dancing horses

dancing horses

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

The Perils of Optimism

This is us boldly going... where exactly? 
I consider myself an optimistic person. I tend to believe that things will work out. This keeps me persistent when things don't always work out the way I want. the upside is that this sense that it will all work out has helped me with Carmen.

I have kept my clinic experiences with Johanna and Sue Leffler with the purpose of improving my relation with Carmen. And putting on miles. This has really paid off. I am a firm believer that money is best spent on regular lessons rather then clinics. However, on my last trail ride with Nancy I commented that I felt that I could now take Carmen to a clinic to focus on advancing our skills.

Which brings me to Jacqueline Brooks. She comes to Nova Scotia regularly to teach clinics and they are always full. I have seen Jacqueline ride and I quite like her style and how she seems to just love riding.
guess who else love riding? Me. 

In the summer I was talking to Julia (who hosts the clinics) about things in general. I mentioned that if there was ever room I would love to do one of the clinics. I felt it would be a fun stretch for us. 

An easy thing to think when you don't believe that there would be room. Unfortunately I was unable to do the Joahanna clinic this fall because of work and personal commitments. And I seem to be missing doing it. So when I saw that Jacquie was coming in early November I figured I would audit. I mentioned it to Shanea and she suggested we do a semi-private.  I thought that sounded great but figured it wouldn't happen. 

Even though I e-mailed Julia and asked if I could join the clinic, I still .believed it wouldn't happen. 

I was resolved to be graciously  disappointed.

Then I received an email from Julia: 
"Amazing news. I was just talking to Jacquie. She says she will fit in an extra lesson. You guys are in!"
um, what? 

And that is how I ended up in a clinic with an international dressage olympian in about 10 days. 

I blame my optimism. 

Truthfully, I am excited. I think it will be a great opportunity for us. 

But what am I going to wear? 

So if you are in the neighbourhood of Sheffield Mills, NS on November 3 & 4 stop on in and audit. Jacquie is a great teacher and there will be some very nice horses there. Not to mention a fiery Spanish mare.

 

33 comments:

  1. That is so exciting! Hope you have fun and learn a lot.

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  2. Great news, you’ll have a wonderful time and so will Carmen!

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  3. I think blogger ate my comment -- super excited for you, and I wish I we're closer so I could take photographs for you!

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  4. Replies
    1. It really is. Until I think about it far too much.

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  5. That's so exciting. I can only imagine how much you'll learn.

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  6. Congratulations! That is so exciting for both of you guys. I can't wait to read about it.

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    1. thank you! I hope I can remember enough to take coherent notes!

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  7. Oooh - sounds like a great opportunity!! Can't wait to read all about the exciting and fun time you and Carmen have :D

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    1. I would like to go for more fun and less 'excitement'. :D

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  8. Oh heck yes! Super psyched for you. Hmm...wear something weather appropriate first of all! I know it's getting colder here and I bet y'all are, too. Then make sure it's comfy...and then stylish/cute? And of course, it has to be something that shows off Carmen and yourself! ;-)

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    1. aaah! I hope I can look put together and not like a homeless dressage diva!

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  9. Happy for you (and jealous). Get pictures and video!

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    1. Thank you! I am jealous of all the riding you do on the trails. I will do my best to get photos/video.

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  10. Ohh, I love her! Lucky you to have her coaching nearby! Have fun!

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    1. Thank you for that. She's not technically near by but it's nice that she comes this area.

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  11. Congratulations! There definitely is something to the idea that we get what we focus on.

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  12. How fun! I love clinics, be sure to give us a full report :)

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    1. I know you do. I hope that I learn to love them as much as you. And of course there will be a full report.

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  13. I agree regular lessons are better but sometimes a clinic just gets you excited again and wow what a cool clinic to go too!

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  14. Very exciting! I like lessons best, but clinics are always a great bonding & learning experience, too. Have fun!

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    1. Since Shanea will also be there it should be VERY useful.

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  15. omg that's so cool, please take so many notes so we can all live vicariously!!!! :D

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  16. That's so AWESOME for you & Carman! Look forward to reading about it.

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