Guys, I have to tell you, I’ve had a good run.  I’ve overcome a LOT of challenges and received a LOT of help along the way.  Working a horse as an Amateur is no easy feat.  From May 2013 when we brought this horse home to April 26, 2018 when we pulled in to Phoenix Farms drive, Fiz has been worked primarily by me, with the exception of that one month a few years ago when was worked by a trainer for 30 days.  So yeah… I’ve had a good run and gained SO much knowledge in this AOT experience.  Lets just say if nothing else, I’ve produced the most tolerant equine on earth.  If he can put up with me, he can conquer the world.

You’re probably wondering at this point:  What am I even talking about?  Well, a month ago, Fiz went to live at Phoenix Farm to be worked by Blair for 30 days.  Then he was supposed to go back to the boarding facility to be worked by me after we showed at Burlington.  He has just thrived there, and Blair is an AMAZING person, horsewoman, and trainer, so it’s been decided he’s staying indefinitely.  That said, there comes a time where the limitations of your knowledge, experience, and ability are keeping you and your horse from excelling.  And for the love of everything holy, you have got to learn when to say, “I need help” or “I can’t teach them anything else” and you have to be able to admit when you’ve met a roadblock you can’t get past. We’ve met that point, and I for one, am unsatisfied with being mediocre.  Fiz probably doesn’t care, but I want more for him! I want to see him reach his potential.  I 100% feel that he will be able to do so under the Phoenix Farm banner.  So I have gracefully accepted the facts, that I have taught him all I know, but that there is someone who can teach him much more, and as that happens, I’ll be able to learn too. We can all learn from others, if we’re open to it.

People, you have GOT to respect and appreciate your professionals for the exceptional job they do (that is, if it’s in fact exceptional..).  You have got to understand that they make a living doing what they do FOR A REASON.  They are experts, and work every day towards a common goal: For your horse and you to succeed.  Their success as a professional rides on your success, as the way your horse competes is a direct reflection of their work. For 30 days in, I am completely in awe of the drastic changes in this horse.  I’ll let the photo speak for itself.  We can only go up from here!