The Crystal System Book – Test Pilot #2
I’d like to introduce you to Sue Clark whom I have selected to be one of my Test Pilots for The Crystal System book. There are a number of things about Sue that made me think she would be well placed to critique the book.
First and foremost …
Sue has been a keen and interactive Dressage Tipster fan for some time. I would often get messages from Sue like these …
- I SO appreciate your helping hand! It’s like getting an early Christmas present. I have re-read the blogs you suggested and will take on board a few more tips!
- All very good advice! I shall pay more attention to the corners when I school!
Secondly …
I live in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside in the U.K. Sue lives in Motueka, a small town on the outskirts of Nelson at the top of New Zealand’s South Island where equestrian events abound a-plenty.
It never ceases to amaze me how we can connect, interact and become friends with people who live on the other side of the world through a common interest in Dressage.
Thirdly …
Sue is one of five enthusiastic volunteers who run The Motueka Dressage Group.
They organise very friendly, ungraded competitions on the last Sunday of each month from October through to June. The idea being to persuade riders that flatwork improves the jumping, trail riding, all riding in fact. Her enthusiasm for helping others resonates with me greatly.
Finally …
Sue has not had it easy and has a great attitude to overcoming her personal issues. I was distressed to get this message from Sue earlier this year:
“In January a pine tree fell on me and the result was punctured lung, all ribs broken, broken back with 8 screws and a plate and a crushed right ankle that has been fixed up. I have now progressed from so many fixtures and fittings on the ankle to a moon boot! I can’t do much but I am vertical now. I can brush Ollie who is my Third Level dressage horse but I want to get back on and am a little nervous as to how my back will be…surely I can just walk around in order to gain confidence.”
I am delighted to say that Sue is back in the saddle now and taking each day, one at a time. She is currently reading the book and giving me feedback. Her spelling and grammar are far superior to mine, so I made a good choice!
Sue tells me that organising a dressage competition is no mean feat and I’m sure we can all believe that. To ease the burden, her dressage group were offered a dressage software programme from the U.S. which enabled them to load the entries on-line and organise the draw. However, as is the way with technology, ‘teething problems’ caused the system to generate the wrong test or draw the same riders riding in two arenas at the same time! Now that’s a skill! lol
Competitors compete on all sorts of breed of horse from Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds to Clydesdales and their gear is interesting too! They are encouraged to give it a try. One competitor even rode in a Western saddle and string halter but her horse went kindly and forward and she has become an enthusiastic dressage rider as a result.
Sue says that good things come from small beginnings and indeed they do. A very warm welcome Sue, I am delighted you are able to join me in my journey to getting the book to market. I truly value your input and hope that I shall be able to repay you in your quest to develop Motueka Dressage Group’s knowledge.
Patricia – The Dressage Tipster
help@likecrystal.com
Hi Patricia!
I’ve just read your most recent post re your new book and Sue- what an amazing lady! Having had more than my fair share of breakages- including hip- over the past few years, I can begin to emphasise with Sue – obviously to a far lesser degree as my issues were far less dramatic! Nevertheless, I do know what a lifeline comes from reading articles which I can relate to and take inspiration from, and I have eagerly awaited your blogs arriving in my inbox! They have helped to keep my own enthusiasm and determination alive over recent events with my horses which almost caused me to give up!
I am currently at the start if a new chapter; bringing back into work my special horse. This will be with breath held for his future soundness. It will be my dream come true.
I look forward very much to your new book and thank you for your blogs. For me they have helped so much to keep dressage alive!
Anne
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to tell me this. When you get started, if you begin to struggle please feel free to email me and I’ll see what I can do to help.
Thanks again Anne.