Sharon White and Claus 63. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
It has, without a doubt, been a strange year for a multitude of reasons. As we looked ahead excitedly to the upcoming Olympic year, the curtain quickly fell as the coronavirus pandemic swept the globe. Soon enough, events began to fall like dominoes, restricted as were most other activities and sporting events for the first half of the year. As the world was faced with the task of pivoting in a very large-scale way, it became difficult to see a light at the end of the tunnel. And so today, on Thanksgiving, we’re taking a moment to reflect on some of those special moments that did happen, despite everything else happening. At the end of the day, finding the pieces of gratitude in a wild, strange world can provide some peace and some perspective as we continue to move forward.
And let’s not forget the important conversations and changes that have been brought about by the country (and the world’s) reckoning with race and equality. These conversations reach into our small world too, perhaps even magnified because of the small nature of our community. As we forge ahead, we cannot forget that everyone deserves a seat at the table. We cannot forget to continue our education and turn inwards to find the ways in which we as individuals can improve and expand.
So today, take a moment, wherever you may be, to count your pieces of gratitude. It may not have been your best year – trust me, you aren’t alone in that – and you may have also been presented with a few silver linings. Whatever the case, I think it’s safe to say that we’ll all start the next year with a different perspective than we had before.
As we reflected, we took a look through our social media, reliving some of the moments from this whirlwind of a year. Walk with us:
The Wellington Eventing Showcase returned after a two-year hiatus:
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The soon-to-be abbreviated 2020 season got off to a rocking start at Red Hills in Tallahassee, Fl.:
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America was once again faced with the devastating ripple effects of its deeply embedded systemic racism, prompting widespread outcry and protesting following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers:
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What followed was a sweeping wave of change, compassion, and conversation that has furthered our education and worldview, and also exposed a need for greater representation, equality, and equity within equestrian sport:
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In the summer, we saw the return of FEI events in the U.S.:
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Some epically talented young horses got to compete for the World Championship at Le Lion:
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And hey! We did have a five-star, after all!
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And last but not least, the eventing season wound to a dramatic close at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, where the final FEI event and the only CCI4*L on the East coast wrapped up earlier this month:
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The year is certainly far from over, but chances are you’re also feeling like it has officially been the longest year of our lives. We wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We are grateful for you, our readers who have kept us in high spirits throughout the entire span of EN. Go Eventing.
