Lilo Fore?

1/31/2019

I hate to make big announcements before they're a sure thing, but this one just can't wait. Each year the California Dressage Society (CDS) hosts adult amateur clinics in each of three regions - North, Central, and South. I have been selected twice in the past - you can't participate as a rider two years in a row, and I was chosen again for this year's event!

Riding with Marisa Festerling in 2014.

Don't be impressed by being "selected" as there is no skill requirement in being chosen. If you're a CDS member in good standing and can walk, trot, and canter, you're eligible. My CDS Chapter says they pull the names out of a hat. I am pretty sure my name has been the only one in the hat as I am generally not that lucky.

The first year I attended was in 2014. I rode with Marisa Festerling. You can read about it here and here. There's also some video that I had completely forgotten about. Wow, but have we come a long way!

Riding with Hilda Gurney in 2017

For the clinic in 2017, I rode with Hilda Gurney. That was a very ... intense clinic and nothing like the first one. If you haven't read about it already and care to, you can find it here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

This year's Adult Amateur Clinician is Lilo Fore!

The clinician for this year's series of adult amateur clinics is none other than Lilo Fore. When I saw who the clinician was, I put in a "self-nomination" before our chapter chair even made the announcement. And then I prayed fervently that no one else was eligible or wanted to attend. The universe must think I need some additional help with my riding because my name was indeed selected.

The central region's clinic is at Templeton Farms near Paso Robles in mid-April. You need to check out this facility. Holy Moley, is it ever swanky!

Photo Credit: Templeton Farms

Of course, a lot can happen between now and the clinic. Speedy is just now recovered from two abscesses. His Cushing's could cause other problems that I am not yet aware of. Or, heaven forbid, some other random thing could strike preventing us from going. And no, Universe, I don't need any more drama at this time, thank you.

Any Lilo Fore fans out there?

Tracy link

1/31/2019 10:24:40 am

Ahh, congrats!! So exciting :D Also, I'm super jealous of all the cool things CDS does -- what a great organization!

Bakersfield Dressage link

1/31/2019 05:04:16 pm

Thanks, Tracy! And yes, CDS is super cool! :0)

Heather

1/31/2019 06:26:09 pm

I meant to ask if anyone has said anything to you about the Pergolide fog or veil (or lots of other terms). When I started my since retired gelding on it, I felt that it did happen, although “what” it was, was hard to pin down. For up to the first month on Pergolide, apparently many horses are “weird,” and then they aren’t. It will be interesting to read if you see anything similar.

2/2/2019 07:13:32 am

No, I haven't heard of that, but I really haven't dug into side effects or Cushing's in general. I don't want to stick my head in the sand, but I also don't want to borrow trouble. You know what I mean?

The ranch owner is watching Speedy very closely for any signs of changes in his behavior. I am there nearly every day myself, but having a second set of eyes is really helpful. She recently had to say goodbye to one of her senior citizens who was on Pergolide for around 7 years. She has a lot of experience with the medication, so she's been sharing her experience.

One of the tough things is that Speedy is finally sound after the abscesses, so it's hard to tell if his perkier attitude is from simply feeling better or is the Pergolide affecting his demeanor. Tough to tell right now. My gut says his feet simply feel better.

Thanks you for sharing though as this is obviously not a condition that is going to go away. I will no doubt encounter all kinds of issues as he continues to age. :0)

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