August Adventures: Nationals, Niagara, and New Experiences

August Adventures: Nationals, Niagara, and New Experiences

August was a whirlwind of excitement, challenges, and unforgettable moments as I headed off to National Dressage! Feeling well-prepared, I flew out with high hopes and a packed schedule. This trip was full of firsts and surprises, and despite a few hiccups, it turned out to be an amazing experience.

First Stop: Niagara Falls
Before the competition, I got to visit Niagara Falls for the very first time, and wow—it was absolutely breathtaking! There’s something so humbling about standing next to such a powerful force of nature. Pictures just don’t do it justice.

Hamilton Hunt Club
Another highlight of the trip was visiting the Hamilton Hunt Club. As someone who’s always been fascinated by different equestrian disciplines, it was so interesting to see the traditions and routines of the hunt world. Watching the kennel master in action and seeing how well-behaved the dogs were was incredible. I left with a newfound appreciation for the sport and the dedication it takes to keep everything running smoothly.

The Competition: Riding Maggie
For the competition, I drew Maggie out of the horse pool—a cute, fiery pony. There was just one little issue…I was definitely too tall for her! Still, we made it work and did our best together.

The first test went really well, and I was thrilled to place first. Maggie was so fun to ride, and we were off to a great start. But as the weekend went on, the challenges grew. During the second test, my nerves got the better of me, and I went off test—a big no-no in dressage! I had to take a deep breath, regroup, and finish strong. For those unfamiliar with dressage, we have to memorize all three tests, so there’s a lot of mental focus involved.

By the time we got to the third test, both Maggie and I were feeling the pressure. The test was a bit above her level, but she tried her heart out, and I was proud of how we finished. I was pleasantly surprised to place fifth overall—it was such a rewarding experience despite the ups and downs!

The Flight That Got Away
The trip didn’t end without some drama. We may have missed our flight home, which threw a bit of a wrench into the plans. Our parents had to scramble from three provinces away to get us flights home the next day, but we made it work! I eventually landed in Calgary, where Novalee’s mom saved the day by driving me back to Edmonton.

Dressage Weekend with Layla
After a short visit with my mom, I dove right back into the horse world, heading to a dressage show to be Layla’s groom for the weekend. It was so fun to support her and soak up the atmosphere of another show.

August was packed with highs, lows, and plenty of learning experiences. I’ll never forget this trip—Niagara Falls, Maggie, the Hamilton Hunt Club, and even the chaotic flight situation! Every step of the journey was a reminder of how much I love this sport and the people (and ponies) who make it so special.

Love, Dolls