Vitall and I at the show last weekend.
Everyone is always telling me they don’t stay in Florida for the spring/summer because it’s too hot, but it’s not that bad at all, little humid but every afternoon you can count on thunderstorms and rain and when it rains its pours! Poor Oslo thinks he is going to have a heart attack after every crash of thunder. He looks at me with his puzzled face like he is asking me to make it stop. China is the happiest dog I have ever seen. She runs around the property all day, hunting for lizards, but they’re faster than her. Oslo plays coach and sits in the ring with me while I’m riding.
I am impressed with my ring. In the evening, it looks like a swimming pool, but by the morning, it’s dry again, with only a few puddles.
I am really enjoying having my own facility. All the horses are very happy. We are working on some improvements over the summer – added some new paddocks, put up a new lunging arena and a new gate at the entrance. It’s looking really beautiful. My favourite thing about this property is how peaceful it is, for myself as well as the horses. It’s nice to be away from the hustle and bustle of the show barns.
I still have a few stalls open for next season if anyone is looking. I am located 15 minutes from all show grounds. It is a 16-stall barn, 14 X 14 stalls, 20 X 60 outdoor arena with mirrors, lunging arena. There are 10 grass paddocks, small/large sizes.
Me, on Faye, with Oslo.
I am also looking for a working student. Accommodation is available, as is the opportunity to bring your own horse.
Vitall and I competed the other weekend at Palm Beach Equine Complex, which is located, right across the street from Global show grounds.
Palm Beach Equine Complex is beautiful. We warmed up in the covered indoor. The competition arena is new for these show grounds. It was built right next to a lake. It felt like a mini paradise as you cantered around the outside of the ring.
This was our fifth time riding through the Grand Prix. Each time we ride the test, we both gain confidence. I am not having to think about the test as much, and just focusing on riding the movements. My bug a boo is the zig zag, keeping my count. I practice at home and it’s coming together. I tend to over think it then I miss count my steps. At home I practice counting out loud.
I have been doing a lot of mental preparations before riding, just sitting and riding in my mind going through each movement. This really helps me prepare for “show time.”
My youngsters are coming along, improving all the time. I love working with the younger horses. I find it so rewarding each time they learn something new.
Cooper and a new friend.
I have started my horses on new food, taking a natural whole food diet approach. I have started them on this non- grain called Crypto-Aero. It’s highly digestible and offers them lots of nutrients. Grain is one of the culprits to colic. This is why I have chosen to feed my horses this non-grain formula, which they’re thriving on.
I also give them coconut powder. Their coats are gleaming. Crytp-Aero feed is made locally in Florida. To learn more about it check out their website. You can buy the coconut powder online. To learn more go here.
I have taken this approach with my horses because with the amount of travelling and competing I do. This lessens their chance of colic.
I have finally had a little bit of time to go explore what Florida has to offer. The other weekend I went to Miami and checked out South Beach. South Beach is a lot of fun. I fell asleep on the beach and went for a little swim. There are fantastic restaurants and bars. After being here for six months I finally escaped for a weekend to check it out.
