There are some changes in life that are abrupt; even when anticipated, they knock you on your butt and it can take a while before you’re standing squarely again and ready for the next challenge. That was my move to the East Coast last year—even though I knew it was coming and I was as prepared for it as I would ever be, it was a huge adjustment and took a period of several months before I really felt at ease with the new pace and direction of my life.
It's hard to believe that I first stepped foot onto Buckwampum Farm just a little over a year ago, "fresh off the boat" from the wild, wild West and wide-eyed with the promise of exciting adventures on the East Coast. I feel like I have been with the family Buck Davidson has created at BDJ Equestrian for so much longer than that, and yet I feel like no time has passed at all.
As the year ramps up and rockets us into the fall three-day season, and the last events of 2014 loom nearer, I can't help but find myself feeling a little frustrated. After all of the progress that I feel (that I KNOW) I have made over this last year at BDJ Eventing, I wish I had more to show for it in the competition ring.
Recently I spent a week in Kalispell, Mont., to attend The Event at Rebecca Farm. I've been there several times in the past as a competitor, and if you have not yet already been, I highly encourage you to do so.
Aside from the absolutely breathtaking scenery and fantastic courses, Rebecca Farm is also one of the most well-run and most fun events you can possibly go to. No matter where you are traveling from, I assure you that it is well worth the trip.
As young eventers, many of us dream of glamorous horizons. We dream of going to the North American Junior and Young Riders Championships then on to the Rolex Kentucky CCI****, Burghley, the Olympics. We aspire to ride like Fox-Pitt and rack up titles as prolifically as a Davidson.
Now that we have hit the halfway mark of the year, I finally feel like I can take a deep breath.
Though the season is still in full swing, and in particular busy with impending Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games selections, it has still slowed down just enough to give everyone a chance to hit the reset button as we prepare for a summer and fall full of great events.
Last month at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event, I had a fantastic reminder of why I love what I do and why three-day eventing is such a special sport.
No, it's not the fact that I work with some of the world's most talented athletes; although I do. No, it's not the fact that the adrenaline high of a great cross-country ride can last for days; although it does. No, it's that "special bond between horse and rider;" although it does exist.
What sets eventing apart from all other sports, and even most other equestrian disciplines, is the people.
Practice makes perfect. This is an age-old adage that rings true for any endeavor, from riding horses to building rocket ships. From the time we begin walking we are encouraged by our parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors to try and try again; if you fall, get right back on; and so on and so forth. It doesn't take long until "perseverance and determination" becomes a clichéd catch phrase that follows us through life as the key that unlocks the door to success.
Wort and I had the pleasure of attending Red Hills for the first time this past weekend for the CIC***.
Let me start off by saying that the Red Hills International Horse Trials is a phenomenal event. I give a huge round of applause to the organizers, officials and volunteers who make this event what it is.
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