Game on 2020
Sunday, January 12, 2020

by Jodie Kelly

Wellington, FL - I sit here reflecting on our first show of the season and think “Woahhhhh”.  Going into this show, I felt a little bit like we were jumping, maybe being thrown a little off into really deep water and I wasn’t sure if we could swim.

With Caymus starting the CDIs for the Grand Prix and Grayton moving up to the Developing PSG, it was HUGE leaps from their previous four national GP’s and third level/4th 1!  I honestly felt like I needed six more months to feel legit ready, not a whole year till next season, just six months, but then again, don’t we all always just need a “little more time”?!.  So, off we went!!  I can’t say that we swam brilliantly, but, I can say, we did keep our head above water!

Caymus was surprisingly overwhelmed by the stadium.  It caught me a little off guard because he was so good in there two years ago at the small tour.  JJ described him perfectly when she said he was like a turtle that was scared to come out of his shell.  I lured him out a few times, and kicked him out a few times, but over all, Caymus and I did both the GP and the GPS with him hiding in his shell!!  It was definitely not the rides I had hoped to have, but, I was pleased that both of my rides were scattered with 8s and encouraging comments.  So, we shall persevere until we conquer the stadium with CONFIDENCE!!

As far as Grayton, Susie Dutta once said to me, “in the beginning, the test rides you, then you ride the test.”  Well, that first test rode the HECK out of both of us!!  When I came out, Anne said, “you need to go home and take a nap after that one!” Lol, but, Grayton and I both watched our videos, studied some rides and we actually got it together a little more on our second try.  We won the class both days, but were pleased with our 70.8% on day two!

So, GAME ON 2020!!!! Let’s do this.

A Tribute to Reagan
Thursday, November 7, 2019

by Jodie Kelly

Destin, FL - A tribute to Reagan.

Around 25 years ago, I was around 11, she was around 5 (none of us can remember exactly) Dr Amy Williams, our dear friend, asked us if we’d be interested in her mare as a school horse for our lesson program. We took her, but she was a little green for the school program, so the plan was for me to ride her until she would be suitable as a lesson horse. Lets just say, she never made it to being a lesson horse.

Last night we said goodbye to truly, one of my heart horses and the one who jump started my career, our dear, sweet, Reagan. She was the product of Dr Williams’ research on amniocentesis in horses and my partner in crime down many centerlines. From Florida, to California, to Chicago, we traveled the country together. She put me on my first podiums and gave me my first tastes of what riding on a team really meant. SHE made me thirsty for more. She also is the only one, to date, that I have managed to get five 0’s on a movement in a CDI!!!

I’ll never forget, in a lesson in the beginning, I asked Jos how far I thought she could go. His answer is an answer I have carried through my whole career. He said “who am I to put a limit on this horse?” And what an accurate answer that was for Reagan. She lived her life with no limits and I am happy she once again, has no limits. Dr Williams was there for her first breath, and 30 years later, was with her for her last.

It was the greatest honor of my young life to be her rider. Until we meet again, my friend.