I have had a bunch of questions regarding our plans from here on out, so I figured that I better do a blog post!
Oslo and I successfully qualified for the Pan Am Selection trials in Ontario. We are actually ranked 10th in Canada! Unfortunately, we would have had to have left as soon as we got back from Oregon in order to make it to Ontario in time for the trials. I would have wanted Oslo to get at least 4 days rest after such a long trailer ride (4 days long). Therefore, Oslo would have gotten one day off once we got home from Oregon and then had to be loaded back up on the trailer and make the lng 4 day trip to the Ottawa area. I could not do this to Oslo. After the trip to Oregon he seemed a bit tired and he has already been on the road quite a bit this year. In order to keep Oslo healthy and happy for many years to come, I think we had to skip the trip. Trailering for that long can just be so stressful on them and it has been so hot in the East.
Additionally, the cost of everything this year is adding up and a trip to Ontario just to experience the trials is just not realistic for us. Reality has hit now and there are 4 top Canadian riders that are almost guaranteed to compose the Pan Am team. I would be attending the trials for the experience to ride against the top Canadian professional riders. It would have been one heck of an experience, but not necessarily the best one for Oslo.
We did even check out flights for Oslo: $11,000 ONE way =(
At first I was swamped with disappointment, but I have already learned so much this summer and have had a very fulfilling year. I cannot get over how lucky I am to have a horse such as Oslo and a family that is so supportive of my dreams. Oslo and I have learned so much together and I know he is the fundamental stepping stone for dressage career.
Thank you to all my friends and family who have been behind me the entire road and always offering supportive and encouraging words. A very special thank you to my sponsors as well! Oslo and I would not be anywhere near we are without them!
I hope that everyone understands our reasoning for the choice we have made regarding the trials. It is a bummer and I really hope that Dressage Canada realizes the issue with Western riders attending trials in the East (all but one Western rider who has qualified for the trials are not attending the trials due to the travel distance and cost). Fingers crossed that next time it will be easier for us Western riders!
I really cannot regret any point this year thus far and considering I started my show season later than everyone else (had to finish that engineering degree!) and still qualified, it has been a damn good year!
The next focus will be on Cashew since she has her KWPN Keuring September 13th! I am very excited to be showing her there and competing against the rest of the KWPN 4 year olds.
As for the rest of the team: you will see us all at the Dressage Festival in September. Oslo, Skippy, and Cashew will all be in attendance!
Thanks again to everyone!
Lindsay and Oslo
