Thank you!!

I am going to Europe as part of the Young Rider Tour.  I was so blessed to be selected, along with Catherine Chamberlain and Bebe Davis to represent the US in international competition this summer in Germany.  This is a dream come true. I mean really, I have written dozens of applications for things in the last few years and they always ask my long and short term goals.  My answer is always ‘to someday get the opportunity to compete for the USA in international competition.”  So here is the dream!
Now comes the time of getting everything ready to go! I am sad that I won’t be coming back to Florida after as I will return directly to California from Europe so I am packing up the apartment here at the same time.  Ugh, I am digging in my closet and sorting my stuff into different piles for boxing. Let’s just say it is a bit crowded here.
Jessica Hainsworth, the best sidekick and friend on the planet is coming with me to groom.  We met at the first RDHMW almost 5 years ago.  She has been at every major competition I've been to.  I am really excited to see her as we were supposed to visit over spring break but things got in the way.  We haven’t seen each other since our trip to Spain last summer.
I need to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make this dream a reality.  Mom and dad you are really great supporters of my goals and dreams.  I appreciate that you don’t make it too easy for me and that you have made me work hard, stretch and sacrifice for my dreams.  It makes them all that much more satisfying.  Grandma you know that I am the luckiest granddaughter on the planet.  I get to see you every day, and I have your unconditional love and support which is the foundation of my daily life. Endel Ots a huge and never ending thank you because without your last minute rescue I wouldn’t have even been able to qualify to go. Sheryl and Lori you have been amazingly supportive these last two years through the most difficult ones of my career. I have faced some challenge in growing up, in my career, and in my personal life and you have both stood by me and been a light in the tunnel to guide me.  I will never forget all your kind words, support and belief in me.  It really means a lot. Christine all I can say is I love you and I cannot wait to get home.  We have some great years ahead and I couldn’t think of anyone in the world I would want by my side and in my corner more than you. You are my inspiration and I strive to be even just a tenth of the kind of person you are. Thanks to all my amazing sponsors Nike for taking a chance on me and our amazing sport and for all you do for athletes worldwide.  Custom Saddlery thanks for always making Sjapoer look and feel great.  IRH for being both supportive and fun!  HGF for the support in my season in Wellington. Charlotte Bredahl for all the work you put in with Sjapoer and I this season.
Last but not least Lendon, I have to take some time to say how very much you have meant to me and to this sport.  I came to you a little over four years ago from Texas and you have shaped every day of my life since then.  Without your support, your guidance and your patience I would most likely have not been able to stay in this sport and I would not have achieved all I have done.  You have inspired, pushed, cajoled and dragged so many of us through so much.  All my love, respect and support in any way you need forever!