Marianne deBarbadillo and her horse Paco recently competed in the Novice 3-Day Event at the Indiana Eventing Association Horse Trials at Hoosier Horse Park the first weekend in June. Marianne was kind enough to send us a story of her experience, finishing 4th and winning the Sportsmanship Award. Congratulations, Marianne, and thank you for sharing with us! Send your stories to [email protected].
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From Marianne:
I am 68 years old and competed for the second time in the novice 3 day. My ground crew was my husband, my daughter, who has trained and competed two horses through intermediate, and my grandson age 8.5 who is jumping cross rails on a saintly pony. So 3 generations of eventers, doing it 3 ways for 3 days. Go eventing!!
What a great weekend! I placed 4th but that is only a part of the fun. Having my family pit crew for me was so special. Elena hasn’t forgotten anything from her days as a competitor. And Alex at age 8 was such a big help. And thanks to my husband for his hand-holding and for having some Gatorade for me in the vet box.
As I was approaching the vet box after cross-country a loose horse galloped around me and then went on by. Paco was nervous but stayed with me-good boy!!- people in the vet box attempted to catch the loose horse but it turned and ran directly at me. Paco whirled and jumped to the left and I hit the ground hard. OUCH! The first thing I said was, “Can I continue?” Since the fall was in the vet box and not related to a jump the answer was Yes. Elena went after Paco so he could be checked and caught up with him and the original loose horse by the dressage arenas. So that got sorted out and Paco got back to the vet box and checked out fine. I was also vetted by some very nice and competent EMTs and needed no further care. They did refuse to massage my right butt where I landed. Oh well!
At the advice of my coach, Cathy Wieschhoff, I had Elena present him on Sunday morning as I was a bit off myself. He passed and we went on to jump a double clear stadium. I was thrilled to place 4th but a bit overwhelmed to receive the Sportsmanship Award. I feel this was a team effort and the good sportsmanship includes them also. My right butt now looks like an impressionist painting in black and blue. We won a handpainted stall plaque with his picture on it! What a good boy! Lee Ann and her crew did such a great job and were delightful to be with.
Dorothy Crowell was so supportive. The steeplechase school was so much fun and we were much better than last year. I keep having adventures! Life is good. I wonder if I am among the elite for falling off in the vet box AFTER cross-country? Heads up and keep on kickin’!
-Marianne deBarbadillo
