Classic Eventing Nation

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on May 17, 2021 5:20 am -

Look, I’m an easygoing sort of gal about most things, but after spending most of the past week consistently soaking wet, and after hearing countless horror stories from friends who needed to be towed INTO events, I’m ready to put my foot down on behalf of Britain’s eventers. Dear, darling sun, please come back so that we can all get back to moaning about the ground being too hard. Many thanks in advance.

National Holiday: It’s Norway’s Constitution Day. Happy birthday, Norway. You don’t look a day over 21.

US Weekend Results:

Galway Downs Spring H.T. (Temecula, Ca.): [Website] [Results]

Fair Hill International H.T. (Elkton, Md.): [Website] [Results]

Hitching Post Farm H.T. (South Royalton, Vt.): [Website] [Results]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Results]

Majestic Oaks Ocala H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Results]

Mill Creek Pony Club H.T. (Kansas City, Mo.): [Website] [Results]

Spokane Sport Horse Spring H.T. (Spokane, Wa.): [Website] [Results]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Tyler, Tx.): [Website] [Results]

Winona H.T. (Winona, Oh.): [Website] [Results]

Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (Woodland, Ca.): [Website] [Results]

UK Weekend Results:

Aston-le-Walls International: [Results]

Firle Place Area Festival: [Results]

Llanymynech (1): [Results]

Moreton (X): [Results]

Global Eventing Round-Up:

Five internationals took place over the weekend: Tamborine and Barastoc Naracoorte Horse Trials in Australia each ran classes from CCI2*-S through CCI4*-S, while New Zealand hosted the Taupo International, running long format classes from CCI2*-L through CCI4*-L. Denmark’s Kalundborg ran from CCI1* to CCI3*-L, and Minsk in Belarus delivered classes from CCI2*-L to CCI4*-S.

While results from most of these events are still forthcoming, the New Zealand Three-Day Event at Taupo has wrapped up with some very worthy winners. The CCI4*-L went the way of Olympian and dairy farmer Matthew Grayling and Trudeau. Matthew has previously won championship titles here before in the two- and three-star classes, both aboard Parklane Hawk, later a five-star champion for William Fox-Pitt.

The CCI3*-L was taken by Shannon Galloway and the ex-racehorse Day Walker, both of whom have battled enormous obstacles to get to this point: Day Walker was struck down by a mystery illness after running the four-star at New Zealand’s Horse of the Year Show, and it was unclear whether he’d return to competition. He did, thanks to the enormous efforts of Shannon and the team around her, but as they got back into the swing of things, a brush with an electric fence resulted in the horse kicking Shannon in the head and necessitating 13 stitches. We suspect this big win will put the ups and downs of the last few months to bed for this pair.

Finally, the winner in the CCI2*-L championship was fourteen-year-old Scout Lodder and Money Shot, owned by her mum. This is the first year that Scout has been old enough to be eligible for the class, and Scout, who has only ridden the nine-year-old gelding for six months, was awed and emotional at the result — as was her mum, Dannie, who had to give up riding after a number of health complications. “He is quite special because he got me through when I had my brain haemorrhage – he was the first horse I rode after that. He helped me through my worst times,” she says of the gelding. Those who know Scout weren’t at all surprised by her victory — she first made waves on the circuit when she won a pre-novice (105cm) class full of adults at just ten years old. Undoubtedly a star of the future.

Your Monday Reading List:

It’s an odd Olympic year, but an Olympic year nonetheless — but what does that look like for team chef d’equipes? British Performance Manager Dicky Waygood shares his view, and his backstory, with British Eventing Life. [We Talk To…Richard Waygood]

Want to check out Practical Horseman’s podcast with Liz Halliday-Sharp, but can’t find your headphones? You can now read the full transcript. [Practical Horseman Podcast Transcript: Liz Halliday-Sharp]

Jess Day lives with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that put her in a wheelchair by the time she was 19. But it was rediscovering her love for riding — and one exceptionally special horse — that helped her see the light once again. [Rider who hit ‘rock bottom’ and was ready to give up found life and love thanks to her horse]

We all know the sport’s superstars — but how about the lower-level riders who dream every bit as hard? Like high school senior Isabel Lopez, who’s busy preparing for her first recognised event at Fair Hill with her OTTB, Emmie. They’ve got a great story, and we’ll certainly be rooting them on! [“If you don’t set the goal, you will never get there!”]

Waredaca has announced the return of their Road to the Three-Day Challenge series. If your bucket list includes ‘jump steeplechase fences and have the most fun EVER’, you’ll want to check this one out. [Waredaca Announces Their Classic Three-Day Challenge]

And finally, meet Hall of Fame showjumper Adolph Mogavero, whose sparkling career took him from the racetrack to the top of the jumping leaderboards in the mid-20th century. [The Stylish and Versatile Adolph Mogavero]

Hot on JumperNation: Experience, an Open Mind, and Purpose: What Horses Teach Us About People

What I’m Listening To:

Every episode of the Worldwide Tribe podcast is beautifully crafted, poignant, and enormously educational on the grim realities of the refugee crisis. Host Jaz O’Hara, whose family has expanded to include several young refugees, takes a person-first approach to looking at a complex topic, and gives marginalised people the space to tell their own stories. Sometimes, we all need a dose of perspective — and this will give you all that and more.

The FutureTrack Follow:

I’ve been dreaming of passport checks, duty-free browsing, and that wall of heat that hits you as you step off the plane somewhere temperate — and Yassine, who runs beach-riding experiences in Essaouira, Morocco, is guilty of fuelling most of those daydreams. My travel bucket list has a new entry.

Morning Viewing:

It’s not eventing, it’s eventing’s weird cousin who shows up to the family reunion, spikes the punch, and somehow fashions together a slip-n-slide from tarps, bricks, and washing up liquid. Never change, combined driving.

Two Horse Deaths Reported at Separate Australian Events [Updated 5/17]

By on May 16, 2021 3:30 pm -

Image via Equestrian Australia.

Equestrian Australia has announced the deaths of two horses at two separate events this weekend. One rider was reportedly transported to a hospital, and the other is confirmed to be safe. At this time, no information has been provided as to the nature of the deaths and whether or not they were falls and/or fence-related.

One horse death occurred in the CCI4*-S division at Naracoorte Horse Trials in South Australia. The federation issued the following statement:

Equestrian Australia has become aware that earlier today during the Naracoorte Horse Trials CCI4*S an incident has occurred.

The rider is stable and has been transported to hospital, however the horse passed away immediately.

In accordance with EA-FEI event SIMP and Critical Incident Management Plan, incident response protocols were followed. More information will follow in due course.

Our sincere condolences to the rider (owner) and all other relevant parties.

Andrew Hamilton (Acting CEO)

The second death occurred in the CCIN1* at Tamborine Equestrian Group One Day International Event. Equestrian Australia issued the following statement:

Equestrian Australia has become aware that earlier today during the Tamborine Equestrian Group One Day International Event CCN1* an incident has occurred.

It is confirmed that the rider is safe, however the horse has passed away. The horse has been respectfully removed to a private and secure location.

In accordance with EA-FEI event SIMP and Critical Incident Management Plan, incident response protocols were followed. More information will follow in due course.

Our sincere condolences to the rider (owner) and all other relevant parties.

Andrew Hamilton (Acting CEO)

Update: May 17, 9:00 a.m. EST

Equestrian Australia has released updated statements regarding the two horse deaths that occurred. The statements read as follows:

Tamborine Equestrian Group CCIN1*:

Equestrian Australia (EA) would like to advise, that Laura Rae, has returned home safely yesterday following the incident at Tamborine Equestrian Group One Day International Event.

The horse Laura was riding affectionally known as ‘Bob’, passed away from a cardiovascular incident.

EA would like to commend and thank the Serious Incident Management Team who responded to this incident promptly and who diligently took care of the rider, the horse and all first responders.

Support continues to be provided to all relevant parties.

Naracoorte CCI4*-S:

Equestrian Australia (EA) would like to advise, that Usman Khan, the rider transported to hospital yesterday following the incident at Naracoorte Horse Trials Event, was discharged from hospital last evening.

The horse Usman was riding called ’Kasheer’ (aka Benny), passed away from a proximal cervical fracture.

EA would like to commend and thank the Serious Incident Management Team who responded to this incident promptly and who diligently took care of the rider, the horse and all first responders.

Support continues to be provided to all relevant parties.

Let Your Child Lose: Teaching Sportsmanship

By on May 16, 2021 10:00 am -

Ellis and her friend Senna, very excited and nervous for their first show. Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

I’ve never been one for participation trophies or ribbons — even at the earliest stages of competition. I always thought it was my rather competitive nature. After all, I was raised by a man who would ask, “Why bother playing if you’re not trying to win?” This was in reference to card games, boardgames, team sports and any other competition one might enter.

Now, his point wasn’t that you shouldn’t play if you couldn’t win, but that the objective of competition was, of course, to come out on top. Looking back, I don’t think he would have disagreed with the sentiment that being second just meant that you were the first loser, but that’s a discussion for another time.

But here’s the thing: even though winning was valued and pushed, we were still taught to be good sports. We were taught that being a sore loser is unacceptable and being a sore winner is even worse.

As a lifelong competitor, I’ve always placed extreme emphasis on good sportsmanship. I can remember very clearly the times I have fallen short as a sportsman, and I still feel a rush of guilt when I recall them. Fortunately, those times have been few and far in between. As a coach, I tried to instill in my athletes the importance of good sportsmanship both on and off the court (I coached volleyball players, not equestrians). And as my oldest child begins her competitive career — albeit at the entry level — I try to make sure I am instilling the same in her.

Looking on, waiting for her turn. Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

However, it wasn’t until recently that I really thought about how to go about instilling this idea of good sportsmanship and grit in my kids. As a coach, it was easy (haha — “easy”) to sell it as a program philosophy and culture: We don’t gloat when we win. We don’t speak poorly of our opponents. We keep our heads held high and shake our opponents’ hands after the match no matter what the outcome. It didn’t matter what the players said in the locker room or what their parents told them in the car on the drive home: as a program, we were classy and exuded sportsmanship. This is what we do. Easy enough.

It’s a lot different when you’re trying to coach your own kid to become the competitor and the sportsman you know she can and should be. It was only after watching her struggle in her first schooling show (one where she actually had a full class and not everyone would pin) that it occurred to me that there is only one way to really teach your child to be a good competitor: Let your child lose.

You don’t learn to be good winner until you know what it’s like to lose after working hard and trying your best. You don’t know what it’s like to accept that sometimes your current skillset isn’t enough to come out on top until you lose. You don’t know what it’s like to go back to practice or back to the arena or back to your horse determined to work harder, learn more and do better until you lose. You don’t really understand the feeling of accomplishment that comes with winning something until you lose.

As a parent, instilling all those values is hard.

I stand by my opening line about not believing in participation trophies, but here’s the thing. When it’s your kid waiting for the judge to call her name to retrieve a ribbon for her walk/trot over crossrails class and you see her face fall every time her number isn’t called (especially when the judge mistakenly reads three numbers that are all in the same series as hers), it’s hard. And you find yourself really really hoping for a ribbon for your kid, even though you watched the class and know she missed her diagonals when other kids didn’t. You still want your kid not to suffer the heartbreak because you know she tried really hard and she’s just learning about diagonals in the first place. You find yourself thinking that maybe participation ribbons —  just this time, just for the first show — wouldn’t be so bad. Or at least I did.

But here’s the other thing: that heartbreak, that difficulty — it’s necessary. It teaches your child about grit and determination and working harder during lessons so that she gets the right diagonal next time. It teaches your child that even though she’s disappointed with how she did, she still needs to tell her friend congratulations, thank the judge for her time and thank her coach for all her help and hard work. It teaches your child that she still needs to pat her horse, give him a carrot and tell him he’s a good boy after every ride. It teaches your child that tomorrow is another day and another chance to work harder, learn more and focus on improving upon your weaknesses.

Ellis on Jack, her noble OTTB lesson steed. She got her diagonal during this particular shot. Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

It also opens the door for discussions about the value of having gone into the arena to compete at all and the importance of doing it again. It opens the door for discussions about judged events and the importance of controlling what’s within your control and accepting the judge’s or the referee’s call. It gives you the chance to tell your child that you’re proud of her for her effort and the work she put in, whether or not she earned a ribbon. And, if your child is at all dramatic like mine, it opens the door for discussion about how someone else’s success over yours doesn’t mean the other person cheated or somehow got something she didn’t deserve — it leads to discussions about focusing on and improving yourself.

And those tears in the back seat of the truck on the way home? Well, they teach that there’s a lot of medicine in some Dunkin’ Donuts or an ice cream cone.

So, let your child lose. It’s probably the best lesson she’ll get.

She did finally pin in one class, but if you look closely, you can see the tears behind the mask (which she refused to remove because she was so upset). Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

Sunday Links

By on May 16, 2021 12:01 am -

After essentially a whole spring season away from home, Tamie Smith has finally returned back to her home base in California. While Mai Baum got to fly home in style after his five-star debut at Kentucky,  Tamie still had a little work left to do at Jersey Fresh last weekend with two horses in the 3*-L and another two in the 4*-L. Once that was over, she made the 40+ hour trek back to the west coast. Now that’s a road trip!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Galway Downs Spring H.T. (Temecula, Ca.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Fair Hill International H.T. (Elkton, Md.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Hitching Post Farm H.T. (South Royalton, Vt.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Majestic Oaks Ocala H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Mill Creek Pony Club H.T. (Kansas City, Mo.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Spokane Sport Horse Spring H.T. (Spokane, Wa.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Tyler, Tx.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Winona H.T. (Winona, Oh.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (Woodland, Ca.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Horse of a Lifetime: Custom Made

Can You Make Progress With No Horse or Limited Ride Time?

Rombauer Upsets 146th Preakness With Powerful Stretch Run

How do the world’s elite riders relate to their horses?

ICYMI: CDC Announcement & Update to USEF COVID-19 Action Plan for Fully-Vaccinated Participants

Just in on Jumper Nation: Experience, an Open Mind, and Purpose: What Horses Teach Us About People

Sunday Video: Enjoy a quick masterclass in equitation and balance courtesy of Jonelle Price:

Who Jumped It Best: The Protexin Picnic Table at Aston le Walls CCI4*-S

By on May 15, 2021 1:00 pm -

Who Jumped It Best?

It’s that time again, folks: time, indeed, to don your Simon Cowell caps and pick your favourite superstar from an enviable line-up of options. This time, we head to England’s Aston le Walls, the inaugural CCI4*-S at the much-loved venue that stepped up to replace Chatsworth after its cancellation. Today, we’ll turn our beady eyes to the Protexin Table, a beefy standalone fence that served as a quick let-up fence between the tricky penultimate and final combinations on course.

But don’t think for a moment that this table was part of a long, easy galloping stretch — instead, it came up fast after competitors had navigated a three-part line of brushes, and the table was close enough to it that it almost rode like a related distance. Throughout the day, we saw a variety of rides to it — those who tried to hold for a stride, and those who planned ahead and were able to land from the previous hedge galloping onward, taking the table in their stride easily. Once they were over it, there wasn’t much ground to cover before they found themselves at the final combination, which was the most influential of the day and required maximum rideability and focus.

And so, with that in mind, meet your candidates. Then, scroll to the bottom of the page and cast your vote for the pair you think jumped it best.

Piggy March and Brookfield Quality. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

 

Emilie Chandler and Gortfadda Diamond. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

 

Caroline Harris and Falko TH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

 

Gemma Tattersall and Chilli Knight. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

 

Harry Dzenis and My Eastwood Brightside. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

 

Harry Meade and Tenareze. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

 

Imogen Murray and Ivar Gooden. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

 

Rosie Fry and True Blue Too II. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

 

Tina Cook and Billy The Red. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

 

Vittoria Panizzon and Super Cillious. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

CDC Announcement & Update to USEF COVID-19 Action Plan for Fully-Vaccinated Participants

By on May 15, 2021 10:00 am -

Oliver Townend and MHS King Joules. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

On Friday US Equestrian announced an update to its USEF COVID-19 Action Plan:

Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that anyone who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a face covering/mask or physically distancing. An individual is considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer, Moderna, etc.), or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson). If you have not been vaccinated yet, and are looking for a place to do so, click to find a vaccine.

Based on this very encouraging news and the rapidly changing guidance from national health authorities, effective immediately, USEF is amending the COVID-19 Action Plan to align with the CDC announcement. At a minimum, competition organizers and all persons at USEF-licensed competitions are required to follow state and local regulations for face coverings/masks and social distancing. In the absence of state and local regulations, USEF recommends compliance with the CDC guidelines. Competition organizers are able to impose stricter requirements at their discretion.

Personal responsibility is essential, as competition organizers are not required to verify vaccination status. Let’s all continue to act responsibly and keep our sport open, and our nation moving forward in a positive manner.

A few reminders as we move forward:

• Be patient with and respectful of competition organizers, competition staff, and licensed officials as competitions transition to this new protocol. Adjustments may not be immediate and competition organizers are able to impose stricter requirements at their discretion.
• Competition organizers must post and communicate to competition staff, competitors, officials and spectators the COVID requirements under which their competition will operate.
• Anyone who is not fully vaccinated must exercise personal responsibility and wear a face covering/mask wearing and continue to practice social distancing and frequent hand washing.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our members, competition organizers and their staff, licensed officials, the USEF staff, and the entire equestrian community who effectively implemented the COVID-19 Action Plan over the past year, helping to ensure a safe environment for competitions and participants.

A fully updated version of the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan will be posted to the USEF website no later than close of business on Tuesday, May 18.

Saturday Links

By on May 15, 2021 12:01 am -

Yesterday we learned of the passing of the celebrated show jumper Judgement ISF, Crown who was laid to rest at the age of 29 at Iron Spring Farm where he was bred. “Judgey” broke barriers for North American-bred jumpers and with Beezie Madden in the irons he represented the US on 10 Nation’s Cup teams, winning gold in 2007 and 2008, among many other accolades. When he retired back to Iron Spring Farm at the age of 18 he had garnered nearly $1.5 million in prize money. Our hearts go out to all who loved this incredible athlete. [A Tribute to Judgement ISF (1991-2021)]

U.S. Weekend Action:

Galway Downs Spring H.T. (Temecula, Ca.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Fair Hill International H.T. (Elkton, Md.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Hitching Post Farm H.T. (South Royalton, Vt.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Majestic Oaks Ocala H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Mill Creek Pony Club H.T. (Kansas City, Mo.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Spokane Sport Horse Spring H.T. (Spokane, Wa.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Tyler, Tx.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Winona H.T. (Winona, Oh.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (Woodland, Ca.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

After A Year Away, Fans Return To Shows At First Opportunity

Olympics, Europeans and multiple international wins: retirement for British mare with ‘heart of gold’

Is your Eventer Fit Enough?

Last Two Tests On Medina Spirit Clear, Colt Is Cleared To Run in Preakness Stakes

ICYMI: TODAY Is the Last Day to Apply for the ‘Ever So Sweet’ Diversity Scholarship

Best of Blogs: How I Came to Love the Unconventional Event Horse: Skyeler Voss

Saturday Video: Relive this flawless round from Spruce Meadows in 2008.

Friday Video from SmartPak: Make the Best of Banks with Cathy Wieschhoff

By on May 14, 2021 6:00 pm -

If you’re producing a young horse with the hope of making a successful eventer down the line, you’ve likely felt the pressure of getting it all ‘right’ when training for cross-country. It’s all about those fine lines, after all — and the fine line of building communication and partnership without dampening his innate fifth leg, that inbuilt ability to self-preserve, is probably at the forefront of your mind.

This super instructional clip from Cathy Wieschhoff will give you some great ideas for beginning your youngster’s training in a way that helps him figure it out for himself safely and successfully — and all you need is a lunge line and a bank to play with. Happy training!

#EventerProblems Vol. 253: The Joy of Sweating the Small Stuff

By on May 14, 2021 4:00 pm -

It’s been a hot minute since our last edition of #EventerProblems, I guess because most of us have had #BiggerProblems on our hands? Speaking for myself, this past year I’ve been nostalgic for the days when the worst problem we encountered on a daily basis were thrown shoes and long spots.

Now that we’re emerging, slowly, from the hellscape that was 2020, I’m more than ready for the opportunity to sit back and sweat some small stuff — just like the good old days! (And, because we’re horse people, probably pet some sweaty stuff, too.)

Let’s get this series fired up again. We didn’t make it all the way to Vol. 253 for nothin’. Got #EventerProblems? I know you do, don’t lie! Tag ’em on Insta for inclusion in a future edition.

Pandemics come and go, but #EventerProblems are eternal. Here’s a fresh batch, just for you:

Go Eventing!

Preparing for a Big Event: Andrew McConnon’s Best Practices

By on May 14, 2021 3:30 pm -

This article is brought to you and was first published by Athletux.

Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54. Photo by Shelby Allen.

When preparing for a big event, it is easy to think you need to cover every minute detail, practice your test one million times, and check your horse over one thousand times per day. However, oftentimes we get sucked into this trap and it becomes detrimental to our performances rather than helpful. We sat down with #TeamAthletux rider Andrew McConnon to go over how he prepares for a big event and get 5 tips to help you prepare for your next big show, no matter what discipline it may be.

1. KEEP IT SIMPLE

There is no need to get complicated or try to do too many things before a big event. Truth is, you have probably done your homework and even if you don’t feel prepared, you probably are. Andrew likes to stick to his normal routine and keep things very simple in the barn to ensure the horses don’t get stressed or overworked, which leads perfectly into the next few tips.

2. KEEP IT NORMAL

With horses, the best thing you can do is to act like it is any other show or event. When you are preparing for a three-day event or even a big jumper show or dressage show, you don’t want to let your horse in on the fact that this may be more important or bigger than just the average show. Don’t deviate from your normal routine and stick to it as much as possible.

3. DON’T OVERWORK

It is easy to get caught up in all the little details and trying to do too much. I try to give my horses a lighter week leading up to a big event to ensure their bodies feel their best. You don’t want them to feel sore or tired.

4. DON’T OVERSTRESS

While you are making sure your horses feel their best, make sure you feel your best as well and don’t over-stress. It can be hard to not stay up late thinking about everything and constantly going over your plan in your head. Take some time for yourself and get out of the barn to make sure you are staying as mentally healthy as your horses are.

5. HAVE MANY PLANS

With all things that are horses, by the end of the season, we will probably be on plan Z and going an entirely different route than we thought we would be at the beginning of the season. Don’t be stressed if you have to divert your plan and always be prepared for something to change. Enjoy the process and know that everyone else is probably having to change plans constantly too. And then if everything goes to plan, more reason to celebrate!