It is brutally, dangerously cold out this weekend. There is no way of debating, arguing or denying that! We have suspending training for until Tuesday for outside horses for health reasons. Why Tuesday you ask? Well, the Weather Channel is all aflutter about a winter storm and/or icy mess passing through Sunday into Monday. So that means we will get our resident horses back on track with their training on Monday and if the roads are fit on Tuesday, we're open for regular ship in clients.
In the meantime, it is a great opportunity to sit down with the USDF Calendar and peruse competition destinations, travel options and the overall plan for the year with all of the horses. We have two that are on track to be showing the Intermediate A and B, Intermediare II and Grand Prix classes this year. There are 2 that are working towards the Small Tour classes (PSG and Intermediare I). Four horses are solidly ready to be out and about at Third and Fourth Level. Which leaves "just" 5 to be getting mileage at more localized venues in the lower levels before moving up to Third.
And all of this planning on being on the road competing brings up two exciting opportunities. No wait, make that three!
1) We are accepting Working Student applications now for positions beginning March 1st. Self motivated, punctual and detail oriented souls are encouraged to contact us. Housing for horse and/or rider can be discussed. You must have your own health insurance and transportation. Non-smokers only.
2A) We have several horses for sale that are ideal AA mounts. They have plenty of talent for professionals but the perfect mindset for Amateur riders too. There are also several horses that are suitable for breeding available for purchase. Please discuss
all sales with Anne.
2B) I have enough flexibility in my schedule to be able to help train horses and new riders. It would give me great satisfaction and enjoyment to "share" one of the horses with a new rider/client/student and help them to build a solid relationship going forward into the future. It could be more than one of the horses, of course! They are all good friends in my day and as I know their individual personalities so well it is great fun to pass along the inside information of their training thus far with others and help them to have a great ride each and every day.
3A) Syndication options are available for all of the competition horses. I would like to "share the wealth" of having so many competitive, sound and fun horses with more people. Dressage is an ever expanding sport with better venues, more potential exposure for logos, business names and entities and a wider audience with good reach into various demographics....which brings me to
3B)Sponsorship opportunities are also available. I am open to talking with feed suppliers and manufacturers, hay companies, supplement companies, leather and strap good designers, bit and bridle creators, boot manufacturers, clothing, outerwear, bedding suppliers - just about anything other than a saddle company as I love my Stubbens. If I like and believe in a company, I will be thrilled to do what I can to promote their business in my travels. I have had my Gold and Silver Medals for over a decade, so this is the time to take advantage of my experience and dedication to the sport.
In the meantime, stay warm, stay hydrated, stay safe!
The Dressage Foundation has their Two Tempi Challenge going again this year! I am all set with several horses to enter this contest! Who's with me and wants to match donations in the name of dressage education???
In the meantime, it is a great opportunity to sit down with the USDF Calendar and peruse competition destinations, travel options and the overall plan for the year with all of the horses. We have two that are on track to be showing the Intermediate A and B, Intermediare II and Grand Prix classes this year. There are 2 that are working towards the Small Tour classes (PSG and Intermediare I). Four horses are solidly ready to be out and about at Third and Fourth Level. Which leaves "just" 5 to be getting mileage at more localized venues in the lower levels before moving up to Third. 
