Vitall, wearing his magnetic blanket.
Just want to start this blog by apologizing the delay in between blogs. I got so busy preparing for my trip I felt like a chicken with my head cut off, with packing and cramming in as much training as possible. Here is an update just before the move.
It’s been a very busy three weeks, packing up an apartment with four years of stuff. I’ve ended up with four suitcases filled to the brim. Stored the rest.
Next was coordinating the horses’ passports shots packing their gear, trying to keep it light, as cargo is so expensive. The rest of the gear – spare blankets, saddle pads, extra tack has been donated to shelters.
The first two horses, Vitall and Cooper, left the 16th and have arrived in Miami safe and sound. The next two horses leave Friday, and the rest leave January 6th. Due to a quarantine issue in Miami and a close down over the holidays, there is a backlog for entry into quarantine, so I had to split up the horses.
I’m happy and sad. I have enjoyed and have learned so much during my four years. I can read, write and speak Dutch. I surprised myself! I did not realize I have a flair for languages.
The training has been invaluable. I have been lucky to have had a mental coach for the last three years. Mental coaching has made the biggest impact to my confidence and ability to focus, using breathing techniques that I use with my horses with incredible success.
Cooper, my up and coming six-year-old.
Riding nine horses a day has kept me fit (and slim).
The young horses have been the biggest surprise. I discovered patience and joy over the smallest accomplishments. I started with one to keep me busy while Vitall was sidelined. I now have 4.
I have met so many wonderful people, made so many friends, and the support from all my friends back home and all over the globe has made this a journey of a lifetime. I may just have to write a book.
The next adventure starts in Florida from December 18th. I will fly from Dusseldorf, direct to Miami with my travel companion, Oslo, my French Bull Dog, who was only eight months old when we arrived in Sweden. Now he is four plus and getting grey around his mouth. My rescue dog China (she was supposed to be someone else’s rescue dog) is also coming along. Oslo has to travel in the cargo hold. China will travel in coach as she only weighs 6 kilos.
The boys during transport.
This will be my first Christmas without my family. Thank goodness for Skype. I will miss my family, my grandmother, who has just turned 86 and still goes to the gym and my seven-year-old nephew and my parents.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year! 2014, the year of the horse! I have a feeling it’s going to be a good one.
