We are getting into the thick of guest blogging season as the WEGs approach, and I am very proud to welcome back Holly Hudspeth and “Stewie”. As everyone knows, Holly and Stewie are members of the US short list, and it will be exciting to follow their journey over the next couple of months. Holly joins Canadian WEG hopeful Steph Rhodes Bosch and developing professional Leah Lang-Gluscic on our guest blogging team, and we have a couple of autumn guest bloggers to still introduce. Thanks for writing this Holly, and thank you for reading.
From Holly:
Hello everyone! Well the last time I was writing about Last Monarch and I, we were a couple weeks away from Rolex. After a solid finish there and a nice vacation after, Stewie was added to the WEG short list beginning of July. Chuck and I were on a holiday at the beach when I got the call to get him vetted. (Needless to say we did a bit of celebrating that night) Ashley Kriegel was back riding my other horses, as well as her own, so friend and past groom Meri Hyoky drove him to Middleburg to meet Dr. Ober. After all checked out great, my summer, anxiety level, and bank account changed!
One of the best aspects of being added to the short list are the opportunities for such great help. After taking a lesson from CMP at good friend Will Faudree’s farm, I traveled last week to P. Duddy’s for a jump school and dressage lessons with Oded Shimoni. I made a point to meet Oded prior to my lesson, and talk to him about my horse. He asked what level I rode him and what I was doing the rest of the year. I informed Oded I was in fact on the short list for the WEG, and I would be riding with him throughout the summer. I chuckled to myself when I needed to spell my name. The experience was not only humbling, but it made me realize I needed to make an impression, even if it was a small one.
My lessons were not only very educational, Oded rode Stewie both days. He felt I was accurate in my movements, but need to push more for bigger steps. He had us start out by really going forward, then slowing down while keeping his neck out. Oded also wanted Stewie quicker off my leg. It was so helpful to watch him ride Stewie too, as I could see when changes in the horse were made. Stewie always has marched to his own beat, and while I was a bit apprehensive about what Oded would like to do, it all turned out great. I am looking forward to his help at Millbrook.
On Wednesday, students Eliza Woolf, Ashley Kriegel, Allie Mestnik and I are headed up to Millbrook Horse Trials. Stewie is in the advanced, and I am looking forward to getting the season going after a quiet run at Maryland Horse Trials in the OI. My goals for the summer are to stay consistent and continue to grow in the dressage ring. I will also be traveling to Middleburg for first time jump lessons with Katie Prudent. Stewie and I will be in touch as we begin our journey down this exciting road to the WEG. No matter what happens, one thing is for sure. I am beyond proud of my little horse and all we have accomplished together.
