I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and show season! I just got home from the Blue Ridge Horse Show and I am now quickly preparing for another show in Morristown, Tennessee. This will be my final show before the Fair! 

Also check out these wonderful pictures by my sister, Lexi Rueff, that I am using in my blog. She took these pictures during and before my classes on It's Aerosmith and The Norseman! 

Blue Ridge was a tough show this year because I really battled with letting my worries and feelings of being perfect get the better of me in my first class. I have mentioned previously that I am my own worst enemy because I get in my head and like to underestimate myself. If I would just ride like I know I am capable of in the first class, I wouldn’t have to have dig myself out of such a deep hole in the championship. I think a lot of people struggle with the same kind of thoughts, but we can overcome them.

The past few shows have all started the same because I am stuck in this terrible pattern where I get all reserved and nervous in the first class, but then come back in the championship and rock the class. I need to begin just as strong as I end in order to reach my main goal at Louisville. 

The day before I showed back in my championship I came out and rode my other horse, The Norseman, to practice riding more aggressively and confidently. I believe that I am a strong rider, but for some reason the nerves affect me immensely. The biggest thing for me is to just try to be more confident and remember to have fun and show my horse.

I was reserve in the championship, but I was very pleased with that because I pushed myself and Aerosmith to see how much he could give. I broke out of my trot twice, but now I know to take the energy into raising him up instead of going faster. I have to find that perfect speed and that will be my goal in Tennessee this week. It was a lot of fun to be the crowd favorite and I had an amazing time showing him and that is what it's all about. It's great to be the last one out of the ring with the blue ribbon on your horse’s bridle, but it is even better when you come out of the ring feeling accomplished and proud of yourself because you fixed your mistakes and gave it your all.

The week of Blue Ridge was also very special because it was the last quality time that my mom, sister, and I would spend together before we leave for college. My sister, Lexi, leaves for school on August the 18^th and I leave August 15^th. I have to fly back and forth to show at the Fair, but Lexi can drive back and forth. I will be down in Florida and she will be in Indiana. A lot of things are about to change, but horses will always continue to be a part of my life. I plan on riding on the equestrian team at Rollins College, however it is a hunt seat team. Still, I will give it my best. At least I will be able to be around horses and riding. 

Up next is the show in Tennessee this week, then moving into college down in Florida, and finally showing at the Fair! It’s about to be a wild few weeks, but I could not be more excited. I will be posting after this coming show and then probably right before the Fair. Good luck to everyone preparing to show at Louisville!