Parlez-vous français???

So it has happened. My wildest dreams have finally come true. According to the great Stephanie Boyer and Karen O' Connor, Al and I are "living the dream!" That is, we received the grant to represent our country at Pau CCI**** in France, November 4-7, 2010. Now that isn't to say that I would have turned down a spot on the US WEG Team, but let's just be realistic here...before we can earn that coveted Pinque Coat, we need to go out and earn our international stripes first!

Traveling abroad has always been a stressful experience due to language barriers, exchange rates, awkward maps and of course, driving on the wrong side of the road. Traveling abroad with horses, yeah multiply that feeling by ten! Traveling abroad with horses and doing your first international four star? Take that stressed out feeling, multiply it by another ten, then add excitement, anxiety, happiness and funnel vision all in one! Yep, that's precisely where I am... and those bundled up emotions accompanied with my incessant OCD, well folks, rest assured the barn looks nothing short of immaculate!

Upon hearing that I received the grant, I couldn't help but think of all the time that I have spent in the saddle just to even arrive at this point. All the thrills and spills, the happiness and heartache, the endless nights icing or doing a research paper, the sleepless nights...everything suddenly makes sense now. Sure, I have competed abroad a few times before, but nothing to this calibre and on this amazing of a horse! I truly feel that everything happens for a reason and it has been everything (and I mean everything), leading up to this point that has shaped me not only as a rider and a horsewoman, but as a human being and more importantly, as an adult. I have done some serious growing up over these last couple years and feel that this is my horse's and my time to shine, and I don't plan on allowing anything or anyone take that sense of accomplishment away from us.

Of course you know I could not even THINK about going it alone to France. My best friend, ROCK, and groom Bronwyn Watts will be flying with Al and accompanying him for the whole trip (and it's a long one) from JFK to the Pau show grounds. My mom, along with her puppy Delilah will be there to support along with a few other close family and friends who are eagerly are looking forward to the exciting opportunity that lay ahead. I am really happy to hear that both Boyd and Phillip are making the trip overseas as well, so that they can hopefully share their ample experience of competing at the highest level abroad with yours truly! Buck has also been great in giving me my much needed "pep" talks and keeping my eye on the target!

Until we jet set across the pond, Al and I will be busy getting a few more lessons from the DQ herself, Ms. Severson in addition to performing in a jumper class this upcoming weekend. I plan on heading up a few days before our flight to Phillip and Boydy's to gallop and jump a few sticks in hopes of learning a few last minute tips to achieve or most memorable and greatest performance to date! I know we've got big shoes to fill, but rest assured Al and I feel ready and eager to do our best to bring glory to our amazing country! Until then, eyes up, shoulders back, and grab those French translators people! We are taking Pau by storm!!!

To Fairhill or not to Fairhill? THAT is the question!

Well quite some time has gone by since the AECs and as soon as Al and I returned home, we hit the ground running....literally! The following weekend after the AECs I signed myself up for a local jumper show in order to hone the skills that I ignorantly took for granted the previous weekend. Just as I suspected, Alex jumped two double clear rounds in addition to a beautifully performed jump off leaving us with the top spot amongst the warmbloods!

Jumper land, check. Next stop, DQ land! After Al and I conquered our show jumping demons, we thought it would be a great idea to slip on our ballerina slippers and try our luck at 4th level dressage! The day started off grand as both of my students, Geri Hollander (who scored a 70%) and Bethany Astorino (who was riding in her first show since her summer xc schooling hiccup which resulted in a broken ankle) had personal best dressage tests with both of their talented ponies, Timmy and Scarlett. Shortly thereafter, I tried my hand at some 1st level geometry and rode my student Ann Wilson's Andalusian gelding Diego, who very happily pranced his way to first place. Finally it was Al's turn to strut his stuff. After a quick change of tack, review of a very different and profoundly confusing Fourth One Test, and a sip of the Sugar Free Redbull, we were cantering our way down center line. Aside from two late changes early on in the test, I was pleased overall with Al's relaxation and frame in the test. Although she was away at WEG, Kim's voice seldom lay dormant in the back of my mind...from start to finish I heard her constantly tell me, "more forward" or "ride his withers up Laine!!!" Al's test consequently resulted in a blue ribbon. These warmbloods better start getting nervous!

We arrived at Morven Park Horse Trials full of confidence from the past two weekend's practice sessions in jumper and dressage lands. Saturday morning greeted Al and I with below normal temperatures and plenty of air in Al's gaits. Although there were many "energetic" tests throughout the morning, the cool air actually helped with our impulsion and push from behind. Although we have much more to work on before our fall three day, I was overall satisfied with Al's test which scored a solid 27.7 (tied with a true DQ, Kelli Temple) leaving us in the top position after phase one. Al jumped super in the SJ and finished our first two phases adding zero penalties to our dressage score and therefore maintaining our spot on top of the leader board.

Because of all of the torrential rain a few days leading up to Morven, and because I can always use the extra practice, I decided to run xc on Alex. Although I wasn't planning on going for time, I did want to use the run as a significant part of my fitness regimen for my upcoming fall three day. When we cantered through the finish flags, we were welcomed home by a proud grin and a hug from my father Michael who flew out from CA to provide some moral support throughout the weekend. Making my parents proud is by far one of the most fulfilling feelings a daughter can achieve! Happily enough, Al and my performance over the weekend was rewarded with a shiny blue ribbon, which we proudly display in our tack room at our new wonderful farm at Edgewood!

Which leads me to my final piece of information in this blog. Have I mentioned my fall three day yet? The fact that I do not have an actual name or place for the supposed pinnacle of my fall season is because I have no idea where Al and I are headed to next. The grant for Boekelo was not awarded to Al and I because the selectors were looking for horses who were still at the three star level, rather than those who are seasoned at the level. However, the selectors asked if I would be interested in Pau CCI**** in France this upcoming November which I anxiously answered an exuberant, "YES" (well...duh!). However, the only way Al and I would head across the pond is if one of the WEG short listers turn down the trip leaving an open spot available to yours truly. So...again, we wait. Who knows? This time next month Al and I may be perusing through our French-English translators to find the easiest route to the start box....if not, well, there is always good 'ol Fairhill which has played host the best event horses and riders of all time...a level that Al and I are all too eager to inhabit! Until next time friends, heels down, shoulders back, and be decisive!

LEA

Paving the Road to Success: AECs and WEG

So after one of the most long, tedious, grueling drives of my life, mom and I are finally home from the AECs held at Carl Bouckaert's wonderful Chattahoochee Hills facility. While the drive seemed never-ending, the actual timeframe of the show went by way too quickly! I guess our elders were right when they affirmed, "time flies when you're having fun!"

Seeing all the friendly familiar faces at the AECs made it an incredible time. However, having my mom fly in from the west coast to share the experience made it all the more refreshing. Since the last time mom was out in on the east coast was for Rolex, I felt a little rushed in wanting to fit as many memories and fun times in her short visit as possible! To make the experience even sweeter, my best friend and former groom Bronwyn Watts (who happens to live in Atlanta) came to help out bringing the whole CEF crew back together for a reunion which made all-the-more special.

As far as the whole AEC show experience, my Al certainly did not disappoint. Since we were not nearly as seasoned as the rest of our competitors who were running throughout the summer, I was a little worried that perhaps my plan to give Al some time off to relax and "be a horse" might backfire come the end of the weekend. Since I wasn't showing Al this summer, I was busy honing my dressage skills with the DQ herself, Kim Severson, which really paid off come Friday afternoon's dressage test. Even though I was hoping for a lower score than we received, I was happy that Al and I managed to chop off ten points in the same test that we rode this past Rolex! Wow, hard work really DOES pay off!!!

The first time I walked the cross country course, I didn't know if my indifference to the questions stemmed from road weariness or the simplicity of the questions. I decided to re-think my assessment of the XC the following day after I had a good night's rest and sure enough, I soon discovered that the lack of sleep sometimes makes you think some crazy things!!! Although the course seemed fairly straight forward, I felt a sense of nervousness since the only cross country course my horse has seen since Rolex has been the preliminary at Loudoun Horse Trials. There is nothing quite like massive table with frangible pins in the middle of the field that brings you down from "lala" land and back to reality! Wake up Al...these fences may be a tad bit bigger than what we tackled a few weeks prior. Poor guy!

Al answered every question with ease, proving that my plan to give him an easy summer was perfectly suitable and completely necessary. Because the footing was slightly hard (with some AMAZING work from the ground crew at Chatt Hills I might add), I chose to ride at my own speed, and listen to my partner, rather than follow my watch. To my surprise, Al galloped through the finish flags with plenty of running considering the oppressive humidity and heat. I would like to add how much I enjoyed hearing Boydy's, Nate's, Leslie's, and Jon's PRO commentary of the Advanced cross country. It is always nice to have a familiar voice cracking jokes about his fellow competitors and offering knowledgable insight about the course to help calm the pre-XC nerves. It is equally as beneficial for those who are spectating and adds a certain excitement and anticipation to the thrill of the sport!

I hate to sound cocky, but show jumping has always been Al's best phase of the three. With that in mind, you had better believe that when I had two rails on Sunday, awestruck would be an understatement to the emotion I was feeling as we exited the show ring. For the rest of the drive home, I pouted and pondered over the reasoning behind the rails, much to my poor mother's dismay. I just couldn't grasp why the rails fell, or what it was I could have done better. Since it's been over three years since Al and I have had more than one rail in SJ, my mind was running rampant with ideas and answers as to what it was that messed us up.

Finally, I came to my final conclusion: George Morris once told me that the best riders never waste time honing skills in which they're already accomplished. He told me that in order to become the best, I need to practice on perfecting my weaknesses rather than my strengths. Having said that, since dressage has become so competitive, I spent most of the summer with Al learning how to consistently achieve clean changes and better lateral work. In fact, I think I spent so much time in doing so, that I may have overlooked our training in show jumping, since that has always been our best phase. So you see...no matter the level of experience or accomplishment, we as riders and trainers are always learning how to balance our strengths and weaknesses with that of our equine mounts. It's a perennial cycle...

Although I was quite disappointed with our show jumping experience, I was absolutely thrilled with our overall performance at the American Eventing Championships. I would like to shout out a special congratulations to Kim and Paddy. Having spent the past two weeks with them at her farm, in addition to countless times throughout the summer, I know how hard she has worked to improve their so-called weakest phase, and to have pulled out a clear round when it matters the most really speaks volumes for Kim's motivation and determination. I also want to wish our potential WEG candidates the best of luck before tomorrow's final selection and I am very confident that we have the rider and horse power to bring in the gold on home ground this year!

What's in store for me next? Aside from moving to my own barn in Crozier, Al and I will be busy prepping for Morven Park Advanced Horse Trials which is the first weekend in October. I will hopefully hear from our selectors by the end of the week whether we were selected to receive the grant to ride at Boekelo in Holland this coming October as well. Until then guys, heels down, shoulders back...and keep your toes and fingers crossed for Team USA! My heart will be with them in Kentucky as they take on the rest of the world for the coveted WEG title! Cheers!

Planning to Plan

As responsible individuals, we are constantly formulating a plan that suits our lifestyle and goals. As event riders, we also know all-too-well that life rarely goes as planned. Yea, that's kinda the story of my life right now. From my hunt to find the perfect barn suitable for my horses and I to train, to selling a horse that is literally next to perfect, to even my iPhone that frequently "goes on a vacation," well I guess you can say, I am currently weighing and utilizing ALL of my options! Yet again, another life lesson learned...

First things first: how are my ponies you ask? They couldn't be better. Al is finally back into tip-top form after his two month long hiatus from work, and is loving the extra attention from his doting mother (and awestruck fans). I competed him this weekend OP at Loudoun horse trials (his first show back since Rolex) where he finished with a second place and plenty of room between us and the rails! Oh Al...when are you going to jump according to the level you're being shown instead of thinking EVERYTHING is four star height? I guess that's a good problem to have! As far as my fall season goals with Al, well...there's a plan A...followed by a plan B....followed by a plan C....and so on and so forth. All I can say for sure is that our entry to Boekelo has been confirmed by both the American and Dutch Federations, so now all we need is a grant! Easier said than done...BELIEVE me!

The rest of the boys are doing well. Guppy has now added three more clear prelim xc runs and ribbons to his astounding show repertoire and will soon be aiming for a CIC* in the fall with hopes to move up to the big "OI" next spring. Seajack has been consistent as they come, finishing third on his dressage score both times out at prelim and will soon be looking to move back up to intermediate come the end of september, depending on my schedule with Al. I must congratulate Kristen Gore for purchasing Seven's Wild (my favorite mare), previously owned by my student Lauren Axelle, and is currently wowing the novice judges and bringing home the ribbons!

As far as the rest of my life....well, that too is subject to change. When I am not riding, searching for a barn to board or rent, teaching, working on Brushfire, cursing my crazy iPhone, or torturing myself with P-90X (thanks dad!), you will either find me in California climbing mountains covered with rocks and shaded by deciduous pines on horseback with my mom, driving my car early in the morning to teach out in Chesterfield (Sugarfree Red Bull in hand), or just plain asleep. I tell you what: it's not the summer heat that's been so draining; it's finding the time to even think about complaining about the abhorrent temperatures that drives me nuts...

As of now, Al and I are currently enlisted in the Kim Severson School of Arduous Geometry and Yoga (aka: frequent dressage lessons) in order to get our act together come the AECs in Chatt Hills in less than two weeks. Our goal is to put in three great phases, in hopes of impressing the selectors enough to want to send us to NED to compete abroad. Since my orginal goal to make the WEG team fell short, I have now learned that there are other, perhaps more suitable options that lay ahead. Now I know what Gary Mack meant when he said "When you get to the fork in the road, take it!" (Mind Gym...where else?) Until then guys, shoulders back, heels down, and HAVE A PLAN (but always know your options!) See ya in the start box!

LEA

Werewolves, Vampires, and Horses!

Hello again guys!
I know I know, it's been more than a month and no word...I realize that now is a bad time to create an excuse for my excessive tardiness but in all fairness to me, it is, as per usual, all the horses' fault! Well, a certain Robert Pattinson and the highly anticipated Eclipse movie can share the guilt too but I digress...

Since we last spoke I have been tenaciously preparing the horses for their spring/summer show season. Currently, I have Seajack (who is for sale) who is competing preliminary, Barracuda (aka Guppy) who is trying to get his last few qualifying horse trials to do a one star in the fall, and Seven's Wild (also for sale) who is making her training debut.

I feel like I have been in a constant battle between myself and Mother Nature to see who is still left standing come nightfall and let's just say that at the end of the day, I am LOVING my savagely tanned arms. Being that I am known as "The Desert Lizard" around the barn (due to my uncanny ability to ride all day long without sweating or taking excessive drink breaks) it is certainly not surprising that I adore the heat. Odd, but not surprising. My poor horses...

The first show of the spring season (and since Rolex) was Seneca Valley HT. Seaj was doing his first horse trial since October of last year, Guppy was coming back from a month long hiatus during Rolex, and Seven had come to Deerfield only ten days prior in preparation for her training level debut.

The day of the show was brutally hot as it was hectic. Without the help of my trusty friend and student, Rachel Hinson (recent Randolph Macon grad and proud owner of another CEF homebred, IBackJack), I would have been running in circles wondering who's on first and what's on second. Since it was a one day event, and since I was riding three horses, which makes for nine ride times, and all within five hours, Rachel and I had a plan so meticulously arranged, that it would take an act of Congress to change (or maybe not). When the last horse was wrapped, watered, loaded, locked, stocked, and barreled, the gratifying sighs of relief from both of us demonstrated the feat that we had accomplished earlier in the day...we make a great team! Crow's Ear Farm brought home a third from the ever consistent Seaj, a sixth from my shiny little Guppy toy, and a magnificent blue ribbon from my star, Ms. Seven in her first training (with the only dressage score in the twenties!) All ponies made it home safe, soundly, and eager to roll around in their lush green pastures at Deerfield.

Two weeks later we arrived at Surefire HT. As Rachel and I woke at 1:45 am to head to Wawa to stock up on drinks, we felt as if the whole situation was a deja vu. And what a deja vu it was, because we literally saw a two of the same party animals stopping into Wawa for a sobering coffee from a long night out that we saw two weeks prior. I couldn't help but feel jealous of those night owls, knowing that their day was about to end, and our was just starting...but then again, I take it back, the whole throbbing headache situation in the morning from a wild night out I can definitely do without! I'll take horse hair over Hennessy any day of the week, or weekend!

Surefire went by even faster and easier than Seneca despite the hundred plus degree weather. All of the ponies met the demands of the course and the sun with ease, and again, Rachel and I drove home with casual smiles (despite being somewhat delusional from lack of sleep or food). Seajack again, brought home the yellow ribbon in his preliminary division. Guppy took fourth and Seven took second in her training level division. To top of the already fabulous day, my PRO/Am Team finished third, with all my teammates having successful and safe outtings! I look forward to being apart of the PRO/Am tour for many more times to come and encourage those of you who have the opportunity, to try it out! It's a great way to gain a "team" experience and encourage support among our eventing peers.

Before I bid you all adieu, I must quickly express my appreciation to all of you who have shown your support to not only my horses and myself, but to those of you who are constantly asking about my mother and her new life out west. Riding at these horse shows without her there physically has in no way been easy for me. However, just knowing how many people who care about her and respect her for the amazing mother and horse person that she is, makes her presence feel that much closer to me. For that, I want to whole-heartedly thank you all!

Next on the drawing board is Loch Moy I HT where I will be competing Guppy in the OP (for his final qualifying result), Seven in the training, and Scarlett (who belongs to my wonderfully "gimpy" student Bethany Astorino) in the Novice divisions. I have also managed to turn Rachel to the "dark side" as she'll be competing at her first horse trials in her riding career, at the novice level. So folks, until next time, shoulders back, eyes up, and shout out "Team Edward!!!!" Eclipse is FINALLY here (once again, thank you Beth!!! )

Home IS where the heart is!

In between flying back and forth to Northern California to visit mom, prep Guppy and Seajack for their upcoming summer show season, teach lessons to my awesomely eager students, and scrub the thirty inches of mud off Al’s coat that he has managed to accumulate, well, let’s just say that since my last post, this girl has been busy!
After my post Rolex blues slowly began to wear off, my focus shifted to the upcoming summer season of events. Since I have spent so much time focused on Al this past spring, now that he’s enjoying his lavishly green pasture and is one hundred pounds heavier, the second group of steeds get to fill the four horse trailer (and simultaneously empty my wallet).
Last week I flew out to Sacramento, CA where I primarily went to visit my mom and see her newly established Crow’s Ear West in Georgetown. As we made the hour long drive from the airport to the farm, I couldn't help but notice the sprawling and capricious nature of the topography in Northern California. The highway took us through endless valleys and curved through intimidating mountains sprinkled with pines and furs alike. I took a long sigh of relief when my eyes rested on the all-too-familiar American River. Man it felt great to be back home! Mom always did say that “home is where the heart is.” Never until both my parents lived on the opposite coast as I, did those words ring so darn true.
As we pulled into mom’s driveway, I was ecstatic to see some old friends and some new. The ponies and Solar and Eric greeted me with whinnies and nickers and of course, Ivy, Huey, and that darn Chalupa dog (inside joke) joyously barked and trotted around the hot pink tracker to see their new visitor! Of course, before I did ANYTHING I ran into the house to let IT out of the cage, much to my mom’s and Mr. B’s dismay. At the sound of my voice, Milly sprang to life and flew directly to my head, where she stayed until I spooked her away so that I could go greet all of mom’s ponies and get a tour of the new barn!
After the tour and the meet and greets, it was time to get down to the real business. Now, for most people, their vacations are spent lounging and enjoying the time they spend AWAY from their job. As a horse person, however, a vacation wouldn't be a vacation without the smell of hay and grain, filling the water troughs, and of course, going on some SERIOUS trail rides!
Since mom lives near the Tevis Cup trail head, you had better believe the land is both beautiful and extremely unforgiving. Mom and I set out on our horses (she was on her mare Paula, and I on the four year old TB that had just come off the race track recently...ahem) and began to juggle the unrelenting terrain. To my surprise, Lyle never tired and seemed to gain confidence and power as the ride went on. Unfortunately, after about and hour and a half into our adventure, Lyle overstepped and lost a shoe, causing us to navigate our way back to the nearest road, and making his poor rider schlepp the whole way back, horse in hand...hey, I needed the workout anyway!
While in California, I also made time to teach some of the local pony clubbers in a show jumping and cross country clinic which was hosted in Shingle Springs near my old house in Latrobe and at the infamous Rod Hiskins fabulous facility, Eventful Acres. Let me tell you how much fun I had with those girls...not only could they ride very well, they equally matched their ability to ride with their enthusiasm to learn. As a coach and a student simultaneously, I can’t express how much it means to have eager and talented students with motivation and drive. It’s nice to go home after a long day of teaching knowing that your students held onto your every word and that as soon as I return back west, improvements will have been made! Teaching these kids helps me improve as a rider and as a coach. If I can use an analogy or show them on an aid on their horse in order to help them understand a point I’m trying to get across, then my mission is accomplished. Helping them simply helps me as both a trainer and a rider, and who could ask for anything more? Talk about a symbiotic relationship!!!
The flight home from CA was a long and tedious one. Trips always seem longer when you’re leaving half your heart behind. From my two amazing parents, to my grandparents and my cousins and my aunt and my uncle, to my wonderful dogs and horses, and of course my Milly...a six hour long plane ride felt like eternity. Mom’s move back west has certainly been hard on both of us, but I try to keep a positive outlook by reminding myself that things are always temporary and constantly changing. Like my grandpa always reminds me, “the sooner you leave, the sooner you can come back.” Wise words from a very wise man...
Since then, my time has been filled with pulling manes, doing trot sets, ample hill work, and some grid work. Sprinkle in a few circles and extensions and there goes most of the week for my riding schedule. I am still beaming from my ride at Rolex and keep a close eye over my boy even though he’s happily on vacation. Come June 1st, I will slowly start to implement a few hacks and trail rides to get the “boy wonder” back into action and geared up for the fall. First up in the three rounds of shows for the summer season? Seneca Valley; where I will be riding: Seajack OP, Barracuda, OP, and Seven’s Wild, TH. Until then, heels down, shoulders back, and take a long deep breath...an exhilarating ride awaits!

-Lainey

If anyone is interested in hosting a clinic, please contact me at LaineyEA@aol.com (please have a minimum of 12-15 students interested)

Post-Rolex Blues

So, it's been nearly a week and a half since my dream of crossing through those finish flags materialized. Last week all I was thinking was how to ride a double clear show jumping round; this week, well, I am not really thinking at all. I must admit that since Rolex has finished, the let down from all of the nerves, excitement, course walking, HORSE walking, and hauling back and forth on I-64, has been nothing short of traumatizing. I have grown accustomed to waking up at 6:30 on the dot, headed to the barn, loading Al in the trailer, traveling to a lesson or a gallop or a trot set, icing him down, riding the other boys, grooming Al again, working out in the gym, eating, showering, then heading to bed to start the whole process over again. It's your basic eventing barn hustle and bustle BEFORE the big three day. Now that that big three day is OVER, well, I guess I am having the post-Rolex blues. For a while I fed my addiction of four stars by constantly logging onto eventingnation.com to see the newest happenings at Badminton; but that too, ended too soon! I must congratulate Paul Tapner on his fabulous win...I fell in love with his horse INONOTHING, simply because the name is so cool...and of course the thing can JUMP!
On the contrary, Alex is very happy to be on a much-needed vacation although I have to admit that after going without one brush over his coat or tail since the Sunday of our clear SJ round, he is (was) embarrassingly dirty. So, I eagerly jumped at the opportunity to give Al a good long bath, much to his dismay.
Since returning home I have been prepping Guppy, Bob, and Seaj for their upcoming June events...poor guys, they went from having a lovely week-long vacation, to full steam ahead!!! I have managed to enjoy some hour long trail rides on Banjo which is always a pleasure; that little paint knows no boundaries...where there's a stream, we cross it, a forrest, we weed through it...there is nothing he can't do!
Well, there you have it...just a quick update for you guys! Aside from heading to the gym or to the barn, there really isn't anything else new with my life. Oh the life of an event rider!
I did, in fact, teach a great clinic in Maidens, VA at No Worries Farm which ran from 8am until 7pm. I was extremely impressed with the rider's skills and of course, the talented horse flesh that my eyes feasted upon! I can't wait until we do another on the 31st of July! I am also headed out to northern CA to visit my mom in mid-May where I will be doing an informal clinic with the local pony clubbers which I am eagerly looking forward to! Until next time, leg on, shoulders back, and ENJOY THE RIDE! See ya around!

LEA