My friend, Louisa Zai, and I went to Maryland before Thanksgiving for me to ride Rose. Louisa is considering going to Maryland next summer as a working student/asst trainer for JJ Tate. We had a great time. Louisa got to have lessons on several horses and I got to ride Rose! As tall as she is, we fit each other very well. She has a perfect spot for my leg and she really understood all the aids. She felt like a trained horse! Thank you, JJ, for doing such a good job with her. She was hot off the leg and this time I had no problem picking up the canter. It is impossible to describe the feeling of elation I experienced riding her, and to know that I can ride her. It's pretty special to be riding the "Training Level Horse of the Year". I am so proud of JJ and what she has accomplished with Rose in just over a year. She was definitely behind in her training when she arrived in Maryland in July of '08. I am also very thankful for all of Scott Hassler's help as he is JJ's coach.
JJ and the horses arrived in Florida safe and sound this week. Thank God. I will be going down to ride Rose a couple of times a month. Can't wait!
Louisa took several pictures of me ridng Rose...Proof that I really did!
