.

Stadium: Good news: Warm up was gooooood.  But then we had to sit around.  Bad news: Our final few fences were "eh."  Good news: I rode her strongly and she responded for the most part.  Bad news: We pulled 3 rails and she was back to trying to chip in and blech.  Kelley said that my winter homework is to jump big oxers on long approaches without holding her to them.

Cross Country: I don't even know where to start.  She warmed up ok.  As we headed out I gave her a good whack over the first jump in an attempt to try to get her head in the game.  Fences 2 and 3 were big galloping fences, and just ok.  She really wanted to get close to them.  The technical fences at 4ab and 5 were good and I was happy.  The bank complex was awful.  The bank down was good and our turn was good and our distance was right there, and then she chipped in and scrapped over the skinny out jump.  The trakhener was good (god I love this horse for jumping all these ditchy things without blinking).  The roll top before the half coffin was ok, and the coffin was good.  Fences 10 and 11 (gallopy fences) were eh.  Then she twisted hard over the jump right before the water, and then another hard twist over the rails into the water.  And that's where I decided to call it a day.

Special thanks to coach Kelley and my friends for being SO nice and going with the flow as I pathetically burst into tears on the walk back to the barn.  And to everyone that texted, called and asked about Lissell after seeing the big R on the results.  It's nice to know that the Princess has a little fan club.  :-)

So I'm not sure what the issue is.  I felt like I was riding her as well as I could and getting her to the fences well, but it just wasn't her day.    And it's not like she's a green horse, she knows how to jump the jumps.  So back to the drawing board to see what the deal is.  Calling my infinitely patient vet now ...

C Square Farm and Courtney Cooper present Adult Riders Equine Seminars

Don't forget about Courtney Cooper's Adult Riders Equine Seminars starting today!  She'll be covering a variety of topics ranging from common vet and farrier issues to how to prepare for a show.  And if you have a topic that you'd like to brush up on, just let Courtney know and she'll put it on the schedule.

Click on the link below for further details!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/C-Square-Farm-presents-Adult-Riders-Equine-Seminars.html?soid=1102092631929&aid=nCrFmUgMO-g

October Clinic Dates

Stephen Bradley on Wednesday, October 10th  (A Bit Better Farm in Brookeville, MD)

Stephen enjoys teaching all levels of riders from beginners to the advanced competitor. His enthusiasm, talent for communication, and ability to inspire confidence in the horse and rider make him a hit with riders of all levels. When training with Stephen, you can be confident that you will receive expert instruction for your level of riding. You can learn more about Stephen at www.stephensbradley.com.


Format: 1.25 hour group jumping lessons (3 persons maximum)
Cost: $110/per rider

Susan Graham White  on Monday, September 10th  (A Bit Better Farm in Brookeville, MD)

Not only is Susan an active upper-level dressage competitor, but she also judges at many of the area shows where you compete. Susan is an FEI dressage rider and trainer based at Wolfhaven Farm in southern Maryland. She has been an active instructor, trainer, and competitor in dressage for 25 years, and has successfully trained and coached students through the Advanced 3-day level in eventing, and to FEI levels in dressage. Learn more about Susan at www.sgwdressage.com.

Format: 45-minute private lessons
Cost: $125/lesson

Please contact Margaret Rizzo at margaret@mythiclanding.com or (301) 502-8929 to sign up for any (or all!) of the clinics.  Cash, checks and credit cards accepted.

A full list of activities for the year can be found on our web site (http://mythiclanding.com/activities.htm) or facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mythic-Landing-Enterprises-LLC/231445710243540).  Be sure to check back often for updates.  Or just tell Margaret to add you to our e-mail list.

Loudoun HTs: Good News/Bad News

Just a quick little update about the Princess Lissell.  Her first competition back from summer vacation was this past weekend at Loudoun Horse Trials (held at the Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg).

I tried a new technique with Lissell for dressage warm up.  We hacked down, worked for 15 minutes and went into the ring.  And this is where we start the good news / bad news portion of this blog ...
Good news: Lissell was great.  Stayed with me the whole time.  Stayed in front of my leg.  A little fussy, but I was happy.
Bad news: The judge hated it.  We scored a 49.1!
Good news: We weren't in last place.  Actually not even second to last.  Sweet!
Lesson learned: Extend the warm up a little bit longer until Lissell takes a breath, then just do stretchy work until we go in.

Next up was stadium.  The course was on the side of a hill.  No biggie.
Good news: Lissell felt great!
Bad news: Warm up fences were all up hill.  Ugh.  This is not mine and Lissell's strong suit.  We're still working on getting her to engage her (rather large) hind end uphill to fences.  Frustration does not even begin to describe my emotions as we punched out rail after rail.
Good news: I put the craptastic warm up behind me and went in ready to rock.
Bad news: I lost my stirrup twice and tried to fall off in the triple.
Good news: My horse is saintly and saved my patootie and we only pulled two rails.
Lesson learned: Don't go 2 months without going to a horse show.  You'll be seriously rusty in the ring.

The next day we went back for cross country.  Only good news this time ... Lissell is AMAZING!  Seriously!  She just locked on to every jump and was machine like.

Love, love, love this horse!

September Clinic Dates!

Stephen Bradley on Wednesday, September 5th  (A Bit Better Farm in Brookeville, MD)

Stephen enjoys teaching all levels of riders from beginners to the advanced competitor. His enthusiasm, talent for communication, and ability to inspire confidence in the hose and rider make him a hit with riders of all levels. When training with Stephen, you can be confident that you will receive expert instruction for your level of riding. You can learn more about Stephen at www.stephensbradley.com.


Format: 1.25 hour group jumping lessons (3 persons maximum)
Cost: $110/per rider

Susan Graham White  on Monday, September 10th  (A Bit Better Farm in Brookeville, MD)

Not only is Susan an active upper-level dressage competitor, but she also judges at many of the area shows where you compete. Susan is an FEI dressage rider and trainer based at Wolfhaven Farm in southern Maryland. She has been an active instructor, trainer, and competitor in dressage for 25 years, and has successfully trained and coached students through the Advanced 3-day level in eventing, and to FEI levels in dressage. Learn more about Susan at www.sgwdressage.com.

Format: 45-minute private lessons
Cost: $125/lesson


Please contact Margaret Rizzo at margaret@mythiclanding.com or (301) 502-8929 to sign up for any (or all!) of the clinics.  Cash, checks and credit cards accepted.


A full list of activities for the year can be found on our web site (http://mythiclanding.com/activities.htm) or facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mythic-Landing-Enterprises-LLC/231445710243540).  Be sure to check back often for updates.  Or just tell Margaret to add you to our e-mail list.

Cute pony award!

Ready to start!

All Stephen Bradley, All the Time!

Don't forget that there's still time to sign up for next Wednesday's clinic with Stephen Bradley at A Bit Better Farm (Brookeville, MD).  Lessons are $110 for small group (no more than 3 riders).  And we should have time for a few private lessons ($125 each) for those wanting dressage lessons.

E-mail me at margaret@mythiclanding.com to sign up!

Also, Stephen will be at Playland Farm this weekend teaching both days.  Lessons start at 9am and remember that auditing is always FREE!

Welcome Tara Shegogue!

I'm so excited to welcome a new member to the MLE family!  Tara Shegogue is going to be a great addition to the team as she has a lot of experience with marketing (specializing in Search Engine Optimization) and is also an accomplished photographer. Keep reading to learn more about Tara ...


Tara, a native of Delaware, graduated from James Madison University with an undergraduate in Marketing & Advertising and holds a Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from Wilmington University. With a fascination for the vast world of Google, Tara began focusing her efforts into learning SEO (Search Engine Optimization). A horse enthusiast since the beginning, she has been riding for over 15 years. She rode for JMU's equestrian team in college and did the jumper circuit while working as a horseback trail guide on Massanutten Mountain. Now she focuses most of her efforts on riding Thoroughbreds off the track and dabbling in eventing and dressage. While not working on marketing, Tara can be found behind the lens of her camera, as she is also a professional wedding and event photographer.

August Stephen Bradley clinics ... sign up now!

Saturday/Sunday, August 4th-5th @ Playland Farm (Union Bridge, MD)


Wednesday August 8th @ A Bit Better Farm (Brookeville, MD)

Stephen's August clinic dates are quickly approaching!  All lessons are $110 each (cash, check and credit cards accepted).  Groups are limited to 4 people for 90 minutes at Playland, and 3 people for 75 minutes at ABBF.

Stephen enjoys teaching all levels of riders from beginners to the advanced competitor. His enthusiasm, talent for communication, and ability to inspire confidence in the hose and rider make him a hit with riders of all levels. When training with Stephen, you can be confident that you will receive expert instruction for your level of riding. You can learn more about Stephen at www.stephensbradley.com.

To sign up, e-mail margaret@mythiclanding.com!

July Clinics Update!

Hi Everyone!


I thought I would just give everyone an update on the summer clinic schedule.  I hope to see you at one (or all) of the activities listed below!

Mary Macklin on Sunday, July 1st @ Woodvale Farm in Frederick, MD
Whether you and your horse are just starting trot poles or ready to go out at Preliminary, Mary can help! Her years of bringing young horses of all types up through the levels gives her a wonderful knowledge base to help you progress. Mary also has years of experience teaching young students too, all ages are welcome! Her positive approach to each horse and rider keep her students smiling!


Format: 90-minute group lessons (4 persons maximum) or 45-minute private lessons
Cost: $70/per rider/group lesson or $90/per rider/private lesson


To sign up, e-mail alexislevy09@gmail.com

Stephen Bradley on Wednesday, July 11th @ A Bit Better Farm in Brookeville, MD
Stephen enjoys teaching all levels of riders from beginners to the advanced competitor. His enthusiasm, talent for communication, and ability to inspire confidence in the hose and rider make him a hit with riders of all levels. When training with Stephen, you can be confident that you will receive expert instruction for your level of riding. You can learn more about Stephen at www.stephensbradley.com.


Format: 1.25 hour group jumping lessons (3 persons maximum)
Cost: $110/per rider


To sign up, e-mail margaret@mythiclanding.com.

Glenda Player's Biomechanics Clinic on Saturday, July 14th & 21st @ Playland Farm in Union Bridge, MD
An afternoon clinic, you will start with an Unmounted Session, which is oriented toward achieving a high awareness of one's own habits and biomechanics, thus aiding each individual rider to a heightened performance once re-mounted. This is followed by a mounted session where you apply what you learned in the unmounted session to your riding. Group sessions allow everyone to learn from each other in a positive and encouraging environment. These are fun and enlightening days!


Format/Time: 3:30pm - 6:30pm; dressage on the 14th; jumping on the 21st
Cost: $75/per rider


To sign up, e-mail glenda@playlandequestriancenter.com


Also, Stephen Bradley will be back on Saturday/Sunday August 4-5 (Playland Farm) and then on August 8th (A Bit Better Farm).  E-mail margaret@mythiclanding.com to sign up for either (or both) or those dates.  

FINAL Bromont Synopsis! from Lindsay Kelley

Special thanks to Lindsay Kelley for her Bromont coverage!


Hi Friends,

I bet every one thought I forgot to write my final Bromont update email! Well guess what- I didn't! I was waiting for my event video to come in so that I could share that with you, as well!

My recap from Bromont could be pages and pages long with just how much I learned and saw. However, I will spare you and just give you the good stuff.

Among the millions of things I learned at Bromont- I learned a few things that stuck out most significantly.

First and foremost- I learned about the high pressure, highly stimulating, exciting atmosphere produced by multiple factors; the biggest being the goals and standards that everyone was there to meet. Each person had a different goal, a different standard of success, and a different measure of satisfaction- one being a good run in front of the Olympic selection panels for a spot on the Olympic team to another being the success of finishing all three phases. Each goal was especially important to each person causing for this amazing atmosphere! Along with the atmosphere came tons of nerves and excitement which each rider and horse handled in a different way. It was really interesting to see just the affect it had on each person. I really enjoyed it! And now I have a new understanding of what performing under pressure means. 

Secondly, I learned just how important it is to have a fit horse coming into a three day. I saw so many tired horses at the end of cross country just struggling to get home. It was very obvious that people were riding completely different animals from the start of the course to the end. Additionally, that carried over to the Show Jumping phase the next day- where competitors were riding horses that physically had not fully recuperated from the cross country run the day before causing for many rails. Bucky was extremely fit throughout all the phases which was quite encouraging, but it is often times hard to know when fit is fit enough. I will take that with me when prepping other horses for future three day competitions.

Additionally, I realized just how many people really contribute to a successful event. First and most importantly the owners of your horse contribute the most- for allowing you the opportunity to compete their horses. Secondly, your support system leading up to to the event and during the event- Parents, family, barn help, friends, clients, and significant others all play a significant role in getting you to and through the event successfully. In addition- of course- your trainers and coaches all play a huge role too. All in all it is quite clear that it takes way more than just yourself and your horse to make it successfully up to and through the event.

And last but not least- I learned that- THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO! This event reassured me that I was doing exactly what I want to do in life. I want to chase this eventing dream- and hopefully with hard work and a lot of effort I will get to the top. I am willing to put in all it takes!

With that said, I especially want to thank everyone for contributing all you did to get me to Bromont. Especially Beth Sokohl for allowing me this incredible opportunity to train and compete Bucky! It could not have been a better experience to go on my first event horse I ever owned (for those of you who don't know- Beth bought Bucky from me before I went to college- and she has been fortunately very involved since then)! I also definitely need to thank my Dad and Aunt Beverly for coming with me to help through the actual event days- the both contributed a tremendous amount and I would not have made it through without them!

I could not have been more pleased with Bucky- he was foot perfect. Below is the link to the video of some glimpses of all three phases. I hope you enjoy!

Best,

Lindsay

Just a little trot warm up ...

Bromont Stadium Update from Lindsay Kelley

CONGRATS to Lindsay and Bucky on their great finish at Bromont!  We can't wait for a full report later!


Yipppeeee!!!!

Bucky and I did it. We finished our tough CCI * on our dressage score! We went double clear show jumping and cross country!

There were 65 people in my division and we were 16th. Only a couple rails separated the top half. With veteran Olympians ruling the top placings (we will get there one day).

We were one of eight competitors that made it around without a jumping fault.

I am completely pleased. I couldn't have asked for a better horse. He showed up with all he had and gave every ounce.

My last wrap up email will come tomorrow. With tons of pictures!! Sorry for the lack of pictures on the last email. I have plenty and can't wait to share.

I'm in the passenger seat (with my amazing Dad at the wheel).

We will be back early  tomorrow at 2am.

Stay tuned....


Linds & Bucky- the jumping machine

Bromont XC Report from Lindsay Kelley

CONGRATS to Lindsay and Bucky on a great go up at Bromont today!


Hi Friends!

Today was AWESOME! Bucky rocked around the VERY difficult CCI 1* course like an old pro. He was absolutely flawless. Every fence was a serious question being asked of the horse- from maxed out tables in width and height to very complicated combinations. If you weren't on your game- you weren't going to make it. But let me tell you- Bucky was on his game- and then some. He made it around double clear with 24 seconds left to spare. He was one of the very few double clears- and I am so proud of him for that.

We are less than 2 rails away from the horse winning our class. Tomorrow is a big day. We moved up 14 places in the rankings just from our cross country ride. And hope to move up some more after tomorrow's show jumping.

We have our 2nd jog tomorrow for the vets before the show jumping. The jog is at 8 and the show jumping is at 10. 

Bucky recovered so very well. And is ready for a clean jog tomorrow (fingers crossed)!

I'm off to bed for now. Last update tomorrow!

Thanks for all the encouragement along the way. I have had an awesome support crew up here and couldn't ask for anything more.

Linds & Bucky the XC machine

Lindsay and Bucky's Day Off at Bromont

Salut Amis, (that's my extent of all the French I am learning up here)

Today was a day I was able to sit back and really soak in all that was going on around me here at Bromont. Due to the fact that I did my dressage yesterday- I had an "off day" today. With that said, I think I was able to recognize and learn more than ever. 

I was able to sit back and watch the most impressive horses performing extremely difficult dressage tests. These horses are at the top of the sport and most are competing for spots on both the Canadian and US Olympic teams. I realized quite a bit while I was sitting there soaking it all in- first and foremost I realized just how very fortunate we are to be able to train and ride such athletic animals. We ask our horses to give us their all, to trust what we demand of them, and to perform extrememly high demanding tasks under significant pressure. We ask and expect our horses to come through for us- and that they do- and then some. How lucky are we? Additonally, I was able to acknowledge just how much of a partnership we have with our animals and just how special that is. They give us their all and trust us through and through because we have established such a strong bond between the two of us. And that guys- is what makes and breaks this sport. If your horse has complete faith in you they will try their hearts out. And that partnership, bond, and trust is something unmeasurable. With that said, in whatever discipline or task you ask of your horse just take a second to realize just how much they do for you on a daily basis, just how much they rely on that simple pat to tell them, "job well done, son- keep it up." 

Ok, enough with my little tangent. Back to Bromont. I was able to really get a firm grasp on the cross country course that I am preparing to ride tomorrow. Like I mentioned before- it is a big, tough, demanding course. If I didn't hear it once today, I heard it 100 times- Bromont's cross country is make or break. The final results are weighed HEAVILY by the cross country results. Which  is ABSOLUTE music to my ears. If you don't know Bucky- cross country is his time to shine. He thinks cross country is absolutely the best phase (and well, I do too)!

I had a terrific jump lesson today with Will Coleman to prep for tomorrow's big cross country course. He set up some exercises we could imitate to practice some of the combinations on the course. Bucky was jumping out of his skin and is very confident for tomorrow. I ride my cross country at 3:55- so keep us in your thoughts then!

I have attached a few pictures here- A few as promised from yesterday's dress, a few of our cross country course, and a few from our jump school today. I hope you enjoy.

Be back tomorrow....

Lindsay & The Buckster

Lindsay Kelley's Dressage Update from Bromont

More from Lindsay in Canada ...

Bon Jour!

So, today was dressage day. And we were as prepared as we could ever be. The first rider in the ring started at 8am and the last rider didn’t go until 4:45. I rode my test at 4:26. I was a bit unnerved about my late dressage time, but changed my thinking quickly as I was able to watch tons of riders and tests before me. It allowed me plenty of time to map out just how I was going to ride my test.

I spent most of the day watching the other 60 + competitors ride their tests prior to me. Oh and of course polishing and buffing every inch of tack and equipment I was going to use. And making sure Bucky was as white as he could ever be.

The time came for us to get prepared and warm up for dressage. Luckily for me, Will Coleman committed to coaching me throughout the weekend and he has truly been there for me through every step thus far. He warmed me up before my test. He presented every last little detail to me in the warm up that could help me get a better score on each movement. He was so into my warm up that I looked over at him for instruction a few times and he literally air riding Bucky while explaining what he wanted me to do! All in all, Bucky warmed up great and was ready to show what he had.

And… that is exactly what he did! He showed all he had. He tried his heart out and I couldn’t be happier with him. It was his first time in the big fancy ring and he handled it beautifully. We are currently sitting directly in the middle of the pack. Oh wait, isn’t that where I said I thought we would be?! We are tied with Bruce Davidson- so, I’d say that’s pretty darn good!

After the dressage I hopped off Bucky and went to walk the cross-country course with Will. And, much to my advantage the cross-country course is BIG and TOUGH and demands tons of technical questions to be answered! And guess what guys…that is what Bucky does best. And that is where I would rather be on my confident scopey Thoroughbred over a fancy moving Warmblood ANY DAY! We are ready to rock.

I will write more about the cross country tomorrow. I mean come on… I have got to keep you looped in somehow! However, I will give you a sneak preview of just how serious the fences are.

I have attached some pictures here. I only have one mediocre picture of my dressage today, but more to come. But, I do have a few good cross country pictures.

Stay tuned….

Linds & Buckaroni 

Bromont Update #1 from Lindsay Kelley

Former MLE'r Lindsay Kelley is up at Bromont this week contesting the CCI1* with Beth Sokohl's Buckharo.  Here's a quick update from her after the first 2 days in Canada ...

Hi Friends,

I hope all is well at home and all the horses are behaving while I'm away! I have had many requests to share about my experiences and happenings up here and I figured the best way to do it is to send a daily update email to everyone.

My Dad, Bucky, and I left on Tuesday morning at 2am in hopes to miss traffic, keep Bucky comfortable, and arrive for the first preliminary vet inspection on Tuesday afternoon. The commute up was seamless. Bucky shipped better than ever. We set up the trailer in a way that allowed Bucky to have a large box stall, huge hay net, and plenty of water for the long haul. I had him bubble wrapped up for the ship in hopes to make sure he arrived just as he was put on the trailer.

The trip was intended to take 12 hours or so. We got here in about 13 with the few stops we had to make. I'm sure you are all curious about how the customs work when crossing the border- and well- I am still curious too. When we got to the border, there were tons of different lanes to take- so we chose one (probably not the right one)- and arrived to the window with an older man inside. We naively asked, "Did we go in the right lane?" He asked us a few simple questions, "Where are you headed?, What's in your trailer?, Are you selling T-shirts or anything?" Of course we answered those questions directly and he responded, "Ok, thanks- drive on through." Can you believe that? That was it. He didn't even look at our passports, yet alone Bucky's passport (that I spent weeks fretting over). He didn't glance at any of my paperwork- no health certificate, no coggins, no nothing! My Dad and I were completely baffled. When we arrived at Bromont everyone was talking about how long it took to get through customs, all the things the border control checked, ect. I guess my crew just looked innocent or something...who knows! 

So we arrived at Bromont at about 3pm. Bucky got off the trailer and was completely laid back and settled in perfectly. Just in time for our first preliminary vet inspection. The first inspection is just a time where the vets run their hands over Bucky's body, take his vitals, and review his passport. Of course, Bucky passed with flying colors.

Finally after the vet inspection- I could breathe and take it all in. We made it, we really made it! It is beyond BEAUTIFUL here. The scenery is out of a magazine. It is very green, crisp, and tons of mountains surround everything. The horse park is actually where the Olympics were held in Bromont in 1976. And let me tell you, it is absolutely top of the line. The footing, the rings, the convenience factors, the cross country course, the hacking out- it doesn't get much better than this.

I have been practicing my dressage on Bucky for the past 2 days- and he is feeling wonderful. He clearly knows this is game time- and by the feels of it- he brought all he has! We have done tons of dressage and tons of riding out and stretching his legs. The trails for hacking out surround the cross country course and each time we go out there he gets a bit wound up in hopes to run and jump! He and I are typically on the same page- as I am ready to run and jump too!

The first jog was this afternoon around 4pm for Bucky and I. We both got all spiffed up to present ourselves to the ground jury for vet inspection. We practiced our jog for about 20 minutes. Presented to the ground jury and...."Lindsay Kelley and Buckharo are ACCEPTED." A little comedy for you- I thought I was going to be so very impressive and try to jog in some heels- so of course, I put them on with full intentions, but put some flats in the car just in case. Well to say the least, I panicked at the last minute and made my poor dad go racing back to the car for my flats- I had terrible visions of falling right on my face in my heels...I just couldn't do it! All that matters in the end is...we were accepted!

So, tomorrow is the big dressage day. I ride my test at 4:26. So send the positive thoughts this way! I am hoping to have a very accurate and forward test. From the looks of the cross country course if we are mid pack after dressage we should be very competitive. It is often times hard to compare to the big fancy warmbloods in the dressage, but on the other hand it is often times hard to compare to a confident Thoroughbred on a tough cross country course. There were 55 competitors before jog up this afternoon- I am not sure how many were accepted, but the competition is stiff, but that's ok- "GAME ON."

I have attached some pictures here for all to see. I hope you enjoy!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's updates...

Linds & Bucky

When the scores don't reflect how truly awesome the day was ...

Where to begin.  Sunday was Lissell's first recognized Training event, and only my second one (with the first being almost 3 years ago!).  When I walked the course on Saturday with Kelley and Katie, I was only slightly nauseated by fence 3, a bit more by 4 and wanted to crawl into the ditch at 6.  By the time we got to the massive ramp at 8 or the log into water 11 or the 1-stride angled brushed at 16/17, I figured "whatever will happen will happen."  Not only was the course big (in my new-to-the-level opinion) but it was also long.  Lissell is fit, but I always worry.

So anyway, dressage went SO well on Sunday morning.  Jane was able to come over to warm me up and that was just the thing I needed.  Lissell was so wonderful in her test, and I was really hoping it was a 39-40 test.  I guess the judge saw what I felt, and we got a 39.6!  Now I just need to work on keeping her forward, forward, forward into the connection.  I must say that the Micklem bridle has been a god send.

Next up was stadium.  I was so thankful to have Kelley there to warm me up after the disaster at Loch Moy.  Her reminders of keeping Lissell straight between my legs were just what I needed, and I would say that we redeemed ourselves in stadium this week.  We did pull two rails.  I'll take blame for one of them.  ;-)

Then we were off to cross country.  Kelley had to go get her horses ready, so I was left with warmup instructions.  Thankfully Sue was there to babysit me, take me to the start box, etc.  All my worries about the jumps being too big were put aside after the first 3 fences.  I guess all the fitness work is paying off, because she absolutely springs off the ground now.  I do wish she didn't get quite so close to them, but that's something we'll just have to work on.  Anyway, galloping to fence 4, I had Kelley's directions clearly in my head.  Ride up to it!  I definitely didn't have enough gas in the tank and we had a silly stop.  I came around to it again, popped over it and off we went. (I did later find out that fence 4 was causing problems all day which made me feel a bit better).  The ditch at 6 was a non issue, and the jump into water was fine (the growling was probably unneeded).  The angled line was awesome.  And then my dumb ass made a dumb ass move at the corner and softened to it, and Lissell was exit stage right.  Argh!  So very frustrating!  I could have kicked myself right then and there.  But we jumped it nicely the second time around and finished up with plenty of horse still underneath me.

So lessons learned ...
1) Don't get cocky at the end of the course.  I honestly can't remember ever having 2 stops on cross country.  I think that's because usually after one stop I get so mad, that I make sure I don't have another one.  But this is Lissell, and I can't get mad at her.

2) Lissell likes it if you give her a pat and tell her she's a pretty pony after fences.  I could literally feel her take a breath with each pat.

3) Lissell is pretty bad ass!  And it took my very non-horsey dad to put things into perspective for me yesterday.  After cross country I was of course a little disappointed in myself for having two stops, he turned to me and said, "Margaret, your horse is TWENTY years old ... she jumped everything you pointed her at ... what more can you ask for??"  Thanks dad!

4) Without Grantley to snuggle with post-cross country (their times were much later in the afternoon), Lissell gets a little wild at the trailer.  Hopefully they'll be reunited at Seneca in two weeks.

All photos courtesy of Christie Baker.  Thanks Christie!