The Moment

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