I Got the Gifted Grant!

So remember back in September when I wrote about my last-minute application for a grant from the Dressage Foundation for a dressage boot camp? I GOT IT! Whew! I've been waiting to announce forrrrrrrever because I had to wait until they posted their press release, lol. 

Initially when I applied the grant director said I should hear back within 6-8 weeks, which would been mid-November. I touched base the week of Thanksgiving, and she told me I should hear by the end of the year. I mostly semi-successfully put it out of my head, but the Monday of Christmas week I got an email that I had been selected! I was asked to keep things hush hush until they made the official announcement, but of course I shared the news with my trainer, and my GMO pres who wrote me the recommendation letter :) (and my group chat because let's be real lol). 

So sometime in the spring, I'll be off to spend a week straight riding with my trainer :) Ruby will board at the fancy farm for the duration and I'll be staying in a hotel nearby, so I don't have to worry about traveling back and forth to my house. Aside from the daily lessons, I'll also get to watch my trainer work her horses in training/teach lessons to her other students (who ride at pretty much every level up through I-2). I am super looking forward to it! That was just the kick in the pants I needed to yank me out of the winter doldrums and make me excited about riding even in gross weather - dreams don't work unless you do too!