Hi there!
Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were marvelous. We had a bonus week thanks to snow on Monday and Friday last week. Much of the holidays I spent researching, thinking, planning, and envisioning how the next phase of this journey looks. The quote stuck in my head is, “A dream without a plan is a wish.” The big dream is international para dressage; the stepping stone is a national ranking in the sport. The next thing is to find the horse and the financial support to get that horse and me down the centerline at the Festival of Champions for the next few years. My annual budget to support the right horse in the right training program with the right care, competing at the right competitions is $55k - it’s a lot, but that’s just what it costs. And that’s before acquiring an animal.
Finding this horse may be possible by forming a syndicate to jointly buy and support it. It may be a leased horse with a team of sponsors dedicated to a long-term project. This team approach means five to ten individuals at a $5,000 to $10,000 commitment level. It could also be one person who owns the perfect horse and wants to see them through to the ribbons at a National Championship. There are only three possibilities: it’s you, it’s someone you know, or someone we haven’t met yet. Finding the team and the money comes before finding the horse. As I fill this dance card, the plan will take shape.
I had hoped to have my fancy new marketing materials and logo to send out by now - it’s SO close, but still waiting on finishing touches. I’ll send it out as soon as it’s done, even if it means an extra email in your inbox this month. These materials are what I will share with potential sponsors and owners as my plan takes shape. There are so many of you cheering, sharing my story, aware of my plight. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of it.
In addition to my “finding a horse plan,” I’ve been busy with other things too! Check out my refreshed website at my new URL: www.veronicagogan.com. My 2022 goals include more blogging and sharing on social media about my journey to compete internationally and how I’m helping the world be more inclusive. The National MS Society shared my story on their social media feeds and it reaffirmed my joy in supporting others touched by multiple sclerosis and disability. I am honored to have been awarded the 2022 Para Equestrian Grant from The Dressage Foundation to assist with training costs this year. Also, yours truly is the newest board member of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Virginia Dressage Association. 

2021 was an incredible “rookie” year that put me on the map. The hard part is yet to come. In Grit, Angela Duckworth says, “Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.” I’m ready. Are you with me?
Thank you to all my wonderful sponsors, donors, and supporters!
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Please consider supporting my journey to the international show ring. Your altruistic donations directly fund this enormous goal. Your one-time, annual, or monthly donation is an investment in my daily effort and future triumph. I rely on giving from friends like you. Donate today! If a tax-deductible donation is right for you, email me for details.