Our Journey Across the Country to Ride with

 Philippe Karl

Isla and Argeniro taught by Philippe Karl a Classical Dressage Master from France

I was one of six chosen participants from the whole of North America to participate in the three-day clinic offered in Toronto on July 10 - 12, 2009 taught by Philippe Karl, the world renowned Equestrian Master.   It was thrilling and exciting to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride and be taught by Philippe Karl. Being an enthusiastic and dedicated 19 year old rider, I accepted this invitation. It was decided that the best way to get to Toronto from British Columbia (across an entire country) would be to drive our truck, camper and trailer all the way (4,000 km one way). Throughout the course of my adventure, I had tremendous support from my fantastic family. My Mother and younger sister, plus my beloved Hanoverian gelding, Jota, and one of our precious dogs, Skye, travelled five continuous long days to partake in this amazing opportunity. We arrived at Sterling Hill Farm two days before the clinic began.

I would like to extend my thanks to the following for their contributions:

The Paddock Tack and Togs Store in Vernon B,C

   The Dogwood District Scholarship Award, Salmon Arm BC

Grace Gray, my wonderful grandmother

Horses For LIFE Magazine

My family - I could not have had this experience without them!

The Lessons

 Jota was in very good health thanks to our diligent attention and pampering during the trip, however, he was a little stiff and muscularly sore. For two days before the clinic, Mum massaged, practiced Equine Touch and Orthrobionomy on Jota to help relax his muscles and refresh his body. By Friday (the start of the clinic) he was completely pain free and happy. During the clinic she would also work on him every night to keep him in tip-top condition. On Saturday, we glued on four MPGo hoof-wear giving him some extra protection for his bare feet.

All three lessons were superbly educational. I have never learned so much in three days. Jota and I were the last team to ride and perform for Master Philippe Karl and this we did to the best of our abilities. We ended up being the "Stars of the clinic" impressing Philippe Karl, Bea Borelle and the audience which contained 100 other fellow riders! They were all very enthusiastic!  When I finished riding, they would all swarm around offering their congratulations. There was only one problem - it meant that my sister had to cool, wash and feed my horse all by herself!

With Pk

Jota, Clee and I posing with Philippe Karl

The Three Girls posing with Philippe Karl and his wife Bea Borelle

Driving Stops for Jota's water

Alberta

This is Jota enjoying some green July grass in Alberta. We were stopped for gas. You can see his MPGo hoof wear!

Saskatchewan

Our awesome rig at a drinking spot for Jota; we are in the middle of Saskatchewan. Mum told me to pose just as I was getting everything ready to leave hence all the doors being open!	Jota eating grass at a truck stop in Saskatchewan. He preferred green fresh grass to his wet hay in the trailer.
This is Jota trying to eat my sandwich that Clee made me for lunch. He thought it was better smelling then his own private mash!
Mum and Skye eating lunch... well mum is and Skye is wishing he was ;)	Jota standing and posing for a motorcyclist to take his picture. All along the trip, he must have had around 30 people take his photo. He is one famous horse! In this particular photo I was trying to hide ;) not very successful in Saskatchewan!

Manitoba

Clee and Jota at a rest stop in Manitoba. The horseflies were so bad Clee was constantly hitting my poor horse. Mum got the fly spray to keep them away, unfortunately that did no good. Here Clee is eating yogourt and defending my horse at the same time - talk about multitasking!	Clee and Jota again staying clear of horseflies!
Time out - let's eat and rest!	A beautiful river we could not access because the bank was super steep. I think Skye got down there though.
Jota thought he would try some strawberry yogourt. He decided on this trip that he surpassed human rights!
Here Mum is cleaning out the trailer. Skye is trying to help, but is getting in the way instead.	Jota's trip companion, Skye, walking towards our rig. He is not too impressed about going into the truck again!
Would you look at that! This is our water package, we had the large water bucket because Jota did not like drinking out of a small bucket and a kitty litter bucket filled with water from home. We carried six buckets of water with us - crazy. ;)

Ontario

Jota eating the grass at Old Woman Bay. In this photo he is the closest he would get to the lake  because he was very nervous beside the crashing waves.
Clee on the beach of Old Woman Bay; she is looking for rocks.	Clee standing at the edge of the Lake Superior!

Destination - King City Ontario

This is the main barn at Sterling Hill Farm. The clinic took place here at this pristine amazing facility!	This is Jota's barn. He was the first stall (you can see it). If you look closely you can see his fly mask. The mosquitoes were bad here too, so I had to keep his mask on.
Here is Jota turned out in a large green field. Jota liked his home in Ontario with plenty of space to roam and just be a horse.	Our home away from home, placed in prime location right beside the indoor hall, during the clinic. However, we had to hike down a long hill to get to Jota; great exercise!!!