We’re breaking free! We’re soarin’, flyin’...
I recently passed my United States Pony Club ‘B’ certification in early August which definitely required a lot of time, energy, and work, but was worth it in the end! Reflecting on my experience, I realized how many people it takes to tie all of the ends together, and how grateful I am for everyone who helped or supported me as I was working toward my B. I couldn’t have done it without a team.
Congrats to Brenna, Colin, and Katelyn who also passed their B!
One of my favorite things about being an equestrian is being surrounded by others who are passionate, caring, and hard working. Equestrians are generous and understanding of the commitment that is required to pursue a life of riding.
Even though it’s just you and your horse competing together, it’s still a team sport because the eventing community is there to back you up and help you out along the way; we’re all in this together, and it shows when we stand, hand in hand, make our dreams come trueeee (off-pitch singing of any High School Musical song is my forte).
When I realized that I was going to have to find a horse to borrow for the cross country section of my B (I didn’t have the time to prep my jumper mare), Tracey Bienemann stepped up to the plate and let me use her former intermediate level horse, Zoomer.
Tracey and Zoomer. Picture from Tracey’s Facebook.
As a graduate Pony Clubber, and as a rider, Tracey understood why my certification was important and trusted me to take care of Zoomer. Zoomer and Tracey helped me pass my rating and I’m definitely grateful for the experience to learn from such a confident and willing horse!
While I was nervous for the testing (and nervous while I was galloping towards a tall — and very wide! — flower box), Zoomer seemed to serenade me with ‘Get’cha Head in the Game’. His confidence helped boost mine! Thank you to Tracey and Zoomer for their generosity and support!
Aces Zoomin’ Dude… a little rockstar!
Also, as always, a HUGE thank you to my wonderfully supportive parents, sister, trainer (August Torsilieri), and friends for keeping me calm, helping me prepare, and making sure I stayed organized while the daunting ‘B’ certification approached.
