YRGP!

Oh, Florida, how I miss thee! Despite being in a conference room for twelve hours of the day, (not that I’m complaining of course!) I did get to experience some of the beauty of the 70 degree temperatures and palm trees!

West Palm was a wonderful setting for the 2010 Young Rider Graduate Program. I met so many wonderful people, both attending and teaching, and learned so much my hand was tired from all the note taking! It was an absolute privilege to be in attendance, and it really was a pivotal experience.

My roommate, Laura Graves, is a student with Anne Gribbons. I’m immediately a fan of her boy Diddy, and we shared lots of laughs during the weekend (and maybe a fear of anything resembling Jersey Shore).

Our program began on Saturday night with a session by Kate Poulin and Todd Flettrich. They really set the tone for the weekend by sharing their thoughts on “What I Know Now that I Wish I’d Known Then”. Everyone presenting over the entire weekend made it clear that they were here to assist and help as we developed into working professionals. They shared personal highs and lows, personal stories, and amazing advice.

Saturday began early and went until nearly 10 pm after we all finished dinner. Included were sessions on smart business, barn, and people management, an equine lawyer, Beth Clarke, a masseuse, a veterinarian, and several wonderful riders including Micheal Barisone and Reese Koffler*. We finished the night with an intimate dinner with Henk van Bergen, who I also shared a table with his Wife, Wilma, and George and Roberta Williams. Everyone shared great experiences and lots of touching stories.

*Remember a few posts ago when I told you the Thomas horses left to their new home in Lexington? Before Reese sat down beside me over the lunch break, I had no idea that it was none other than herself! I was baffled at the coincidence, and though Reese hadn’t been able to meet them yet because of her winter season in Florida, we both shared our excitement over the 4 boys! PS Good luck in the Masters next weekend, Reese!*

Sunday we finished with more wonderful sessions including George Williams, Carol Lavell, JJ Tate, and Courtney King to name a few. I believe I finished with roughly 40 pages of notes, not to mention a roomful of contacts and a wonderful network. The entire weekend solidified my goals, relit my inspiration, and gave me all the determination in the world to succeed this season. Once the YRGP concluded, some participants caught flights home and a few stayed for the FEI Trainer’s Conference in Loxahatchee.

So I jumped in the car, and off we went! Laura’s set of directions took us in the wrong direction of the Trainers’ Conference, which by default fulfilled my wish to see the ocean! The three pics I got were taken through the sunroof over the bay wall. Three cheers for detours! Once we finally arrived at the McPhail arena in White Fences, we had missed lunch but still caught some great feedback from Henk and watched some amazing horse/rider pairs. Included in the lineup was none other than Melissa Allen! I’d clinic-ed with Melissa at school in Missouri and had “become a fan” of her mare on the Region 4 circuit. Another instance of this crazy small world! I caught up with her before her ride on Sunday morning and caught a few pics – shh, don’t tell! The rest of the day was stellar, and we ended early after watching some beautiful piaffe! Henk was generous and spared time for a picture, and both he and his wife wished me the best in my career.

My flight home was a hard one to catch – I’d completely fallen in love with Florida! I’ll DEFINITELY be back. Hopefully sooner rather than later, but as fast as I can manage for sure!

Special thanks!

Laura, for the ride to the Trainer’s Conference! Kathie Roberston for the ride to the Trainer’s Conference on Day 2, and Holly for the ride back to the hotel on Sunday! Without the help, I’d have been stuck, literally!

More thanks goes out to Roz Kinstler and Donna Rochetti with USDF, who helped to keep the entire program on track!

To all the presenters, thanks thanks and ever thanks for all of your spectacular teaching and shared advice. “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” - Kennedy

And most of all, my warmest thanks to The Dressage Foundation! Without your contributions, the program never would have happened, and while it isn’t until after the conference that I realize how valuable it is, I am not without absolute appreciation for your HUGE contributions to everyone in attendance. The program truly enhanced and inspired further investment in my equestrian education.

Since my return to BPF, I’ve been focusing on a program centered on working with the young horses in the morning and moving toward the riding horses and finishing on the competition mounts. Winter has been very successful for both Mary and I. We have LOTS of new horses and new clients - we are all STOKED at BPF! Included in that batch of new horses is a horse I'm quickly becoming close to: Cadeaux de Lion AKA Caddy Shack! Caddy is a Holsteiner gelding who has had some extended time off after his last competition season at PSG. He has joined Zar in my quest for Young Riders 2010! He is a complete dream to ride, and I have changed and improved so much in only a handful of rides. Riding upper level and FEI mounts really brings it out of you, whether you have it or not! I cannot say thank you enough! We are working diligently to recooperate and condition him for the late spring/summer season! Included is a "before" picture before our first riding lesson together!

More to come soon! Trying to get lots of good training and rest before this show season starts. Sponsor info is on the way, too!

Long naps & sweet dreams to all!

Lauren