HI! So I hope you all are sitting down, cuz here is the next blog and it's only been like a week! Can you believe it?!?! Yes I've turned over a new leaf! A leaf of communication! I have even joined Facebook, something I was very much resisting. I actually love it! So you can become a fan of Team Tate Dressage and follow play by play my exciting and sometimes crazy life!

So I'm in the Chicago airport awaiting my flight back home to Philly, and just did a really fun clinic in central Wisconsin. I go to Katie and Lynne Foster's beautiful barn, Stonegate Equestrian Center, in Hazelhurst, WI. I had quite the interesting trip out to WI, having my flight cancelled and then getting rebooked, only to miss my connection in Minneapolis. So then was the big decision, do I wait and get the flight late morning the next day, or do I get myself in a car and start driving! Well I had 13 lessons awaiting me the next day, and no one wants to ride late at night, so I rented a car and started driving! I drove about half way and then found a hotel, and finished the rest of the drive the next am. I had to stop at a 24-hour store so I could get some contact solution and some other essentials so I could function the next day, until my bag arrived the next day around lunchtime! But we made it work, and everyone got their lessons in on Friday!

Not the case on Saturday unfortunately. United cancelled my flight, so they called and told me they re booked me on the earlier flight, and can I get to airport early, or I'm probably not getting to Philly Saturday night. So I had to skip the last lesson and a half to make it. Ah the joys of traveling to a small airport! Oh well it can happen. I'm just glad they actually called me. Now that's customer service!

I'm going to be in the barn a little tomorrow morning, but after that I'm heading out of town for a little R &R with my wonderful boyfriend, Richard Malmgren. He works for Hasslers, so he is a total horse guy as well, but he has helped me find more balance in life then ever before. We are headed to the beach, but I think the weather is supposed to be bad. Ha ha just my luck! Go figure!

The best news this week has been that Allison Springer tied for second place in the dressage phase at Rolex. She and Arthur have worked so hard and she is so very talented, I'm so proud of them! We went through the test a couple of times last Sunday at Fair Hill, and they were in fine form! I hope the wknd continues to go super for her! I hope everyone makes it safe and sound to the finish as well. Rolex; what a true test of horsemanship, partnership, bravery, being on the aides, and commitment. I'm impressed by all who compete there.

I hope you are all doing well! We are gearing up for a show next weekend, so that should be fun! Fiji is going to do his first PSG and Developing horse test. Woohoo!! Talk soon!! X