Thank you EVERYONE!! What an adventure. Now, onto the future!

Hello everyone!

Sorry it took me so long to post! Like everyone else, the holidays have been a busy time.

I picked up Jive from New York and brought him home without any troubles. He was very happy to be home. He is now taking a much deserved break. :)

In closing my blog, I must say again how A M A Z I N G this experience has been. I am so thankful to have been able to do it. I have learned so much. So much about organizing such a trip, so much about actually completing the trip, so much about competing internationally, and so much about my relationship between my horse, friends, family and supporters.

Now the THANK YOU's

Thank you to my family who has supported me the entire way through my dream of competing at the YR world cup. They share my success as much as I do. Without them, I would not be where I am today. THANK YOU!!!

A HUGE thank you to my sponsors for this trip.
Ecogold, your saddle pads continue to impress me. They are wonderful.
Tack in a box. Thank you for your support.
Dressage Canada. Thank you for all of your help along the way.

Thank you to my friends. You guys are amazing. The whole way along, giving me so many words of encouragement and wonderful support.

And last but not least, my supporters! The letters and small notes of encouragement and good lucks were so touching. Just a small little good luck really made a huge difference, and I thank you for them.

Now, onto the future! I wish everyone happy holidays and a happy new year! I am off to my next adventure with my horse Key West. We'll see what the future has in store for us. But for everyone, I wish you...

BEST OF LUCK IN THE 2010 SEASON.

Go have fun!!!



A few more pics. Enjoy!



All smiles.


My competitor...just kidding! That's Imke Schellekens-Bartels.


The award ceremony for the Grand prix and Young Rider classes.




Lotje schoots, the Young Rider Champion riding alongside Grand Prix champion Imke Schellekens-Bartels in the awards ceremony.


The young riders. We had a wonderful dinner party where we were able to meet and socialize. It was a lot of fun.


The outdoor arena at Ann Kathrin's Estate. So beautiful :)


Job well done Jive. :D You taught me so much.


Now full speed ahead with my horse Key West. Can't wait.

Half of the team is home :)

I arrived home from Frankfurt safe and sound yesterday evening. I was really lucky to only be slightly delayed in Frankfurt. The day before I left, there was a snow storm that stranded a lot of planes in Frankfurt and around europe. Luckily things were back up and running for my departure.

Jive has arrived in New York safe and sound also. He is now in quarantine for a few days. I'm going to go pick him up and bring him home for Christmas. :)

Here are some more pics from the competition :)












What an amazing journey... :D

Freestyle

Well, that did not go as planned. It's unfortunate because I was really looking forward to riding my Kur (freestyle, it's my dressage test to music). I cannot change how I did, but I know that I tried my best and it just didn't work out. Jive was just not himself tonight, and it's so unfortunate that he had to choose tonight to not be in the best of moods. But, it happens. They are individuals, and tonight was just not a good night.

However, I am SO HAPPY to have come to all the way to Germany, and to have represented Canada at the YR world cup!!!! It's unreal! It's been the most AMAZING experience of my life. The support of my family and trainer, who traveled around the world with me, is something that I cannot express how thankful I am for. They are amazing. And also everyone back home who has given me so much encouragement and support! Amazing, amazing, amazing. Thank you so much.

Shout out to my best girl from the United States, Kassandra Barteau, who claimed second place tonight with a 68.65! Great job girl. I knew you could do it! :D

The amazing arena!!!! Isn't it fantastic?

Matthias Rath's brand new tranport! He was SOOO amazing and drove us from his place to the horse show!

I had to add this picture! A competition that was going on when we arrived. Aren't they adorable!?

Jive, David and I at the jog.


Jive and I on the jumbo-tron! Unreal!

The view from city hall overlooking the Christmas market. We were invited to a sort of opening ceremonies, where we got to meet the mayor and other Frankfurt reps. We also had the opportunity to meet our show sponsor, Schenker Deutschland AG.

The overseas crew! Kassie, Hannah and I. USA, New Zealand and Canada.

Young Rider Anouck Hoet from Belgium also joined our picture.

Pictures!

Jive giving me a kiss!

Took some time to go site seeing!





At the Christmas market in Frankfurt! :D


Kassie and I on the train to Frankfurt.

A few more pics of Ann Kathrin's place :)

First test!

Well, today didn't go as planned... :P But wow, what an experience. It really, really, really surprised me how different it was competing in the indoor arena like I did today... It was actually pretty scary. Almost like when I got into the ring, it sort of closed in on me a bit. Definitely like nothing I have ever experienced. With the bright lights and crowd and just everything. I rode in there before, but this was so different. The ring was alive, it had so much more energy. I think Jive and I both got pretty nervous in there. It was so great to get that over with. :P Hopefully the arena will feel more "homie" to me tomorrow. Got to get our butts in gear and go have fun. Thank you everyone for all of your well wishes and support! Especially Ecogold who got this blog on it's feet. My saddle pad looked great today, thank you!

Festhalle Frankfurt- My FIRST test!

We've made it to the show grounds safe and sound. The ring is amazing!! :D Also, the jog went great today, so that is awesome! :)

It's been a crazy last few days, but tomorrow is the day!!! I can't believe it. My first test. I drew to be the first rider of the competition, so I've got to go into the ring and make my competitors chase me (score wise that is)! That is coming from the competitive side of me. But my other side is just reminding me of how much of an honor it is just to MAKE it this far. So I've also just got to go into the ring and enjoy it. :) Hopefully doing both (doing well and having fun) is in the cards, but at the end of the day, I ride because I love it. And I have to remember anything can happen in the ring... Although, really, I plan on kicking some butt tomorrow! :D

I've found a site you can watch for free! :) http://www.clipmyhorse.de/live-en/ and then click on the festhalle Frankfurt (that is where the show is being held). I ride tomorrow at 4:45 pm/5:00 pm (I don't have the daysheet yet) and so back home that would be around 10:45 am.