Friends and Congrats at the Pan Ams

I have to brag a little bit today. See, Luis Reteguiz-Denizard, my Indiana trainer's trainer and friend, just finished up as the sole rider for Puerto Rico at the Pan Ams in Toronto.

This photo and following video taken from Facebook

I want to spend a moment sending Lou and Robbie (Royal Affair) big congratulations for their small-tour performance. The highlight of their trip was definitely the 70.211% in the Intermediate I, which placed them 5th out of the small tour riders and 9th overall. They finished the competition tied for 13th overall (including against competitors showing big-tour like Stephen Peters and Laura Graves!). This included a 70.725% in the freestyle, which is a huge accomplishment...

Robbie is a super hot horse. At the Central America Games, he lost his brains when the music came on for his freestyle. Lou has worked incredibly hard to desensitize Robbie and try to make the freestyle a place where he can stay relaxed and work. It's paying off!

L1000161
I1 Freestyle at 2015 Pan Am Games Individual Championship. My horse Royal Affair (Royal Diamond x Donnerhall x Prince Thatch xx by Donatia) ridden by Lou with the good graces and sacrifices of Lou's wife, Marie. Robbie's mpeccable grooming is Lindsay's doing. Lou’s West Side Story music theme was produced and enhanced with original music by Curt (curtschneider.com). Now begins our Grand Prix journey supported by too many to name including but not limited to Randy, Carlos and John. Thanks to all of you for contributing to the success of Team Robbie. (If you hadn’t guessed, my wife Sandra really makes this all happen by allowing my passion to flourish.)
Posted by Charles Schneider on Tuesday, July 14, 2015

(Yes, the Puerto Rican rider did his freestyle to West Side Story. Yes, I am still giggling. Also, watch for the major blip in the canter work and see how Lou calmly responds to it to get Robbie back. LOVE! Can't believe the score even with that mistake!)

While I stayed with my trainer at Lou's farm last winter, watching Lou work Robbie was a highlight. Robbie's hot nature reminded me of Pig. Lou's extreme patience, tact and grace in working through Robbie's hot-horse moments inspired me to approach Pig's frantic moments with a similar outlook. While Pig will never have a quarter of the talent Robbie has, I feel like watching Lou and Robbie has helped me access more of Pig's natural abilities and become a better rider of the type of horse I love.

Okay, this photo is mine. Lou working with my trainer and her friesian/warmblood monster of talent.

If you get a chance to clinic with Lou (he comes to Indiana several times a year, and is based in West Palm Florida), jump on it. I have audited several of his clinics, as well as watched him train and ride in Florida. He's a delight, and has a great way of breaking things down for all different types of riders. He's simple to understand and has a great sense of humor. His style is a mix of biomechanics and more horse-specific training. Don't miss out.
(For a quick bit of Lou's teaching, check out his tip on the half halt on the Horse Radio Network!)

Join me in extending cheers to Lou and Robbie for their efforts at the Pan Ams!

**link to scores**