Reconnections

Indy at Wildfire

By Jennifer Klitzke

Beginning in 1988, I took regular dressage lessons under my first riding instructor for 12 years. She helped me train my Trakehner/Thoroughbred gelding through Second Level until he retired. Then my instructor sensed God’s call into Seminary where she became a Pastor, and my husband and I moved North and bought a hobby farm. My riding consisted of trail riding and hacking in the arena. I had no intentions of showing dressage again—that is until I bought my Spanish Mustang, Indian’s Legend in 2012.

I have made many connections with interesting people thanks to Indy. Last weekend, he reconnected me to my first riding instructor. She was between ministry opportunities and was asked to judge the schooling show I rode in. What an honor to ride for her again and to introduce her to Indy.

She loved Indy’s relaxed attitude yet forward and balanced gaits. And she LOVED his free walk and stretchy trot—noting that they were the best she had seen all day. Areas we need to improve include more lateral bending, more lengthening in the trot and canter, and more roundness in his frame, but she said we are on the right track.

Me and my first riding instructor, reconnected after 19 years.
Me and my first riding instructor, reconnected after 15 years.

It was so great to see her after 15 years! It’s hard to believe it has been that many years as it only seemed like yesterday.

Indy took home two blue ribbons and his best scores in First Level yet. In First Level Test One we received 66.3% out of three riders and in First Level Test Three we were the only entry and scored 65.5%.

Video: First Level Test One

Video: First Level Test Three