The only dilemma was I was hoping to ride with Hubertus Schmidt in the NEDA Symposium the same weekend. I had sent in 3 videos, and they first selected me as a reserve rider, but then did call and let me know I could bring a horse. By that time, I had gotten the email about the LIST, so of course I had to choose the Team training. I was very disappointed it was all on the same weekend, but I guess when it rains it pours! Both Suzanne Dansby-Bollman and Scott Hassler are planning on coming to watch. Suzanne will be taking on a more involved role in the training of RB, so I am excited about that. I can only imagine as a rider, how hard it would be to give the reins over to another rider, and just be the owner. After all, she did all his training until he came to me. Ha ha she did all the dirty work! I do really adore that horse, although I guess there could be argument that I love them all. Probably true!!

Also to keep going on the exciting news, I have become a sponsored rider of Trilogy! Double hurray!!! (I would like to thank Custom Saddlery, who have been my saddle sponsor for 2 years, for all their generosity and for the saddles.) I started riding in a Trilogy about a year ago, and I totally loved it. Rosie, Jackie’s 5 year old, came with a Verago, and I just loved the way it made me feel, like it was just made for me! I feel deep into all the horses, and my leg position is great. We started calling it the “magic” saddle! Everyone who sits in one loves it and wants one! Fiji rode to the Reserve National champ in one, Rosie to USDF Horse of the Year in one, Katie and Renee (see below) had big success in their Trilogies as well! Thank you so very much Debby Witty! (www.trilogysaddles.com)

I just got back from coaching at Region 2 Championships, where we were back in the mud at Lamplight, St. Charles, IL. It is such a beautiful show grounds there, even if it was a bit rainy and cold. I brought all my new warm clothes that my sponsors, The Equine Source, gave me. (They have some super cute Gesemi jackets, and always nice riding pants. If you want to help out Team Tate, please visit their website, (www.Equinesource.com) tell them you are a client, or fan, and she will put you on her mailing list, and she has all these cool daily deals, and great products. Monique and Carol have been sponsoring me since 2003! My oldest and longest sponsorship!)

I was coaching Katie Foster, my young rider, who has been with me since she was 12. George aka Sacramento, the DT cover boy, is awesome, but can be a handful. Katie did a super job presenting him, and she made me very proud. She won the Lamplight championship Prix St. George, and was reserve Regional champion 4th level. By the last day, George was exhausted after slugging around in the mud for 3 days, and Katie kept him together but she was definitely having to manage a “meltdown”. I thought she rode like a little professional out there! It is so rewarding to see!

Renee McKinley, a student from a few years back but still my biggest fan, was a superstar also over the wknd, bringing home a few championship ribbons at PSG and Inter 1. I remember that horse as a youngster, and even putting the flying changes on him (and she wasn’t lying about him having a big buck!) Ha ha but it was also very rewarding to see her enjoying her journey, and having the success she deserves. Amy Leach, another student, has been working her tail off, and had a wonderful ride at 4th level, into the high 60’s. We have been very detailed and committed to our plan all summer, and she is doing a fantastic job staying focused, and good things are coming to her.

It was fun to see all my old friends, and catch up with my Midwest clients, and of course my mom, Candy, came to hang out. It brings up such good old times, and she was the BEST horse show mom ever. I’m sure happily retired from that line of work! But she still loves horses, and still has a great eye! So I will I’m sure have more news soon! Thanks for reading, and happy riding! X