OK so I know that I promised that I would keep you updated more often, and dang it if I didn't let you down again! I still need to make this more part of my weekly/bi weekly schedule. Riding and teaching so much leaves no time for the computer! I'm a work in progress I guess.

So had a wonderful clinic with Charles de Kunffy towards the end of Oct. He has been my mentor and teacher for about 20 years now. He always brings me back home, to the place where nothing else matters but softly training my horses with such harmony, clarity, and class. He instills excellence in the rider's focus on equitation and effectiveness. I get so much out of my horses, sometimes things I didn't even think they were capable of doing right then. He reminds the rider and auditors to stay focused on the riding part of the sport, not the "horsing" part of the sport. He always says that we are in an era of the Super Horse, and the minimal rider. Many trainers get all involved in making the horse learn something or doing something, but Charles always keeps the focus on the rider, and as if it was an after thought, gets the horse to do things not even the rider thought possible. Truly amazing, and I highly recommend for everyone to go see this master in action. He teaches just like his books, full of depth and insight. Love him!!!!

Charles also has such a wonderful way of communicating and educating. I think everyone out there who finds beauty in this sport and wants to learn, really become educated in the sport of Dressage, should really take the time to go see him somewhere. If you have any questions, ask them. He always has sophisticated answers and will help you understand. I always feel such a connection to the masters of the past when I ride with Charles. He helps me stay part of the past as well as inspire me to become part of the future. I worry sometimes what will happen to the sport if we do not have enough people truly educated in the classical way. It isn't just about sitting well on a horse, it is the HOW do you develop that great seat. Charles goes in between the lines and explains every theory and process, so that you are capable of being a great rider as well.

The wonderful hosts of the clinic were Jeannette and Dick Bair at Final Decision Farm in Woodbine, MD. It was pretty stressful packing up 6 horses and 3 people to go host a clinic 2 hours away from home for 4 days, but it all worked out! We had a great group of riders and auditors, and the weather really cooperated with us. Both John and Ashley got to ride, and Charles was impressed by both of them. Many of my students rode, and so it helps my teaching as well. Just a terrific weekend all around.

We went home for a few days, and then we headed off to BLM Championships in Lexington, VA.  This time it was only Ashley and I with 3 horses. We took Fiji, Veredus, and Prada. Ashley and Veredus were super in their 2^nd level classes, even wining high point! Fiji was again a super star, placing 3^rd in the open Prix St. George Championship and winning the 4^th level championships by 5 percentage points! He scored a 70% and it was one of the best tests I've ever ridden. I was so thrilled with him right after I saluted that it was one of those rides that I didn't even care what my score would be. It just felt that great!

Funny enough, I always think my scores go up when ever I am able to ride with Charles near a show. He is probably one of the last people you might think of that would be helpful in the show ring, because he is so classical and focuses on the process and not only the end results. But the amazing thing is, as the process becomes more correct, so does the success in the show ring. Steffen Peters is the best example of that!

Anyway I hope all of you find your inspiration as we head into the winter months! I will be posting some winter reading ideas on my Face book page soon! And there is always a chance to come visit! We are so excited about our NEW Team Tate South: Yellow Bird Farm!!! We have moved into Wellington! Hurray!! I will post pictures also on FB! Come on down and hang out with us! We would love to have you! Hope to see you in the sunshine!!