Meg Adams and I set up our blogs on the same day! I have decided to keep mine and along with hers, we should be able to give you a very comprehensive picture of what it is like to compete at the North American Junior/Young Rider Championships in Lexington, KY.

I think I should tell the story of how this all began: It was a VERY HOT day in late September almost 3 short years ago and Meg was due to have a lesson on her Quarter Horse mare, Hanna. Instead of a lesson, we decided to sit under a tree with Meg's mother, Sue, and discuss the future. I mentioned that I thought Meg had tremendous ability and was the type of rider that could go on and represent our country in international competition. Mike and Sue Adams heard what I said and asked me to go on the search for a horse for Meg. I was able to borrow Seth, (a lovely Friesian gelding owned by Debbie Landgrebe at the time, now owned by Jan Oakes), for Meg to ride in lessons. Seth was trained through 2nd level and very kind. He gave Meg a taste of dressage. He was not an "easy" ride, even though he has a wonderful temperament. His trot used to feel like "2 bull-dogs fighting" under the saddle! My husband, John Moe, has a hobby of finding horses on the internet - it doesn't matter what kind of horse you want, just call John, he knows everything that is out there in cyberspace for sale! I asked John to find us a FEI Dressage horse, 12 years or younger, with a solid competition record. He found severeal by Nash really caught my eye. He had the "look of eagles" in his eye and was built to hold up to the rigors of the sport. He was owned and trained by Alyssa Pitts at the time. He was very well trained, but not that easy to ride. Meg and I both had a good feeling about him and we had to make a quick decision as there was another buyer right behind us. Long story short, Nash came to Winters and Meg's hard work began. It was a little shaky in the beginning as Nash wasn't too impressed with dropping down to training and first level, but Meg is a quick study and they moved up quickly. Nash and Meg really became a "team" this year. They have developed an amazing bond and it shows in their performances. It has been a lot of fun for me to help them realize their potential and their dreams. I believe in them - they are awesome!

We have many people to thank, and I want to try and list them:
Dr. Kim Gill-Favier, our vet who always answers her phone and my questions
Steve Stobaugh, Farrier - making sure Nash has the best possilbe "P.F. Flyers"
Dr. Sarah LeJeune - Accupuncturist
Sandi Neal - Equine Body Worker - willing to show up at the shows and help us
Mike, Sue, Bill (Papa), Jan (Nana), David, Janice, Wayne, Teresa (also a top notch rider), and Mary Ann Adams
John Moe - saddle fitter,chef, moral support, horse handler, rider handler and always good for a laugh
All the ladies at Top Hat Farm - for their relentless help with the horses

Without these special people and many others, none of this would be possible. It isn't about just one horse and one rider, it is a team and a family. We are all riding the test with Meg and Nash!