Home again, home again bliggity-blog

And so it ends, seemingly all too soon. 'Dea hopped eagerly on the horse taxi to home this morning after another building week at Pam's. I would say we were both very sad to leave the Foster Meadow crew but it might just be my feelings. Pam said early on 'this isn't the summer camp 'Dea was expecting!'

Goodbye charm school!

 
We have our marching orders, homework and to live by's. I have my notes to remind myself of where we've been and where we're going. From this whole experience I feel like a new rider. Not perfect by any means but closer to ideal for us, as a team. 'Dea on the other hand is practically a new horse. We have two new gaits; grown-up canter and a new trot with suspension. 

I cannot thank NEDA enough for this opportunity. We have grown by medium trots and canter 10 meter circles. There is not a doubt in my mind that we would not be anywhere near here in our education and abilities without this last month of boot camp. I am immensely grateful for this scholarship, because without it our journey would have most certainly been longer.

I also want to thank all of my recommendation writer's; Donna, Jeri, Ellen and especially Jill for also being 'Dea's chauffeur to/from charm school. I am honored by you all as you played a big part in this as well. I couldn't be more lucky than to have great people around me for support.

As for now we both have a nice day off and then we'll be back to work (in all ways) tomorrow. Our entry is in the mail to Vermont Dressage Days in August where I hope to continue on and improve. And as soon as there are stall openings later this summer I plan on making another visit or two to charm school before they fly away for the winter to sunny Florida.

This end is only the beginning.