I Found My Rolex Kentucky—What's Yours?

Someone once told me that a good way to motivate yourself to accomplish your goals was to make a “dream poster.” The purpose of such a thing was to have a visual reminder, every day, of what you wanted to accomplish in life. At that age, I had a dream to ride in the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

That poster became the sole focus of my bedtime activities. Each night when I went to bed, I would gaze upon the dozens of photos of eventers I’d cut out of magazines and dream of crossing through the finish flags at the Kentucky Horse Park.

But, as I’ve grown older (and perhaps a little bit wiser), I’ve slowly come to understand the tremendous dedication and talent you have to have to become one of “the greats” that has adorned my wall for so long.

I didn’t give up on my Rolex dreams, but now I’ve simply modified them to fit the mold of me. Not everyone has the skill, the horse, the finances or the luck to ride at Rolex Kentucky, but that’s not to say that we can’t make a Rolex of our own.

The classic format three-day event, which we discuss in the article “Will The Classic-Format Three-Day Continue?" is a perfect example of how an adult amateur can have her own “Rolex.” The classic format offers riders who love eventing, but may not necessarily have upper-level aspirations, a way to be challenged at their comfort level.

This classic format also allows these riders to build the skills and knowledge necessary to move up if the opportunity presents itself.

But your own personal Rolex doesn’t have to be competition-based. Maybe it’s taking your foxhunter first flight or watching one of your students jump an oxer for the first time. The important thing is that your personal Rolex is just as significant and special as the real thing. We should all take pride in our accomplishments, as large, or as small, as they may be.

Looking back to my very first event, at the novice level, I remember the rush and thrill of achievement that washed over me as I came through the finish flags. That feeling was the culmination of years of hard work, long hours and personal sacrifice to even get to the event itself. I’m reminded of that rush every time I leave the start box and every time we come galloping home.

I don’t worship my dream poster every night like I did in my youth, but I’ve learned to never give up on my dreams, regardless of their magnitude.

I’m looking forward to the journey leading up to a classic-format three-day—my own Rolex. I know that when I cross through those finish flags, even though the jumps are a little smaller, my smile will be just as big as the ones I see gracing the faces of those amazing riders who cross the finish line at the Kentucky Horse Park each April.