Idaho Event Riders visits

I was working in the arena, trimming the hedge when the phone rang. A local Makawao Gallery had a visitor who wanted directions to "Maui Dressage Academy". In a few minutes Bruce and Patty arrived who are from southern Idaho. He has a T-shirt regarding a big event ride in Kalespell Montana at Rebecca Farms. The horses were all out. Rupert galloping in the arena. A beautiful sunny day. It is fun meeting horse enthusiasts from around the world. He rides a 4 yo Irish Sport Horse after retiring his TB partner who just turned 17. He teaches as well in a large indoor arena where multiple disciplines ride together. The farm is just a mere 900 acres. Very nice! "You don't need a indoor here" we all laugh.

John Lassetter Dressage Clinic May 20-22

John has been coming to Maui twice a year since 1999? How blessed we are! World class dressage instruction on your own horse. When you live in the middle of the Pacific. In the most remote location in the world ( really Hawaii is the farthest of any island from a major land mass) that is a big thing. He travels half way around to
world to get here. The first time he arrived it poured and poured and he kept right on teaching. His boots were full of water! One time his luggage did not arrive. Bummer! Not to mention the long flights here, transfers....
I love John's lessons! He shows you where you need to go. His lessons are perfect for riders who do not get much help because when you learn the exercises and the increasing complexity.. if you set up the cones... it provides a great gauge for your progression. You have learned a good warm up routine which you can vary. You learn many different methods of introducing different exercises.
I have amazing rides with him, wish I could do the same on a daily basis.

Oahu Dressage Show

Aloha State Dressage Society's show was set in beautiful Waimanalo. The venue was changed to a block down the street at the last minute due to weather issues. It was overcast, cooler and fortunately the rain stayed away. It was funny to see everyone in their sweat shirts and hoods on saying they were so cold. I was hot as I had just come from 3,000 foot Waimea on the Big Island where it was cold at 58 degrees.
A smaller show than normal it was great to see so many 2nd, 3rd and 4th level rides. Good going! I co-judged with Dolly Hannon which was great to compair my scores and see I was right there within 2-5 points. This was the first time I had judged the new tests. I like the new changes. Dolly had judged on Maui the prior weekend which I had missed due to working on the Big Island. She has great comments and I know the riders appreciated the input.