Kaitlyn Hamilton's Diary in Germany

Sunday, December 17, 2005 - Good Bye's and Thank You's

The first class that morning was the Grand Prix Freestyle. Rodolpho and I sat and watched before he had to leave to go home with his horse. It was a tearful goodbye because he and I became good friends. Then the Young Rider Freestyle A (riders who placed 1st--8th from Friday) began. I was once again blown away. All the riders had great music and such creative choreography. Valentina Truppa from Italy won, followed by Jessica Werndl (Germany), and Emma Kanerva (Finland). The awards ceremony was such a treat because the adults and young riders were combined. When all the horses were galloping around, it was pretty chaotic, but very memorable.

I don't even know where to begin when talking about how incredible this experience has been. I have learned so much, and made the greatest friends. It's amazing how beneficial this program is for the young riders, especially in the countries where dressage is not as popular as it is in Europe. I would love to do this again, and I am also very excited for the Young Riders who will get this incredible opportunity in the years to come.

Thanks again to Marietta Withages, Eva Solomon and Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff for making their idea become a reality. Thanks to the German company Schenker for their generous sponsorship. A special thanks to the Dressage Foundation and the Midwest Dressage Foundation for helping to fund my trip to Germany. And last but not least, thanks to my trainer Jochen Hippenstiel, my family and friends for their love and support.

I can't wait for next year!

Sincerely,
Miss Kaitlyn Hamilton