Introduction

Introduction

Hi, everyone! This is a blog I’ll be keeping to chronicle my training trip to JJ Tate’s that is made possible by a grant I received from The Dressage Foundation. I’ll be heading to JJ’s April 14th, training at her farm through the 21st and then heading over to Tryon International Equestrian Center for a competition.

I’ll be taking my horse Hans. Hans is a 2012 KWPN gelding (Sir Donnerhall I – Fabuloso). I’ve owned him for a year. We competed at Third Level last year with good scores (average of over 71%), and this year we moved up to Prix St. Georges. I am trying to qualify for the USEF National Developing Horse Championships.

Hans is an amazing horse with a wonderful character. He is extremely sensitive, and can get tight and nervous. I am always working on getting him more honestly through (particularly on the right rein). He has a lot of energy and power, which is fantastic, but when it goes overboard he gets tight and runs. I do a lot of transitions to help improve his balance and keep him listening.

I’ll be sharing recaps of my lessons here, so stay tuned!