Springing into Spring!

So the warmer weather is finally here and show season is getting into full swing. Since my first show here, I had the chance to get a couple more shows under my belt, and the initial jitters are finally starting to wear off and I'm gradually getting into the swing of things. This last weekend, Zeph place 3rd in his class and did his first victory gallop ever, I was very proud of him. The other three boys are also progressing at a impressive rate in their respective levels. Anited has went through another growth spurt and is now putting on the muscle to match. Blitz and I have found a new level of confidence in one another, which has really helped out our competition relationship. And I now feel like I have had the chance to get to know Orion well enough that we have entered our first show together at the end of the month.  

The team here at Amselfhof  Walle is so wonderful, everyone's first priority is a positive and productive work environment for both horse and rider. One of my favourite things is everyone morning we all eat breakfast together, including Heike Kemmer, and its such a great way to discuss all important things such the plan for the day, the training stages of the horses, future shows...etc And, of course, it is always a great time for swapping stories and funny events of the previous days.

I am also really enjoying the balance in my daily training, between Leonie's lessons, Heike has really helped explain some very important concepts to me in different words but always with the same final product as Leonie in mind. Heike is such a creative and passionate horse women, it is truly inspiring to ride in the same arena as her. I've also had the chance to attend some of Heike's training sessions with Jonny Hilberath (The German Team Trainer) which has also been very enlightening. Further, Heike's Bereiter, Mayke Liebregts, has also been a very knowledgeable support for me, Mayke is exceptionally good at explaining the technical details and this has been a tremendous help for me especially in the show setting.

Below is a picture of the best side kick in the world, Lecoya :-) She is at my side for every trail ride and while I'm working the horses in the arena Lecoya makes her self comfortable at the side and waits for me to finish up, and the cutest part is that she keep a eye on me the whole time and as soon as I stretch the horse out on the long rein Lecoya jumps up because she know I'm just about done and its time to follow me to the next adventure!