To Make a Long Story Short.....

There has been so much going on since I last blogged....I'm sorry I haven't been keeping up better! So, here's the latest news:

THE TRIP

All plans are go! I sent my entry in, Bastian's FEI passport has been obtained. Its been a bit crazy coordinating all of this. My amazing dad and brother are hauling Bastian out to California for me. They are leaving on June 3rd. I've managed to secure enough hay, grain and shavings for the handsome man. The tack box is packed and I've only got a few more things to take out to the barn. I'm flying out on June 7th to meet them. The show grounds open on the 11th and the show starts on the 13th! Getting everything in order has been quite stressful, but we're managing! It hasn't officially sunk in yet, but I'm sure that once I board the plane it will! Super excited ;)

BASTIAN

After a great show at Chagrin Valley Farms in March, Bastian and I started to encounter a few roadblocks, he was sore through his back and just not moving as well as I know he can. The solution was having the vet out and getting his hocks injected. Aside from him being wound tight from four days of stall rest, he is feeling great and is back to his awesome self. I had lesson today and will have another one on Thursday. I'm trying to fit in as much as possible before I leave as I'm doing the show solo, I've got to soak up all the wisdom I can from Kristin and Tawny!

Bastian's double bridle arrived in the mail the other day and he looks quite smashing in it. I'm not entirely sure whether I will show in the snaffle or in the double yet, we'll just have to see how he feels on those days. His Hastilow Concept saddle fits like a glove and he's looking sleek and happy, a little on the chubby side, but that's the plan as I'm sure he'll lose weight on his trip.

EVERYTHING ELSE

I've successfully completed my first semester of graduate school, just two more semesters until I have my Masters! Woot! I've managed to get lots of extra work days in at the part time job which has kept me extra busy. Only a few weeks of school left, which I am glad for, it has been a long exhausting year for so many reasons. I'm looking forward to next year; I've back to teaching my awesome 9th graders :)

THANK YOUS

In general, thank you everyone! This is a huge endeavor and every little bit has and will continue to help us on our journey. No matter what it is that you have donated, especially the well wishes and encouraging words, we genuinely appreciate them. Thank you to Hastilow Saddlery for our amazing saddle, Thank you Kim Sprickman for hosting a month long Scentsy Party and donating a portion of total sales to our trip (its not too late to order! Just contact me!) Thank you to my AMAZING brother and dad for taking time off to haul my adorable chestnut pony's booty across the country. Thank you to Cleveland Equine for fitting in my horse's hock injection appointment and making him feel so super good! Thank you to Iroquoise Elementary School for donating their monthly "jeans" money to our trip. Thank you thank you thank you! I'm trying to keep on top of all the thank yous, if I've left your name off please forgive me!

Okay, that is all the major stuff, I've got laundry to finish and its almost my bed time..... I promise more updates soon and hopefully some video!