New Beginnings

Dear Gorgeous Readers,

It’s a Sunday afternoon, and I’m enjoying a rare weekend at home. I must say, it’s been an

absolute delight to recharge without needing to jump in the car and be anywhere. A lot has

happened since I last wrote to you.

The new man in my life is no longer, and Manny has moved on too. I won’t go into detail

about either, but I will say that both decisions were mine, based on what was unfolding in

each situation.

On a much more exciting note: I’m full steam ahead putting together a syndicate for a

dressage horse that’s already competing internationally. If you’d like to be involved, don’t

hesitate to reach out.

As for my love life, it’s been a helpful reminder of what truly matters in a long-term

relationship. Comedy ranks high on my list. He did make me laugh, and I really did enjoy the

humour, muchly!

Now, just when I thought I wouldn’t be returning to China, here I am, deep in the visa

application process and working with my ever-reliable travel agent, Graham, to book flights

back to the Far East.

As life constantly reminds me, never say never.

Last year, I spent six weeks in Chengdu and was asked to return. At the time, I was still

living in Uruguay and preparing to move to the U.S., so as flattered as I was, I couldn’t

commit to another long stay. My client in China wasn’t open to a shorter trip, so I figured that

would be my first and last working visit there. (Side note: visiting the pandas in Chengdu was

magical. Highly recommend!)

Then, out of the blue, I woke up to an Instagram message from my lovely Chinese rider. She

had just returned from a month in Belgium where she bought a new horse, and she asked if

I’d come help her with him.

Timing, my dear readers, is everything. Had she messaged while I still had Manny, I’m quite

sure I would have declined. But instead, there I was, sipping my morning coffee in bed,

rereading the message and thinking, why not? So I said yes, but only for three weeks. Her reply? “Great!”

She’s also moved to a different (and cooler) province, so I’ll get to experience a new part of

China and escape some of South Carolina’s famously humid summer. Win-win.

Even better, I’ll be flying on to London afterward to visit family, popping over to Sweden for

my September weekend clinic, and then heading back to Aiken via Los Angeles for a 2-day

Lewis Howes “School of Greatness”  seminar with my UK friends, Claire and Bon. Yes, life is

good!

Next weekend marks my very first flyaway clinic in the U.S. I’ll be off to Cincinnati, Ohio, for

two days of teaching. A month or so ago, Marlene from Cincinnati was visiting Aiken and

asked a mutual friend if she knew of a dressage trainer to observe. My friend pointed her in

my direction.

Over the following week, Marlene watched me school Manny and coach several riders. I’d

explain what I was doing during and after sessions, and she asked thoughtful questions. A

week later, I received a text from her. She had organised a clinic for me at her barn in

Cincinnati and asked if I’d come. How could I say no?

I’m always grateful for those unexpected encounters that lead to incredible opportunities.

When I return from Cincinnati, Jo Beavis from the UK will have just landed. Jo is a dear

friend, an incredible saddle fitter, and one of my generous sponsors alongside Fairfax

Saddles. We’ll have a fantastic week fitting saddles and giving riders a chance to try out the

latest Fairfax saddles and bridles.

Then it’s off to Charleston for a weekend clinic at a brand-new venue for me. I’ve only visited

Charleston once before, but I fell in love with its character and charm, so I’m thrilled to

combine work and a bit of wanderlust.

Just a day after that, I’ll be hopping on a Virgin Atlantic flight to the UK for a week to see my

family and friends. That’s one of the hardest parts of living far away. I miss them terribly. This

trip is also important for another reason. I have an appointment in London to reapply for my

South African passport. It’s a crucial step if I’m to fly the flag for my home country at

international competitions and, of course, for my Olympic dream of LA 2028.

Wish me luck!

There’s still plenty of planning and brainstorming to do for the syndicate, so it’s back to the

drawing board for me.

Happy riding, and remember to soften your hands in every exercise during your schooling

sessions.

Until soon,

xx