Daniel Bates - Exciting times ahead
Hi Everyone, Dan Bates here letting you know about my June. I have had a great month, I have been working hard on getting Wilson, my horse, to listen to me on my canter transitions, which I have struggled with at times.
Wilson has decided he likes the walk to canter transition which is really making me work on containing his energy, but its something I need to perfect before taking him out to a show as being severely visually impaired I need to make sure that I am in full control of Wilson in any environment for my own and others safety and that he will stop when I ask him too.
I also had a fantastic time on my first ever but definitely not last visit to Bolesworth.
I was struggling to see the arena so the very kind staff went above and beyond to help me. They allowed me and my parents access to the VIP balcony and seated me as close to the arena as was possible. They brought me drinks and made my first trip very special. The view was fantastic!
I got to watch Carl Hester win the CDI3 Grand Prix Freestyle to Music on the truly stunning Hawtins Delicato, which was amazing and then I got to watch his demonstration, where I picked up some valuable and important tips.
I then once again got to meet the man in question as I left the VIP area and was more than a little shocked that he remembered me from our meeting at Somerford a few weeks ago. He really is one of the nicest men in Dressage.
I feel so incredibly grateful to have been in the company of such amazing riders recently and now feel I know where my journey is taking me and my ambitions have been reinforced and my passion reignited after me going through a difficult time where I was questioning myself.
This months news is quite short but believe me I have some big changes on the horizon to report in July.
I will also be able to introduce you to my beautiful 3 year old gelding who I am hoping one day will be my Grand Prix horse.
Im so excited about the month to come and the changes it will make to my life and dressage career.
I also have visits to Hartpury and Hickstead planned thanks to my parents who drive me everywhere at any given time. I would not be living my dream without them, which will be come more clear next month.
See you all in July with the most exciting news!!!
To read more about Daniel you can visit his other blogs here
Catch up with all Carl Hester's news here