The saying “Man plans and God laughs” comes to mind with respect to my trip to meet and train with show jumping great Peter Leone this week. I was scheduled to meet Peter at his equestrian estate, Lionshare Farm, on Wednesday and Thursday, but my horse, Jaliska, was injured last Tuesday. We think that she was kicked during turnout, and while the cut on her leg is not too bad, it is serious enough to have postponed my trip until next month.
Peter Leone’s book “Show Jumping Clinic” arrives!
A while ago, I picked up Peter’s DVD, “Ride the Body,” at the recommendation of a friend and really loved it. I became enamored with Peter’s training style because he was not only knowledgeable and insightful, but patient and incredibly down to earth. Peter, a silver medalist in the 1996 Olympic Games, has won no less than 50 Grand Prix competitions. As you can imagine, being such a novice, I am excited (and honored) to learn from the master himself.
I asked Peter, and he graciously accepted, to be my first professional interview for my column with PhelpsSports.com not only because of his tremendous expertise and success in the show ring, but also due to his approachable demeanor. I felt like this could be a really great match, especially since it will be my first interview! The two day interview will consist of the Q&A portion, but also some pointers from my lesson with Peter where I’ll be riding Jaliska, and a tour of his amazing facility.
So while other columnist may be vying to speak with the current 2012 Olympic contenders, I prefer to start my interview series with a proven star, and “class act,” Mr. Peter Leone. Friends, do you have any questions you’d like me to ask Peter? Share them in the comments section or on my Facebook page.
