Hi there!
The longer I’ve gone without writing a newsletter the harder it’s to actually do so. The first Friday of each month rolls around and without anything exciting to report, I’ve thought, I’ll do one next month, surely by then I’ll have real news. Because the truth of it is, I have been playing the long game of sponsor searching fairly diligently, without any solid leads to show for it.
I spent the summer well distracted; recovering from hernia surgery and doing boy mom things with my kiddos. We had a lovely vacation to Wisconsin with many memories made including now-funny, then-hellish travel problems due to canceled flights. The boys spent hours and hours in my in-laws' pool. I learned to knit. I read and read and read. However, now, I’m sitting here wondering how much time I’ve wasted, how many days not spent in the saddle, daydreaming about the sheer bliss of last summer with unicorn Mason, the haven that is Sprieser Sporthorse, the incredible education, and the accomplishments hither from.
My prospectus has made its way into many hands and has been highly complimented. The difficulty of what I’m trying to do is acknowledged by everyone. This sentiment is usually followed up with assurance that I will figure it out, if I only stick with it. In May and June, I took a few lessons at Wheatland Farm which is a USEF Para Dressage Center of Excellence. They have a beautiful facility and some wonderful school horses, but the stars haven’t aligned for a competition horse prospect there. The harsh reality is finances are a real part of my struggle to move forward. It’s so incredibly hard to have a passion with no means to support it. I have to keep trying (no one has ever won the lottery who didn’t play, right?), but this reality is just terribly difficult to stomach. Once upon a time, I would have rolled up my sleeves, set my alarm clock for an extra hour early, and made sure my pitch fork had all its tines. Not being able to do the physical work to offset cost is a loss that cuts deep.
After that depressing tirade, you don’t really think I’m going to give up, do you?! One of my personal mantras is: plans are empowering. So the plan is to reach out to a few new contacts I’ve made over the last few weeks. I’m back at Wheatlands, riding school horses twice a week for the time being; any time I’m the saddle is a good thing. I’m going to reach out to horsey friends and visit horses and get re-inspired. Lastly, I’m going to stay positive because it’s what I do best and I believe in the power of positivity. In the meantime, here’s what I’m looking for:
  • A sensible, competition-suitable horse
  • A facility with ground support for grooming, mounting, dismounting, etc. 
  • A trainer with an open mind, an education, and a good sense of humor or a facility that allows outside trainers (a plus!)
  • A barn with a handicap accessible restroom because, well, yup.
  • Financial considerations which might mean all of the above at a bargain-basement price or with an owner or sponsor or with exchange for work in my capabilities

If you can help with any of these bullet points, call me, text me, email me, send smoke signals! You never know where the magic might be hiding.
The question that tends to make my heart wince whenever I start a new conversation with someone about my riding goals is the inevitable question of, “Are you going to go to the Olympics?!” At one time, it was too tempting to say no to that question. Who doesn’t want to go to the Olympics? The glamor and achievement of competing at that level is the highest honor for any athlete. But, when you aren’t sitting in the saddle with any kind of regularity, regularity is what you dream of, not medals or national anthems. Last summer proved to me that I am fulfilled by competing at a National level and that it’s plenty hard. When I’ve mastered that (ha!) I’ll set my sights higher. Challenging and changing goals is scary (am I being realistic or a coward?), but here we are. Thanks for continuing to believe in me.

(This is my dear friend, Louie, who helped me design my logo. I loved catching up with him at the Maryland Renaissance Festival.)
Thank you to all my wonderful sponsors, donors, and supporters!
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Please consider supporting my para dressage journey. 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.