Eastbound and Down

Stromboli and I headed to Ocala to get in some off-season training with Jonathan Holling and stay with my old friend from middle/high school & Coursebrook Farm, Heather Maytham.  

The first weekend I was there, I rode Stromboli in the Rocking Horse schooling show and decided to do one Training level dressage test and two stadium rounds --one at 3'3" and one at 3'6".  Stromboli warmed up for dressage much more calmly than usual, but fell apart in the ring and we had a very disappointing test scoring a 43.  I had to remind myself that just a couple months earlier, a 43 would have been considered a big relief, and Stromboli really has made huge strides in his flat work.  

We then had a really nice and steady 3'3" stadium round and despite a hold for a massive storm, returned to the ring for our 3'6" round and managed to make it even better!  

On this trip we were able to accomplish more than I thought was possible and Jon helped me really raise the bar on my riding to a whole new level.  Stromboli is enjoying a few days off and I can't wait to get back on him and start practicing for the next event.  

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