When you've been working so hard for so long to achieve a dream like going to Kentucky, there comes a moment when you realize that all the sacrafice and suffering has finally paid off.
On Sunday night I had that moment. I had just brought Hewie home from Ocala where he finished 7th in his first CCI 2*, a huge accomplishment for a horse that I had previously seriously doubted. It is amazing what can happen when someone believes in you, Buck has always taken a liking to Hewie and has basically made him what he is. He added only one rail to his dressage score which was an error on my part. I have an amazing horse in Hewie and I was glad to see him home safe, comfortable and successful.
Seeing Hewie and Donald out in their paddock at Buck's together again made me realize how far they, and I, have come these past four months. They have never looked fitter, shinier or happier. I've learned to be a better partner for my horses and am now ready to enjoy the rewards. Kentucky or not, I'm coming away from my time here a better, stronger, smarter rider and person.
My working student Jax is down here with me now and has been my saving grace. I couldn't have done it without her help at Ocala, juggling Hewie's 2 star and also making sure Donald stayed in work to be ready for Kentucky. I'm excited to be able to share this journey with her, she has been working so hard in Maryland making sure things keep ticking along up there in the bitter north. She deserves the break and a chance to see some of the world's finest horses and jumps.
A week from today we will be in Lexington preparing ourselves for the "big dance". We will also be reuinted with Buck who currently is in England getting ready for Badminton with Reggie (Ballynoecastle RM). I'm hoping for solid back to back weekends for team BDJ, we've all been working so hard and Buck really deserves a good ride there.
With Buck and basically everyone else gone, it's quiet around the barn and I think that's a good thing for me right now. It gives me an opportunity to refocus and mentally prepare myself for next week. Without the hustle and bustle of a busy training barn, I have a chance to clear my head and focus on the small details of my riding.
I'll update more next week when we are shipping off to Kentucky.
xoxox
Katie, Hewie and Donald
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Being an adult sucks.... until it all pays off
Instead of sleeping in until 10 and then getting some Waffle House.. I have finished riding 4 horses.
Instead of hitting the bars.. I am driving through the night to teach or get back to my horses in Florida.
Instead of spending that extra $50 on shots at the club, I have an insurance bill to pay.
Heels? Like, High Heels? What Are Those?
Instead of celebrating with friends after a horse show, I am drinking a bottle of wine and doing my taxes.
The clock just hit 9:30... time to go to bed while the rest of the world goes out.
Yes. I am an Adult. I am boring and old. I am walking the straight and narrow. Things are different when you set a goal and will stop at nothing to achieve it. I've had to make some huge sacrifices along the way. The day I actually take the time to brush my hair is a big deal. I now consider going to Pepe's a luxurious occasion. I have less friends, less time, less money, less everything.
Even with all that I am missing, my life has been changed forever. Kentucky or not, I have learned the dedication and drive it takes to be successful at this level. There is no room for error. Your uninterrupted focus is paramount. There are now so many things I can't do. But look at my return... I am entered in one of the few CCI4* events in the WORLD. I have reached the upper echelon. I may not be ultra competitive.. yet.. but I am here. I have arrived. I know now what it takes and hope to continue to do this time and time again.
I had a wonderful weekend coaching my girls in Maryland. Everyone had a great weekend and I am beyond proud. The fact that they did so well despite me not being around all winter shows their true grit and determination. They are also learning what it takes.
Tomorrow morning I head off to the Fork for Donald's last run before the Big Dance. I am choking up as I type this. Part nervous but mostly excited. I am just hoping those 7 or 8 minutes on Saturday go smoothly so I can get to the main event. I have worked so hard, and Donald has too. He has been absolutely wonderful this spring and deserves to have a shot at the best track in the country. He has equaled me in my efforts. It's like he also knows what is at stake.
Hewie is at home in Florida being kept in work by Casey. She is a godsend and what an amazing person. To keep going and helping the rest of us out even after her own horses' freak (but minor) injury.. true class. I know I will come back to Hewie in better shape than when I left him and I have no reservations about his CCI2* in 2 weeks. He is in the best hands.
It will be a whirlwind next 3 weeks. There is no rest for the weary.. just keep pushing.
xoxox
Katie, Donald and Hewie
Instead of hitting the bars.. I am driving through the night to teach or get back to my horses in Florida.
Instead of spending that extra $50 on shots at the club, I have an insurance bill to pay.
Heels? Like, High Heels? What Are Those?
Instead of celebrating with friends after a horse show, I am drinking a bottle of wine and doing my taxes.
The clock just hit 9:30... time to go to bed while the rest of the world goes out.
Yes. I am an Adult. I am boring and old. I am walking the straight and narrow. Things are different when you set a goal and will stop at nothing to achieve it. I've had to make some huge sacrifices along the way. The day I actually take the time to brush my hair is a big deal. I now consider going to Pepe's a luxurious occasion. I have less friends, less time, less money, less everything.
Even with all that I am missing, my life has been changed forever. Kentucky or not, I have learned the dedication and drive it takes to be successful at this level. There is no room for error. Your uninterrupted focus is paramount. There are now so many things I can't do. But look at my return... I am entered in one of the few CCI4* events in the WORLD. I have reached the upper echelon. I may not be ultra competitive.. yet.. but I am here. I have arrived. I know now what it takes and hope to continue to do this time and time again.
I had a wonderful weekend coaching my girls in Maryland. Everyone had a great weekend and I am beyond proud. The fact that they did so well despite me not being around all winter shows their true grit and determination. They are also learning what it takes.
Tomorrow morning I head off to the Fork for Donald's last run before the Big Dance. I am choking up as I type this. Part nervous but mostly excited. I am just hoping those 7 or 8 minutes on Saturday go smoothly so I can get to the main event. I have worked so hard, and Donald has too. He has been absolutely wonderful this spring and deserves to have a shot at the best track in the country. He has equaled me in my efforts. It's like he also knows what is at stake.
Hewie is at home in Florida being kept in work by Casey. She is a godsend and what an amazing person. To keep going and helping the rest of us out even after her own horses' freak (but minor) injury.. true class. I know I will come back to Hewie in better shape than when I left him and I have no reservations about his CCI2* in 2 weeks. He is in the best hands.
It will be a whirlwind next 3 weeks. There is no rest for the weary.. just keep pushing.
xoxox
Katie, Donald and Hewie
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