HI!! I know I have been terrible about blogging, and I am re organizing myself and I will make time to do it! You can also follow me on Facebook, visit my fan page at Team Tate Dressage! I'm also on twitter!! So no matter what, you should be able to find me somewhere!!

So in general the season in Florida was terrific and depressing at the same time. As far as showing, I didn't at all. That is the first time I have not been in the show ring in Fl, ever! Ugh!! BUT, I really think more important things were happening than merely getting a ribbon at a show. I made some wonderful new connections with some very special people. From becoming quite good friends with Steffen Peters, to spending some quality time with Monty Roberts (totally inspirational!), to lessons with Kyra K and Michael Klimke, and dinner and advise from Jane Savoie! Charles de Kunffy came for a clinic as well.  And of course my monthly training sessions with Scott Hassler are always super helpful. (And not just with my young horses!!) It was an educational winter! And I loved it!!

I also sold a bunch of horses, and that makes me happy because I'm very honest (sometimes too honest) so I know that these horses found the right homes. You know it always amazes me how untruthful some people can be, and then the only one who really gets hurt in the end is the poor horse, who doesn't understand why he keeps being abandoned. That makes me sad, but I have kept in touch with everyone and all is well! It is always just good to know what you're going to be dealing with, attitude wise, and health wise. No one likes surprises! J

Katie Foster had a good Fl season, as she was the lone shower in the group. George can be a handful, and Katie did a super job gaining his respect in the show ring! We had a big decision about whether I should show him, but I decided that this was between her and him. She had to find her way through his resistance, and she did it! I was so proud, and they had a super last show, winning the young rider divisions! Yay Georgie hot pants!!

As far as the rest of the team, we had just enough minor injuries to keep us out of the game this season. It's hard to be an up and coming rider, and wanting so badly to one day ride on the team, but not being able to be out there showing, and gaining the interest of the judges and High Performance Committee members. How will I ever get an Olympic level horse, if the people who have them never see me ride? So that was the depressing part of the season. But I just always have to wake up each day and love what I do, improve all the horses in my barn, and one day I hope that one of those horses will be Olympic bound!

So I hope all is well with all of you! Keep the prayers coming for Courtney! They are truly paying off!! I will talk to you soon! X

P.S. It feels great to be home in Maryland!