From Ki Minors

I travelled to Europe at the end of June to train and compete with our overseas International rider Jill Terceira and her husband, International Veterinarian Michel Heyvaert. It was an opportunity of a lifetime that I could not pass up and I have no regrets. I had such a great time, between meeting top International riders from all over the world, competing at International and National shows in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Italy.

As a daily program I would muck about 4 stalls, and ride between 4-6 horses a day depending on whether Jill was out of the country on a tour or not. When it came to the weekends we would take about 6 horses to the shows.

Jill and Michel have a great program with quality horses ranging from 5yrs - 12yrs. I competed mainly on a 6yr old Black Oldenburg Gelding named HECC and also on a 6yr old Bay Gelding named Flash. I competed in the 1m10-1m15 classes as they were young horses. Because I went during the summer the weather was REALLY HOTTTT, but it was nice. We were located in Someren (South of Holland). It was a very beautiful country and VERY FLAT. My advice to up coming riders would be........DO IT!!!  If the opportunity presents itself then take it. If I had not taken this trip, I would never have had the opportunity to meet the new contacts that I have and all the knowledge that I have gained. The shows that I competed in were: Meirlo – National Show, Brasschaat - International Show, Asten - National Show.

I also attended a show with Jill in Guibiasco, Switzerland where we both made the papers. Jill won the 6 bar jumping and to actually be there when they played the National Anthem was a THRILL. As you can imagine it makes you want to reach your goals even more. My most memorable moment was competing at the 1st International Show in Brasschaat, Belgium in front of CASTLE BRASSCHAAT. That was a rush!!! Because it was the first time they held the show there, it was packed with great riders. AND THEY SAID MY NAME RIGHT!!  I competed all four days in the Invitational event and on the last day I placed 18th out of 45 competitors. My best placing was in Asten with HECC (Blackie) were I had one down in the jump off and ended up 11th.

I just want to thank Michel and Jill for the opportunity to experience a small taste of the International scene in Europe for three months. They treated me as part of their family and I appreciate that to the fullest.  Again they have a great program and I wish them all the best in the future. I would also like to thank Joseph Vieira for giving me the opportunity of riding his horse Lyric.  I think that because I had a great season in 2005, Jill and Michel were able to see my potential. The main question I am sure everyone wants to know is......ARE you going back?

My answer is in my report.