Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime. Photo by David Mullinix Photography.
Well hello again, Eventing Nation! It has been ages since I last blogged on here, and I’m thrilled to be back. If I recall correctly, the last post I did included a picture of AP standing in my indoor just a month off the track. Now, we are heading to Bromont for our first CCI***!
For those of you who know a bit about AP and me, you know the dressage has been a tough phase. The work at home is quality, but in the competition ring, it has been difficult to find that elusive relaxation stage of the training pyramid. If we do find it, the impulsion piece is always just out of reach. With that in mind, I planned my trip to Bromont with a two day layover in Mono, Ontario, so I could have daily dressage lessons with Peter Gray, who I worked with in Florida this winter.
Peter not only helps me get incredible quality of gaits from AP, but no one is more particular about the truly correct riding of movements, planning within your test, and of what the judges really want to see. The first day, AP felt a little bit tired from the 13 hours on the trailer the day before, but today he did some of his best work, feeling connected, light, and rideable! If we are able to recreate that for the judges this week, we may finally be as competitive as we should be in our first phase!
The gorgeous Ghostwood Farm!
While in Ontario, I have had the immense pleasure of keeping AP at Ghostwood Farm, run by Momo Laframboise. The facility is nothing short of stunning. Further, even though AP is here without any of his usual friends, he is so happy! He can be a little bit high maintenance when we travel to new places, but he has settled in beautifully. Between hacking on the gorgeous rolling hills, his all day long turnout, and just the general “horse heaven” vibe of the facility, I have a shockingly settled and content horse!
We leave first thing tomorrow morning to arrive at Bromont for in-barns. I know AP will be sad to leave his vacation spot, but I think he will forgive me when he gets to run and jump this weekend! Keep an eye out for upcoming posts from Bromont!
