Koryn Staehling, public notebook author at Barnby Notes and working student of Courtney King, is one of 10 riders chosen for the first national Emerging Dressage Athlete Program clinic.  The  clinic will be held in Wellington in December and features some of the sports leading educators including Lendon Gray, Anne Gribbons, Robert Dover, Kathy Connelly, Tuny Page and Courtney King.  “I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to participate in these clinics, and I'm super excited!” says Koryn.

One of Koryn's public notebook journals will be used in one of the presentations during this six day program.  Founder of Barnby Notes, Allison Brunelli, will be at the clinic to make a presentation about the top strategies in keeping a training notebook. “I’m not surprised that Koryn is good at journaling,” Allison says.  “She’s learning it from Courtney who filled over thirty notebooks in an eighteen year span and who was a natural at it.”

Koryn grew up in a family that had the means and desire to support her riding, she has had the opportunity to enjoy consistent professional training. Recently she was nudged into journaling regularly by Courtney, but is enjoying it more as she appreciates the value of the tool. “It definitely takes a good chunk of time for me to sit down, remember, think and journal, but I believe that’s how it works with most worthwhile learning processes. The benefits definitely outweigh the costs of my time and energy.” Not only does the process help her to clarify and remember what went on in her rides, she says it helps her to plan the next ride with focus. “It helps my mind to click into gear."  

Koryn is on the bullseye about the learning process according to Dr. Kathleen Kelly, partner in the upcoming learning center at Barnby Notes.  "Learning is not the stuff of movies," Dr. Kathy says.  "The truth is much more mundane.  Greatness comes incrementally, with effort, and isn't always exciting to watch.  It is more focused on mistakes, not successes.  It requires the development of sustained attention, a willingness to look at what isn't right, and a tolerance for discomfort.  And it provides the ultimate payoff -- not only success but personal fulfillment that nourishes the soul."