Big Moves and Bold Dreams
Dear gorgeous readers,
As I write to you, I’m sitting at my kitchen table eating my fruit and yoghurt that I have for breakfast every morning. And I’m here (as ever) brimming with news.
New home, new energy (same me, obvs)
2026 has started with a big, unexpected change: I’ve moved off the farm and into my very own home, right in the heart of Aiken.
Since moving to the States, I’ve always said I live in Aiken, when in actual fact, I was 30 minutes outside. Now, I am smack bang in the middle of town, and I absolutely love it! Here’s two big reasons why:
I can walk to the Fresh Market (for my British friends, think Waitrose).
Odell Weeks Tennis courts are just around the corner, so I now play tennis every week. (And I can’t lie, the get-up suits me.)
I didn’t realise until the moment I walked into my own home just how ready I was for this change. And I am seeing this move as hugely positive.
San Diego and ‘the connection’
I am super excited to be jetting off this coming Monday to the Young Horse Symposium in San Diego, presented by Ulf & Eva Möller. There are a few little things connecting to this, and you know me, I love a good connection!
Here’s the first… A few days after moving into my new home, I was in Target buying some odds and ends when I came across a little blue and gold book titled, Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven. It stood out because I remembered his speech about how completing the first task of the day sets you up for everything else. Without thinking twice, I picked it up.
And here’s the ‘what are the chances?’ moment: I had already booked my tickets for San Diego but hadn't organised my accommodation. One evening, I finally booked a cute Airbnb on South Mission Beach. I went to bed and finished the book, which ends with McRaven’s 2014 speech mentioning Coronado (the Navy SEAL training base) several times.
I looked at Google Maps... Coronado is only a 20-minute drive from where I just booked! It’s a sign! (Of what, I don’t know, but I love the synergy.)
Hold onto your hats, there’s more…
I also recently applied to ride with 6-time Olympian, Steffen Peters, who is doing a clinic here in Aiken in April. I will ride Frank the stallion, who is coming along very well in his work.
And to finish this tale of bizarre connections:
Steffen lives in San Diego, and I’m hoping to meet him next week while I’m there.
The clinic was meant to be held at Stable View, but due to a date change, they couldn't accommodate it. You will never guess where Steffen is now doing his clinic... in Amy’s lovely covered arena, AKA my office! Yes, if I get in, it will be in Frank the Stallion’s home arena. Things are brewing in all the right ways on the SM Dressage front, and I am delighted about it.
And what does every good story need? A love interest.
In other exciting news, I had a first date this month! And in fortuitous timing, it fell on Valentine’s Day.
He drove over from Bluffton, and we had lunch at The Willcox. It’s my favourite spot in Aiken, but I’d never actually had a first date there before. I had a really warm feeling about this one…
And in true TV cliffhanger style, I’m going to leave this story there, and promise to update you in my next installment.
Will there be a happy ending? Here’s hoping. Wish me luck.
Stay safe and happy, and remember: Love is the biggest superpower!
Until soon. xx
