Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Its that time of year again to be Merry and enjoy the company of family and good friends. My older brother Max, flew in for a visit last week to come say Hello to our family over here and of course, as the responsible older brother he is-  he wanted to come check up on what I was doing with my life here in Germany :-)  Max and I are flying back to Calgary together on the 23rd of December. And I will get to spend 10 days back at home!  and I must admit that am getting really excited to put my feet back on that good ol' Canadian soil, its been exactly a year since I was in Canada last and as I look back and reflect I would like to mention just how very thankful I am for all four of my boys, Orion, Blitz, Zeph and Anited, they have given me so much and are all working hard to be the best athletes they can be. I am also incredibly thankful to be here at Heike's barn "Amselfhof Walle", the team here is just wonderful to work with and I have learned so much in the time that I have been here.

As my last blog entry for this year (2010) I would like to share the update I recently wrote for the "Dressage Canada Collections Magazine":

I have been in Germany for a year and a half now and as I look back at all the colorful experiences that this year has brought, some important lessons I have learned come to mind. In regarding to technical and training details of Dressage, I could probably write books beyond books of everything I’ve learned, but what I would really like to share are the lessons of being athlete that I have gained much respect for. First and most important is: Never give up! One of my favorite quotes is “when the going gets tough- the tough get going”. Which is something I think every athlete in any discipline can relate to. Essentially because, in order to improve as an athlete, one must put themselves into then spotlight and it is only through constructive criticism and acknowledgment of ones weaknesses that you can work towards continuous improvement. The magical aspect of Dressage is that its a sport with combines two athletes; horse and rider. In our daily training we are constantly challenging our horse, from first level all the way to Grand Prix, to improve their balance, coordination and expression. What we as riders also need to remember to to hold the same bar of expectations to our selves. 

A personal example is to continuously work on ones own balance and self awareness as a rider, so that we down block of hinder the horse as they are performing. I have mentioned in my previous updates that Eckart Meyners (the seat Guru who invented the "Balimo") comes to the barn on a regular basis to help all us riders here improve the core essence of their seat. I personally often stand in my own way because I tend to become braced in my upper body and there for block my arms,  but through working with Meyners I have had to accept my weaknesses and am finally learning how to allow the frequency of my aids to flow through my arms. This is just s simple example, but what I would like to highlight is that essentially, we cannot expect our horses to be disciplined athletes, if we do not demonstrate the same discipline ourselves, this is where it is important to “never give up!”, because often the goals we set for ourselves seem like Mount Everest, and when we become blinded by our weaknesses, our own personal “Mount Everest” often seems absolutely impossible. But by taking one step at a time the top of the mountain can be reached. 

  The idea of continuous improvement leads me to the second most important lesson this year has taught me the value of: Never stop learning. The person who has taught me the true value of this is my trainer, Heike Kemmer, because she lives and breathes this philosophy every day. Although she has achieved so much in her life, including her most recent career mile stone, a gold and bronze medal in the last Olympics, she still continues to approach her daily work with the mind set, how can I be a better athlete. No matter what horse, or what level, Heike approaches each situation with the focused goal of how she can improve as a rider to help the horse perform at its maximum. As I was saying early, I could write books about what I have learned over this year and the same goes for training with Heike, she is a true horse women and it is an inspiration to train with her. 

Finally the third lesson that I have embraced and I would like to  share is to: Enjoy the Journey, because as the saying goes: “Life is a Journey, not a Destination”  

When showing here in Germany, it often feels like nothing is ever good enough, and every time something is good, your ever so politely reminded that it could still be better.  But I have learned that its all the sweat, sore muscles and struggles that defines success. Whether its an “A” level test that I am riding with my five year old, Anited, or a Grand Prix test with Orion, I always have the same mind set: Try our best and enjoy the ride!  

I hope this Christmas season is full of good Cheer and much Love for everyone and all the best wishes for 2011!!!!