Rhapsody - looking very happy (and just a wee bit tubby!) at Park Farm where he is now getting back to his rehab work and fitness thanks to Joanna and Suzanne who are sharing the riding. His holiday is officially over but that doesn't mean he won't still be spending time in this lovely paddock with his new friend Briggs. I sat on him for his first time under saddle in 3 months and he felt great, we just walked up and down the lane to the farm but there were inquisitive llamas, lively ponies and little girls with umbrellas along the way... he took it all in his stride, very chilled but marching out confidently. It felt great to be on him again - he is such a character and so fun to ride! A real cool dude!
Meanwhile Panta and I have been quietly working in the school following on from our last training session with Andrew in early September. We had a fantastic couple of days during which both Panta and I made real progress! Panta responded really well to the exercises Andrew did with him and I immediately felt the benefit when I got on him afterwards. We are still forming our partnership together but this was a huge step forward. I began to look for some local dressage competitions to go to in the coming weeks...
... and then the hurricanes came to the Caribbean and the Virgin Islands. Suddenly my family and friends on the islands became my focus - their safely and wellbeing. If I felt like my life went on hold it was nothing to what they were experiencing and dealing with every day! The devastation on all the affected islands has been well documented and we are still seeing terrible scenes of the aftermath but also now positive reports of the communities helping others less fortunate. Two category 5 hurricanes in 2 weeks caused unimaginable damage and suffering - and it continues with most still without power or running water - which may continue for months!! Thankfully all family and friends were safe despite homes being totally battered or completely lost. This will take a long time for the Virgin Islands to recover from and it begs the question whether going to the WEG next year is feasible under the circumstances. We will however continue our training to keep the dream alive in the hope that something amazing happens next year.
Meanwhile Panta and I have been quietly working in the school following on from our last training session with Andrew in early September. We had a fantastic couple of days during which both Panta and I made real progress! Panta responded really well to the exercises Andrew did with him and I immediately felt the benefit when I got on him afterwards. We are still forming our partnership together but this was a huge step forward. I began to look for some local dressage competitions to go to in the coming weeks...
... and then the hurricanes came to the Caribbean and the Virgin Islands. Suddenly my family and friends on the islands became my focus - their safely and wellbeing. If I felt like my life went on hold it was nothing to what they were experiencing and dealing with every day! The devastation on all the affected islands has been well documented and we are still seeing terrible scenes of the aftermath but also now positive reports of the communities helping others less fortunate. Two category 5 hurricanes in 2 weeks caused unimaginable damage and suffering - and it continues with most still without power or running water - which may continue for months!! Thankfully all family and friends were safe despite homes being totally battered or completely lost. This will take a long time for the Virgin Islands to recover from and it begs the question whether going to the WEG next year is feasible under the circumstances. We will however continue our training to keep the dream alive in the hope that something amazing happens next year.
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