Day 2 in Guadalajara brought heavy rains due to a hurricane in Puerto Vallarta.

We arrived at the stables early to be able to train during open hours. Each country gets an allotted time where they have an arena to themselves. Ours was in the afternoon, but we wanted the early hours for the best footing.

It’s amazing the twists and turns you make in your life and how fate plays its role in creating chance meetings that turn into life-changing experiences.

I am a dressage trainer born in Germany and trained in Holland. I am currently based in Somis, Calif., where I train and compete for VS Dressage.

I’ve had the great pleasure of training both Franchesca Liauw and Ursula Lange, both riders for the Puerto Rican team, which is how I got here, and where my story begins.