Lilo Fore?

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?