Rubicon Horse Trials and a Birthday!

Wanda and I had a good weekend, with it being my birthday weekend and all :)

Friday I went out with some friends in Georgetown, and had an absolute blast.

Saturday I helped at the Rubicon Horse Trials most of the day, and was able to walk my course afterwards. It was ridiculously hot and when I got home I pretty much collapsed! Of course I had to get up and bathe/braid, so I couldn't take TOO much of a 'power nap' :)

Sunday Wanda and I competed training level at the Rubicon Horse Trials in Leesburg, VA. Everything went pretty well, and the main thought I came away with was that she and I need to work on our conditioning. We were both exhausted during cross country, which led to 19 time penalties. After a dressage score of 35% and a double clear show jumping round, we ended in 9th out of 20 competitors. Not too shabby for our 2nd training!

Helmet Cam Video of our ride at Rubicon

Monday was my 24th birthday, and naturally I had to work (yuck!) but met up with a few friends in Clarendon afterwards. I think everyone had a pretty good time (maybe too good of a time!) and I would say it was a successful birthday! My phone was blowing up all day from the Facebook birthday wishes, so I'll thank everyone for that.

24th Birthday Friends!

Tragedy at True Prospect Farm

Monday morning there was a barn fire at True Prospect Farm in West Grove, PA, where I spent 5 months living and working for PD. The barn that burned down was owned by Phillip but rented by Boyd Martin. Reports say it was an electrical fire, and it took the barn and the house attached with it. Luckily no humans were killed, though several of my friends and co-workers ran in to save horses and had to be treated at the hospital for minor burns and smoke inhalation. 6 horses perished in the fire: Boyd's rides Call Me Ollie, Charla, Phantom Pursuit, Cagney Herself, and Summer Breeze, and my friend Lillian's horse Ariel. Lillian, Caitlin, and Ryan were able to save 5 horses from the barn, who were immediately transported to New Bolton for treatment. Updates through EventingNation.com have been hopeful, and one of the horses has even been released back home.

I want to take a minute to send my condolences to those affected by this horrible event. I know what it's like to lose a horse, but I have never been subjected to such a horrifying experience as losing a horse in this manner. My heart breaks thinking of Boyd calling the owners to inform them of the untimely deaths of these talented horses. I truly respect Lillian, Caitlin, and Ryan for rushing in the blazing barn to heroically save the horses they could. It is hard to imagine what that could possibly be like and what I would do in that same situation. I am sad for them losing everything they had (their house burnt as well) but glad they escaped with their lives.

My family and I are praying for everyone affected, and hope to never experience something like this again. If you want to help, there are hundreds of ways to do so.

Boyd's Fire Relief Fund through SCES

True Prospect Farm Fire Recovery Fund


Denny Emerson is donating 50% of his book to the recovery

Doug Payne & Jimmy Wofford are donating 50% of their June book sales to the recovery

Ecogold is donating 50% of saddle pad sales to Boyd

You can make tax-deductible donations to the American Horse Trials Foundation (write the name of the recipient on a note with the check):
The American Horse Trials Foundation
221 Grove Cove Road
Centreville, MD 21617
Phone: (443) 262-9555
Email: ahtf@att.net

You can read more about the tragedy at www.eventingnation.com
or on Boyd's blog