I was in Chattahoochee this past weekend when the latest edition of LLRP was published. As usual, I received several more Rider Profile emails in response. I usually store them, and try to post them in the general order they are received. But I made an exception for this one, and bumped it straight to the top. I think you will enjoy it, and appreciate the perspective. Kate, thanks for reminding us that there are things more important than eventing competition. We at Eventing Nation would like to thank all the men and women who devote themselves to serving our country. Kick on!!
FEATURED RIDER:
Name: Kate Rhine
Age: 24
Location: Franklin, VA (although serving in Iraq right now)
Primary horse’s name: Pepperbox. And an unnamed foal by Cicera’s Icewater
Age, breed, pertinent info:
Pepperbox- an 11 year old 17.1 hand thoroughbred gelding who I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to own, he has evented through Prelim without ever having a stop. He was injured two years ago and also had some behavioral problems that often involved his rider meeting the ground so his owner was looking for a new home for him, somebody who would give him a second chance. I did, and now he has remembered his manners, is fully recovered from his injury and is ready to start eventing again! I also have a foal who is due to be born any day! He is out of a lovely oldenburg mare and by the stallion Cicera’s Icewater.
Level currently competing:
Currently taking a year off, I’m serving in Iraq with the 229th Military Police Company, we are due to head home in July. I have competed sucessfully though Prelim.
Short term goals this spring/summer:
To get Pepperbox eventing fit again and hopefully finish the year w/ a few events at a level he is comfortable with.
Year-end goals:
I’m hoping to finish the year at training level if he is ok with it and take the winter to prepare him for the 2011 seaason.
Overall goals?
The same as it has been since I was about 12, to ride succesfully at Advanced. 🙂 In the meantime to just continue learning and growing in my riding and passing on things I have learned to my students. I enjoy helping my students reach their goals, watching them improve and most importantly have a passion for their horses and loving this sport.
What’s the best thing you’ve learned recently?
To appreciate everything you have, to enjoy your horse and the journey. Being in Iraq has taught me to enjoy the little things, when I was younger I was more focused on competing and getting to the next level. Now I’m just looking forward to learning, improving my riding and just enjoying my horses!
Favorite eventing moment/story? (can be anything, something you did, felt, witnessed, realized…?)
The day I completed my first Prelim at Waredaca on a young (just turned 6) brilliant mare that I had brought along from a total greenie, she ROCKED on the cross country course and we just had a blast. I remember thinking “wow, this is what its all about, all the hard work, the money and the time, its just me and my horse eating up this course! What a rush!” she was amazing at that event and at the others we completed.
Website: www.rhineequestrian.com
