My life-long addiction to horses hasn’t waned at all. Quite the opposite! Almost six years ago “Kate” Winslet, a beautiful chestnut mare, waltzed into my life and stole my heart. She was just three years old then and had only started to learn the ropes of this thing called “dressage”. Now we are knocking on the door of international level competition. This is new to me. I have trained several horses from babyhood up through the levels, but I’ve never had one with the talent and natural ability to go this far.

It’s exciting and it’s terrifying.

Exciting because I’m learning beyond my previous comprehension, even at 50 something. And exciting because Kate enjoys it and wants to learn more too and our bond and ability to communicate with each other gets stronger every day. But it’s terrifying knowing that so much can go wrong. Her future is in my hands and the decisions I make each day can affect the direction of our journey, and even her well-being. This is where a supportive team is critical. Trainers, vets, farrier, saddle fitter, friends and well-wishers help guide us along this path.

With all of this in mind, I have made the valiant decision to take Kate to Florida next winter for two months of intensive training. This is huge. It means leaving my happy place here in Vermont. It means leaving my husband, my dogs, my studio and my routine for two months. It’s hard enough getting me out of here for a weekend, let alone a month or two! The benefit is that the Wellington area of Florida during the winter months is a mecca for all things dressage. There are countless trainers from all over the world, and competitions and clinics where you can observe the best riders and horses. It’s all there to be soaked up. The world’s dressage community gathers.

So now that I’ve declared this as my intent, I have to figure out how to make it work! Again, my very supportive network kicks in. I’ve been very generously offered a place to stay and I’m hoping I’ll be able to keep painting there too- so my needs are pretty much fulfilled! Now for Kate. I’m still in the process of working out where she will be boarded and with whom I’ll be training. That’s a more complicated process, but I’m working on it. Then there’s the expense. It’s huge. But I figure if I don’t do it now, when? I’m definitely not getting any younger, and neither is Kate!

I’ve decided to offer a selection of my paintings for sale to serve as a “Florida or Bust” fundraiser. Every other week I will offer a framed original painting of mine for sale. If you are interested in purchasing it, great! You’ll become a part of this insanity! I have a large painting of Kate that I am going to add each “supporter’s” name to in bold letters. This piece will travel with me to Florida as a reminder of who helped me get there. If you come visit me there (or here in Vermont after) I’ll be happy to show it to you!

“Harbor Village” 11″ x 24″ acrylic on board on canvas painting $725.

The first painting I’m offering is called “Harbor Village” it is acrylic on canvas on board. The painting measures 11″ x 24″ and the frame brings it to 14.5″ x 28″. It shows a quiet New Hampshire coastal town probably in the early 1800s. Somehow Kate made it into the foreground. Gee I wonder how that happened… It’s a lovely scene to take you back in time to a more peaceful place. I am offering it for $725. If you are interested in purchasing it please call me or send me an email. This will go to the first person who expresses an interest. Thank you so much for helping me step closer to this dream!