Life is good

It has been one of those magical few days where life in my little corner of the world is just good. Friday night, I pulled into Sovana to do a couple work things befor heading home? There, I ran into Densey and Ron Juvonen who invited me to join them for dinner. Turned out, dinner also included Bonnie Stedt, Pierre Colin, Denise Lahey and Boyd and Silva. It was a lovely treat. I enjoyed talking with Pierre about our mutual love of thoroughbreds, hearing from Densey about Camilla's lesson on Remington, and all the talk of horses. It was a kick off to a great horse day Saturday.

Rachel and I took Solo and Keegan to the CT at Blue Goose. We were the only riders doing training level, so coming home with ribbons didn't mean much, but the experience did. Both horses wre very well behaved on the showgrounds, although Keegan demonstrated his biggest spook to date (still pretty much a non-event) at the yellow painted SLOW DOWN on the driveway walking to warmup. He was a bit distracted, but very quiet, perhaps too quiet as the judge's comment was that he needed to move more forward. Much of the test was quite good, inclding 7s on both the stretchy trot circle and free walk. He was much more ready for the training level test than when we attempted it in February. Solo also put in a generally good test, despite some bouncy ballness that he still exhibits so that you know he is ready to jump, the jumping was a soft training level course, but Keegan was absolutely perfect. Solo jumped really well when he wasn't arguing with Rachel instead of just jumping. He really doesn't like not being in charge, but he can *really* jump! So, we headed home happy with the excursion. Rachel then headed off to take Harry cross country schooling. They were going with Bonnie Kibbie and Loki. Bonnie will be riding the lovely grey beast at the Plantation starter next weekend, where Solo is slated to make his eventing debut.

Meanwhile, I headed over to Windurra for a lesson on Remington. I totally understand why Densey said Camilla had a big smile after her lesson. It was so great. Caitlin taught and was certainly kinder about my riding than deserved, but Remi is such a star. I got to do all kinds of fun stuff. I will be keeping the feel of the medium canter in mind as I work with Keegan. We also did canter half pass and some transitions. His canter is super comfy. I am incredibly lucky to have access to such a super opportunity. It is incredibly generous of Caitlin to share her 4* horse. Caitlin is also out of her neck brace and able to drive, so only restricted from riding for two more months.

Sunday was rainy in Chester County as hurricane Sandy started in. I ran a half marathon. It was not rainy in Philadelphia. Then, to beat the storm, I flew out Sunday evening. That meant that after working for a few hours this morning, I got to head to Cobblestone and was treated to a lovely hack on Debi Handler's Josie with Cathy who was riding Sherry's lovely young mare, Rosie. They were both very good out in the blustery wind and it was great to hang at Cobblestone for a bit.

Now off to the purpose of the trip, the Value Based Insurance Design Summit. Look for our white paper on V-BID for devices and procedures being released tomorrow and more horses next week.