May has gone by in a flash.... but a good flash. Before I took Panta to Kent we had another trip to Hickstead... a change of bit - a change of attitude (by the rider) and voila... a win! Why am I still surprised that small changes can make such a big difference?????
And then we were on a training mission..... a concerted effort while I am still (eek!!) out of work to make more progress. Panta excelled himself and with thanks to Adie for her work in between my visits, he not only looked a picture but felt fantastic! While he was there I was also able to work out a new freestyle routine - with new music! So this will be a first for me - not rushing a week before our international to get the floor-plan in place! After all these years I must be getting better at this as... putting it down on paper/doing some initial timings - then changing the floor-plan last minute but what the hell putting the music together anyway.... it all worked!! Result... well - let's wait till we see what happens at Hartpury before I slap myself on the back I think!!
Last month was so productive but the next few weeks will be crucial too. We are training again this weekend... then competing... trying to combine both as I need to be able to ride Panta at a competition in the same 'manner' as we train.... sometimes neither of us behave the same way!! This will be a new venue for him so will be a good test for me!
And then... at the end of June I will be riding at a 3 day clinic that Andrew is running. This will be fantastic prep for Hartpury CPEDI3* the following week! AND... if that wasn't enough - on 28th June there will be a fund raising lecture/demo by Andrew in aid of our travel expenses for WEG! Really looking forward to this - a great opportunity to not only promote our journey but also to show case Andrew's training!! Doesn't really sound like I have time to work does it - haha!!
So many thanks to everyone on the ground who are making this dream happen.... 99 days and counting guys!! :-)