The Rocky Start Stables' Crew circa 2008. Enjoying their horses and loving life! That's what it's about!
With all of this talk of the Olympic teams being chosen, I have been doing a lot of thinking about my calling in the eventing world. We all have to make a decision with our riding and competing. Where do we want to go with this? Let’s just be honest, as youngsters, we probably all were sure that we would find our “Pie” and ride off into the sunset like National Velvet. Finding a horse that no one else could ride, training it ourselves, and going on to compete at the Olympics is something that most aspiring youth riders dream. Been there, done that.
Fast forward to the real world. I have been riding all of my life, but I have only been jumping and eventing for 8 years. Only eight years, you might ask. Aren’t you going Advanced? Yes, yes, I am. I always dreamed that one day I would be here, but as I got older, I was not sure how much was reality, and how much was a wisp of smoke. Honestly, for me, finding THE horse was what proved to me that I can do it, and I deserve to do it. I believe that is what pushed me to this level.
Enough about me, though, what about you, Eventing Nation?!? Do you want to ride on a big scale, or are you happy to ride Novice? As eventers, we picked this sport for its ability to keep us on our toes, no matter what level, right? I don’t think it matters what you want to do with your riding, as long as you are having fun and doing what YOU aspire to do. Enjoying horses and enjoying what we do with them (no matter what level that is) is the whole point, right? We are here to have fun! (and win lots of ribbons!!)
My point in all of this is to remember why you are here and what you are all about. You don’t have to dream the same dreams as everyone else. Accomplishing your dreams is important whether your dream is to go to the Olympics or to do your first Training 3-Day.
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