Stirrupless Saturdays and 2010 Awards

Today is one of those days I feel very lucky to live in the NW....the sun is shining on frosty grass, Mount Rainier is strikingly clear and visible through my living room window, and I am listening to reports of snowstorms over most of the country while getting ready to go ride horses all day in the sun. Days like today make up for weeks of dreary rain and mud!!

 Following my last post where I sheepishly admitted my lack of strength and fitness without stirrups I made a New Years Resolution for Aspen Farms riders....stirrupless saturdays! We have all committed to riding one horse with out stirrups every saturday- I am hoping we all stick to it and see or feel improvement in our positions and riding as a result. I recently went to Tim O'Neals website and viewed photos of my students from events in 2010; it really is educational to study photos and notice consistant positional flaws. Of course there is always going to be a couple that make you wish you could delete them before anyone else sees them but in the whole would you be proud to show your trainer your photos? Would you have an easy time picking one out to send to George Morris or Jan Byyny for a critique? If so, congratulations! If not perhaps you need to join the stirrupsless saturday club!

 At the Area VII meeting a couple weeks ago I had the honor of receiving the Robert Leyen Memorial Award. Robert was an amazing and unique man whose presence is deeply missed in the eventing community. I taught Robert dressage lessons, which for those who knew Robert and Large Marge, you understand what a challenge that could be. Although dressage was his absolute least favorite thing to do, Robert was totally committed to improving, not only to help his scores at the events, but to be a better rider for Marge. His dedication and his love for Marge were what made teaching him rewarding for me. Robert was always trying to get me to come when he went to the beach to ride- unfortunately I never did, it always seemed like too much of a time committment. When he died, I promised myself I would go for a beach ride in his honor and though I have not done it yet, I look forward to it. 

I am proud to congratulate my students, Jessica Bryant and Alisa Sprouffske, for their 2010 1st and 3rd  Novice placings. They both had a great year and are preparing for a move up to training level next year. I was suprised to hear my name called for Reserve Rider of the Year, it didn't seem like I did many events in 2010 but my horses were great at the ones I did do.  

Tomorrow is the first day of the Leslie Law clinic put on by Adult Riders, held here at Aspen Farms. The clinic has expanded to 4 days due to Leslies popularity. He is a wonderful clinician who seems to be able to find that perfect balance of making sure everyone learns something but has fun at the same time. I know I am looking forward to my lessons! Check back soon for a full clinic report and don't forget to enter the Aspen Farms Derby, February 12.

Suzy