Writing this  - rather belatedly - at the end of July, it is hard to cast my mind  back to those  crucial days at Hartpury when Rhapsody and I learned so much about each other in an international competition setting - so much has been going on since! I was thrilled though to find that Rhapsody took the traveling, new surroundings and the atmosphere all in his stride. No problems for him eating up all his food, drinking plenty and sleeping in a strange stable. Well... I say no problems for him - the problem for us was that he had to have a large  bucket of water in his stable and it was just the best game in the middle of the night to pick it up and throw it over the stable door - usually still full of water - leaving everywhere awash! We were  having a lot of heavy rain meaning everything was so wet outside and with a few leaks in the lorry... but thanks to Rhapsody everywhere was wet in the stable area too!! All these little insights into his personality  - generally a lovable clown - Catherine and I took note of for London as we do not expect there to be automatic waters in the temporary stabling in Greenwich. A small detail but an important one!
The first day's test was just that - a test - of  our concentration and also our training. I was not displeased - although cross with myself for a couple of silly mistakes. Day 2 and Andrew arrived to help us in the warm up which was just invaluable! A last minute change of plan for him meant that he could dash over - as you do from Kent to Gloucestershire - to be there for Rhapsody and me. As much as I was thrilled for his help I was equally thrilled that he was able to watch our test - a significant improvement on the first day - no mistakes and a real testament to Andrew's training programme. We came 6th with one of the best scores I have had internationally - ever - and to think Rhapsody and I had only been together for six weeks at that stage!! It was very very encouraging for the weeks to come and our next big test - the 2012 Paralympics!!

The food was yummy, the weather fine and I think all enjoyed the champagne reception at the end of June. I cannot thank all who helped make this such a successful evening enough - to name a few - Catherine did a fab job with the food, Carol and her infamous cupcakes, not to mention Liz and Kari Hale who provided the splendid venue amongst others! We raised just under £800 which is just a tremendous sum and good timing with the entries for Hartpury going in that weekend! I am having problems with my old computer - coping with all the lovely pictures that have been sent me of the evening - but there are a few more shots in the gallery page of Rhapsody lapping up the attention and showing off!
Meanwhile a nice feature has been published by the IPC on their website on me being the first competitor for the VI in any Paralympic Games http://paralympic.org/feature/equestrian-rider-be-us-virgin-islands-first-athlete and I have also just given an interview for the St Thomas Daily News for a daily feature they are running on the islands' Olympic competitors - there are 7 athletes competing in London - sailing, swimming and track events - and me! And the countdown to the Games really has begun - Hartpury was the  selection trials for Team GB and everyone was in Olympic mode - the place was buzzing with excitement - that report will come next.
Really so much has been going on - if I thought I was busy before... well think again Lee!