Update!

I haven't updated in quite a while, sorry everyone about that!

Steve and I arrived in Pagosa Springs about 4 weeks ago (wow we've been here a long time now!!), and Steve checked in to his externship. I helped out with the 1* course for a few days and really enjoyed that, learned a lot of behind the scenes of how the courses go from a teaching prospective. I took of the middle of that week and flew to Minnesota to work on road staff at the tour stop. It was really nice to catch up with the team and friends there. I really enjoy working the tours, it's a great team and such a wonderful energy! After I got home from MN, I helped with the end of the 2* course, enjoyed getting to know all of those students. That weekend was my birthday and Steve took me on a walking tour of Pagosa. The river is beautiful and there were people tubing and swimming. We went on to a lake just outside of town, and went for  a hike, and did some fishing. We caught quite a few bluegill type fish. That evening we had a wonderful yummy dinner with friends and I had cake and gifts to open. Steve got me a nice scarf and a bosal, it is beautiful!! The following week, I began the internship. There are 17 externs and 9 interns all together. Kristi Smith is our instructor and is doing a fantastic job leading us. We started the first week with testing in all four savvies, and Hank and I did as well as I could have asked. He was a bit unconfident in the new environment, and has relaxed quickly since then. That week we began doing some learning, watching demos from Kristi, and I began a regiment of doing a trail ride each day to help Hank's physical fitness. There was also a county fair in town last week and Parelli went and did a demo, we went to watch, support and help out. The demo team did a great job, and Kristi did an inspiring demo with both of her horses. That weekend, the interns helped run the Parelli games, and then I had the opportunity to give a lesson and have Kristi watch and give feedback on my teaching. Sunday was a day off, much needed! Steve and I took a drive out to Williams Reservoir, and stopped a ton on the way out to take a look at cliffs and rivers and such. The scenery here is just breath taking. We made it to the lake, and it was beautiful, mountains surrounding and big lake. Abbey had a great time playing fetch and running around.

This last week started with more horsemanship lessons from Kristi and lots of horsemanship time. Hank and I are focusing on our freestyle flying changes, getting more forward and finesse. We have been trail riding everyday, and his body is changing and developing more muscle. :) Thursday Jim Patterson came in and did a Play to Win session with us and it was the third time I've done it, still lots of new awareness and really good reminders. Friday we had some more play time and then the interns got to do one audition each with Kristi to see where we need to go with the rest of our time here. Kristi said all of my freestyle was level 4, I just need to get my flying changes, so I was really happy about that!!

Today I got to go on a trail ride with Lillan, Hillary and Jackie Chant and it was a fantastic ride! We had great time, and it was so good to be out with Hank! They are al such talented ladies, I felt very privileged riding with them. :)

Will try to update again sooner!!