It’s been a sunny but cold first week back in Holland. I am also learning what Jet lag is about now. Before I never suffered from Jet lag at all, I could bounce back between time zones no problem. But my last few trips I’ve not had the same luck. So all this week I have been awake at 3 and then up at 6 because I just gave up trying to sleep anymore. I also have naps mid-afternoon when my eyes would just shut. I have felt a bit like a zombie.
To top my trip off, on my flight back my t.v. screen didn’t work… 9hrs and no movies. Thankfully I brought a book and 3 magazines and slept for a good 4hrs. Upon arrival I had to take the train back to Eindhoven to get picked up. The only problem was I picked a day when they were doing test runs for the winter, so I had to take 4 trains to get to where I wanted to go. By the end of it I was sick of seeing my suitcase, I have now packed it away and don’t want to look at it.
My Kids (Oslo & Vitall) gave me nice greetings back. Vitall has been really good this week. So far, my lessons this week have been basic work for me to get back into riding since I haven’t been on a horse in the last 10 days. It is amazing how slow your reactions are after not riding for a little while. The first two days I was too late or too quick with my aids but now I’m back into the swing of things. In my lesson yesterday, we worked a bit on Grand Prix movements. I was so excited when I managed to get 4 one tempi’s but then my brain failed me… so I have to get my brain to wrap around counting 1. 1. 1. etc. We also did some Piaff and Passage. It is so exhilarating to start being able to work on these movements you want to just keep doing more and more. It’s one of the best feelings and really fun.
Over the weekend I’m planning on going into the forest and giving him a day off on Sunday. Its everyone’s rest day on Sunday :).
Next week the Elite Auction is on and I might be going with Chris Von Martels who is training here. I know Chris from being on the Young Rider Team with his sister a few years ago. It’s been nice having a fellow Canadian here. I’m really looking forward to the auction, I haven’t made it to one since being in Europe and I really want to see all the hype. Also next week a bunch of us girls are going to try a Zumba fitness class. I’m pretty sure I am going to make a fool of myself because I will be one step behind trying to overcome the language barrier but hopefully I pick it up quickly. I will be sure to take lots of pics.
