All pics by Jordan Lambert, and myself.
I don’t know about anyone else, but when I have a big show, my brain is like a huge crockpot of stress turned on high. If I don’t keep it entertained, it will boil over onto the counter and create a huge mess. Who wants to come home from work to find that?!?!
After going through the long journey to Bromont and back, dealing with the stress of my first big 3*, and dealing with the disappointment that it brought, I have come up with a fun list of must haves on a big trip like this!
The Rocky Start Crew! Coach, Groom/PR Rep, Rider, Team Cooks!!
1. Be surrounded by amazing people! The better your support group, the more you can keep your stress down.
2. Bring someone on the drive that won’t mind when you start talking gibberish in the wee hours of the morning. For instance, I may possibly have started a discussion on why it would be a cool experiment to clone George Washington and Abe Lincoln and see if they could fix the country. Where did that idea come from? Starting the trip at midnight and an extra strength 5 hour energy that petered out with 11 more hours to the trip!
Coach!! Kid in a candy store.
3. Have a coach who isn’t afraid to have fun and keep things light! Yes, you want someone who will push you and get the best out of you, but you also need someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously!
I think Jordan is ready for the Duck eventing 3*!
The proper way to clean a sheath....
Jordan taking advantage of the "Employees Only" outhouse
I see hula dancing in my near future
4. When the jumps are 3* level, one must have FUN with them while walking the course to keep from having a heart attack.
Poutine!
5. Enjoy the local food! Who knows what you might find tasty!
Our layover in Vermont on the way up.
6. Stay somewhere amazing when you layover on the trip. I suggest Vermont in summer no matter where you are traveling. It’s worth going out of the way.
Jordan having a nice, tall glass of Bonnie.
7. Take pictures of random things that make you laugh. One can always go back on a grumpy day and have another chuckle!
All of this sounds crazy, I’m sure. However, I definitely found myself having a great time at Bromont without feeling like I was going to vomit every other hour. Not only did I have an amazing time with my horse, but I enjoyed the trip itself! Isn’t that what we’ve been learning?? Enjoy the journey no matter what!!
