Let 2011 Begin

So I have lots of exciting news to share. First off I would like to welcome our newest sponsor to Burke Equestrian - Equinox Equine Therapy. Lisa Hinkle has graciously given up some of her time to work on my horses doing massage therapy. After already one session I can feel how beneficial this is going to be and will become an integral  part of our training program. Please check out Lisa at http://www.equinoxequinetherapy.com/. 

In other news, both big horses are back in full work. We started the season off with a CT test at sporting days farm just to knock some of the rust off. When I mean rust I mean I had two errors in the dressage but still managed to get a 36 in the preliminary on Murphy. Bijou got a 27 in the dressage and was great. I am very excited to see her progress through the winter. Then last week I took the little mare over to Holly Biddle's for a dressage lesson. She was so good. We really had her through and working within the half-halts to start getting some serious engagement. It was nice to take a lesson again and ride under very watchful eyes. 

Then the next morning was horse show time! Bijou ran the preliminary at Full Gallop farm and was such a good little pony. We scored a 36.7 in the dressage which I thought was a bit harsh, but I was very pleased with the little gal. I had two down in the showjumping, but I am working hard to become better and think that we will see improvements in the next couple weeks. Then cross country she was perfect! A little spooky at the beginning but got so much better as the course went on. She was very brave into both waters and just overall a really good girl over a much bigger course then anyone is use to seeing at Full Gallop.

Currently I am sitting at the Holling's in Ocala after two days of intense lessons with Jon. I have to say, Jon is one of the most talented professionals I have ever worked with. Not only in his own riding but his teaching skills are amazing. We had a excellent jump school on Murphy yesterday jumping through some course work. Today Bijou jumped and I was able to really figure out how to keep a "horse" step on her and not take away from her while still keeping a very consistent balance and shape. Murphy then did a dressage school and Jon said his canter work was superb. I am so excited to bring both these guys out next weekend at Pinetop in Thomson, GA. Tomorrow is a dressage day for Bijou and a cross country school for Murphy. Then on Monday, I am riding Bijou in the ICP clinic with Phillip Dutton and Captain Mark Phillips. I hope it continues to be a fun filled learning week. Here is a picture of Bijou at Full Gallop Farm. Thank you to Hoofclix photography for their excellent photos!