In the wake of tragedy.

        

 


            In the wake of a tragic weekend for our beloved sport of eventing I have tried to avoid reading public opinions of what happened to two wonderful and athletic horses. Conair and Powderhound were both horses who successfully competed at the upper levels and I have no doubt in my mind that both were cared for better than I care for myself. This is a norm when it comes to event riders and event horses. There have been some wonderful articles written, urging the public to avoid trying to place blame, to not ask “why”, and to just accept that tragedy does happen. These are all wonderfully written and need to be said. As the strength of the Internet grows, everyone is now not only entitled to an opinion but will probably voice it, and sometimes louder than necessary.

            The eventing world is unlike any other in the equestrian world and it is this way globally, not something you can say for other equestrian sports, let alone any other Olympic sport. Eventers are crazy together but beneath our tough-as-nails and braver-than-hell exterior is a deep caring and sense of camaraderie. I believe whole-heartedly that once you delve yourself into this crazy and amazing world, nothing else will fulfill you wholly as a person, as an equestrian, and as a member of the craziest family of athletes. Of course, I am saying this because I tried. I will speak little of my own experience because I do not want to use two tragedies to shine a light on me, but I feel it is necessary to assure whoever reads this of my validity. To hopefully convince anyone that I am not just a soapbox yeller.

            As a young rider I was fully immersed in the eventing world at the age of 14, it was intoxicating, invigorating, and awakened every part of my soul, unlike anything else I’d ever experience. Of course, a huge part of this was because I was beyond lucky enough to sit on a horse that LOVED his job. Rowdy was a one-in-a-trillion and gave me the confidence to not care what my high school friends thought about the horse crazy girl (something I had always fought prior) he made me feel like there was nothing I couldn’t do, and he made me dream bigger than I probably should have been. Yes, there were times I was stupidly cocky on Rowdy, but he loved his job and me enough that he let me get away with it. After competing at 3 NAYRC’s together and 2 successful CCI2*’s we were set to make our advanced debut. I was 17, he was 11, and NOTHING could have prepared me to go home from that show without him. Nothing could have prepared me for the immediate support I experienced either, although much of that week was a blur as I tried to grasp life without the horse that gave me everything, I do remember the outreach from riders I had admired and looked up to. I wasn’t even sure most of these riders knew my name but they sent flowers, cards, texts and offered more support than I was able to handle. I was in awe that these role models of mine were so understanding and generous. In the wake of one of the worst times of my life I was falling in love with the sport even more, which I originally didn’t think would be possible without Rowdy.

            At the time, I avoided all forms of the Internet, already fearing what people would be saying about me. I already was blaming myself and mentally wasn’t ready to read anything that would validate this. But then I succumbed, I read, I cried, and I avoided everyone. I shut out the world that was holding me up during my hardest time, all because of anonymous opinions on the Internet. These people I had never met were asking why Rowdy and I were going advanced, where asking why I would do that to him, asking if I knew that I was the reason he wasn’t in the barn anymore. In times like this, the negative comments stand out so much more than the supportive. It’s a sad truth, but when you’re in a dark place you feel the mean comments are just the ones brave enough to be honest with you. These comments stayed with me longer than I would like to admit, causing several breakdowns during lessons (bless you, Leslie). I speak of this so whoever reads this will know that anything you say could stick with Will and Andrew much longer than it will stay with you.

            What I wish to anyone that wants to ask “why” is to first take a step back, evaluate the situation and put your self in the shoes of the rider, the shoes of the groom, the shoes of the owner. Before you criticize and try to place blame somewhere, are you also wanting to place blame on someone who has everything go right for them on a given weekend? Everyday when we wake up, go to the barn, go to our jobs, it is a given fact that anything can happen. But the fear of the worst should not stop you or anyone from doing, it is the hope that anything can happen that should get you out of bed. One day you could wake up and be in the concrete shoes that Will and Andrew have on, not wanting to accept reality and not sure where to go from here, but I hope that both of them realize that there is still strength and hope in new days. We might not ever know a "why" but all you can believe in is that when the worst is possible, so is the best. Much like the quote that is spoken over and over again (because it's true) “There is no greater risk in life than to risk nothing at all.”

            I hope that at the wake of such loss in the sport of eventing, that even those on the outside looking in can see what a support system we all have for each other. We will fight for each other, support each other, cry for each other, and cheer for each other, no questions asked. And sometimes, it takes tragedies to be reminded that the reason we are all ready to risk so much every day is the confidence in knowing we aren’t alone. Even though out on course it is just you and your horse, there are thousands of others competing with you. Every time someone crosses that finish line safely we all win.

A summer with William Fox-Pitt: Part 2

Posted

Tue, 2011-07-12 00:00

Authored By: 

• Missy Miller

 

Missy Miller is spending the summer working at William Fox-Pitt’s Wood Lane Stables in Dorset, England. Follow along as she keeps us updated on her time across the pond. Did you miss part one? Be sure to read it here!

I’ve been working here at Wood Lane stables for roughly three weeks now. I’m using the term “working” very loosely as I’ve also been having one of the most amazing experiences I could have imagined. Even though I have had the opportunity to work for amazingly accomplished professionals prior to coming here I was still beyond nervous upon my arrival. Having always been a huge fan of William Fox-Pitt combined with the fact that I had always fantasized about working and riding in England, my stomach was doing flips even through my first week here. Until I arrived here it hadn’t really sunk in that it was all finally happening.

(Above Left: Missy Miller taking Rolex champion and WEG double-medalist, Cool Mountain on a hack at Wood Lane.)

It probably didn’t help to settle my nerves that as you’re tacking up a horse you also receive the horse’s full resume, none of which in this yard are too shabby. First I would get hit with a sense of excitement at having the opportunity to work with such an amazing animal, immediately followed by a sense of shock and caution, wondering if I should even be allowed to touch this horse, let alone sit on it. I didn’t want to be the one at the root of its demise. Of course followed by the resume, you are then informed of that same horse’s quirks and habits. Sometimes this list would be longer than the ever-impressive list of accomplishments. Exciting, intimidating and surreal all at once.

They say that it takes a special type of person and an even more special horse to event, and especially to make it at the upper levels. Who “they” is, I have no idea. I do know that special can be a very broadly translated term, but I do believe that out of all the definitions of “special” most can apply to eventers. Being here, surrounded by amazing athletes, two-and-four-legged, and you realize just how many meanings of special there can be. Whether it be the legendary Tamarillo, who is the spookiest and laziest horse imaginable all at once, having to be walked around while you tighten his girth, or current star Macchiato, a horse with the best heart and intentions but sometimes is prone to “panic attacks”.

At times, we all get frustrated with our equine partners quirks, be it on the ground or whilst riding them. But as we watch them compete or are lucky enough to be the ones competing with them, you forgive and forget these quirks as you realize it’s what makes them special. Yes, Gracie was a tenacious little four-lettered-word (mare) but that spark that she had is what I fully believe also made her such a cross-country machine. Tamarillo may be spooky, but you can guarantee he did not want to touch those scary colored poles on Sunday. Navigator may get a bit grumpy while blanketing him… or tacking him up…. Or picking his feet…. Or being in his stall…. But he takes his work at competitions just as seriously. Without all these quirks, I can’t help but wonder if it’s like I’ve heard so many times before, “Madness is Genius”

These horses are seriously special in every sense of the word, and the best part of that trumps any time they bite, kick, buck, or spook. You can’t help but laugh as you’re hacking a 4* champion that won’t go near the scary tree stump, knowing that if you were to gallop up to it he would pop over it like it was nothing, but clearly walking by it is absolutely terrifying.

As special as all these horses are, it sometimes becomes hard to remember that at the end of the day they are still horses. Because of their sheer genius it becomes extremely tempting to treat them like kings instead of horses, wanting to blanket every square inch of them with bubble wrap so nothing, not even a speck of ordinary dirt gets near such an extraordinary horse. But another thing I’ve realized here is that William and super-barn manager, Jackie, highly believe that they should still be allowed to be horses. On an ordinary day you can bring in a horse caked in mud, maybe even hack it with mud still in the mane, and find out that this horse you thought was a hunt horse is just coming back from winning a 3*. Yes, they clean them up well I would say. And you wonder as you watch William train them if they have ever had a day off because it looks like years of constant work to obtain such fluidity and centered work together. William may not take a day off, even if it means waking up at obscene hours and going to sleep, well, never. The horses on the other hand, get time off from “us” as I’ve heard it put. They spend all competition season with us picking at them, drilling them in practice and hauling them around that during the winter season they are put to field, allowed to just be horses, sans shoes, no torturous mane pullings, dreaded braids or terrible baths. Maybe that’s what makes them so much more willing to perform during season?

Of course the people that care for and work with the horses day in, day out are just as special. Every barn owner and top competitor has “quirks” just like their horses. Of course different quirks, but sometimes just as unexplainable and odd. I wont mention any names here, but I’ve been at barns were cobwebs were swept up religiously, as they were obviously the root of all evil, or a barn where the wood chips that covered the outdoor walk way had to be raked evenly three times daily. Some people like their stalls mucked, swept back, and banked just so. Some might call the habit of polishing bits and buckles with a toothbrush OCD; I call it relaxing instant gratification.

At Wood Lane stables, it seems everyone here has a different barn quirk, they aren’t spoken of but as you watch, you learn each person’s point of focus. We all pitch in and help get everyone satisfied, knowing that it may not seem like the most important to us but if it all doesn’t get done one person won’t be able to sleep knowing that there’s a piece of dirty tack, or a messily folded blanket. It’s been amazing, because being around so many people that are each particular about something different, means they have though about ways to do this particular part of horse care very efficiently, making every part of this experience a wonderful learning one, be it on a horses back or in the barn. 

Common Threads

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2011

Common Threads: Life at Wood Lane Stables by Missy Miller

I’ve decided to stop starting my blog posts with the usual intro of “Well, since my last post things have been the ultimate of high to lows”. Because, as also previously stated that is typical of life with horses. I’m not sure what to be expecting after this summer or for the remainder of it because lately I feel like even though I had the heartbreak of retiring my fantastic advanced mare, TSF Amazing Grace, things finally seem to be on a slow, uphill climb. Of course I have been trained to be wary of this but it is hard for me not to get excited about the possibilities being put in front of me, and for that, I have Gracie to thank and everyone else that has supported me.

Because of growing up in the eventing world, I can’t help but always find ways to keep myself busy, be them productive or not. So after I had Gracie settled into a new home and headed into a happy new chapter of her life with my other mare, I started sorting out exactly what they would be doing and working on something for me to do as well. Luckily for me both of my horses can be bred to hopefully produce exciting young prospects for me down the road, or as my mother will see it, new members of the ever growing Miller family. While I was starting to solely focus on my education I was at the same time becoming like a little girl longing for a pony all over again. Every time I saw ANY horse anywhere (including the carriage horses in downtown Savannah) I wondered if that could be my eventing superstar. Scopey jumper? Decent mover? Who cares, I’ll take what I can get. Seeing this, some friends suggested I get a job riding over the summer so I didn’t go even more insane. I jumped at the idea and sent e-mails, text messages, facebooks, twitters, morse code signals, etc to everyone in my contacts list. Then the suggestion came that I go overseas since I’d always wanted to and for once, I had no serious obligations keeping me in the good ole U.S of A. So the list grew and by some stroke of rare luck, I received a response from William Fox-Pitt, offering me the opportunity to come work at his yard. Yes, I did think it was a cruel prank at first, but I have been here for two weeks and Ashton Kutcher hasn’t jumped out of the bushes yet to tell me I’ve been punk’d.

One question I keep getting asked is what made me want to come work at William Fox-Pitt’s farm. And to be completely honest, it continues to floor me when I am asked. I mean, why wouldn’t I? Isn’t that what we do in this sport? Or any chosen profession for that matter? Go to work under someone we respect that has been successful so hopefully we can learn to emulate their habits and if all the stars align and we work hard and luck is on our side, we can also have similar success? So my answer is, why not? For the first time I can remember I had no horses needing my constant attention/annoyance and could take the jump across the pond like I had always wanted to. I have been beyond fortunate enough to work for many successful competitors and horsemen. Every time I have started somewhere new I make a habit of doing extensive stalker like research so I know who I’m working with, which for the most part makes me even more nervous about my first day. When you first arrive at a new farm it is much like anticipating your first day at a new school, a high mix of nerves and excitement. First days you feel lost as you try to figure out where things go, what your “schedule” is, who is who, and what to do when.

No matter how many successful barns I pass through, every single time I expect to uncover some well kept secret to the success of each professional. I watch them feed, are they putting golden Wheaties in for supplements? As I muck, I check to see if the stall mats are tempurpedic? As I watch them work with their horses, is their a secret handshake and exchange of bribery? Is the vet a magic witch doctor? Does the farrier put Nike Shox in the horse shoes? I haven’t found any of that… yet… But one thing I have found is routine, routine. Every barn has a schedule that is played out religiously day in and day out. Being here at Wood Lane Stables has proven to be no different. Everyone is always in a pleasant mood (maybe the British accents help to portray the cheer), and I think part of what makes it such a pleasant atmosphere is the lack of chaos and confusion that can sometimes accompany such busy competition barns. Before William left for Luhmuhlen with Mary King and Pippa Funnels horses hitching a ride you would have thought that they were leaving for a vacation weekend by their behavior. I wondered to myself how they could be so relaxed and nonchalant before leaving for a 4*??! Was this part of their madness that made them such fearless competitors? The more I become integrated into the routine I discover that when you have a good team working at home and a routine that has yet to fail, there really is no reason to stress. Yes, maybe it helps that all of them have done a 4* or two this year alone. After thinking about this for a while I realize some of the most successful barns I’ve been fortunate enough to work at all have this blanket of pleasant and calm over them. No barn has the same routine through out the day, but every single one has found one that works and sticks to it religiously.

Since I’ve been at Williams I keep discovering more and more that has brought back the pure joy of working with horses every day and reminding me “Why we do this”, which I had pondered heavily after boughts of bad karma. While I’m bringing in one of Williams current top competition horses and watch as Mr. Stunning eats away in his huge pasture, you forget about the show approaching and just feel thankful to work with such amazing animals on a daily basis. And that is something I don’t think anyone here ever forgets.

A Summer with William Fox-Pitt: Part 1

Posted

Wed, 2011-06-08 13:54

Authored By: 

• Missy Miller

 

Missy Miller is spending the summer working at William Fox-Pitt’s Wood Lane Stables in Dorset, England. Follow along as she keeps us updated on her time across the pond.

Hello!

Last time I was asked to write for the USEA blogs it was during my trip to NAJYRC last summer with my fabulous (if I do say so myself) little mare, TSF Amazing Grace. Since then much has changed but no worries, I don’t believe I’m any wiser for it and I refuse to accept the fact that I’m any older. After Gracie was a star for me at NAJYRC I successfully moved her up to Advanced, or should I say she successfully moved me up? Together, we were learning the ropes and getting closer and closer to the goal of a CCI3*. Unfortunately, after a successful outing at the CIC3* at the Fork Horse trials my wonder mare came up lame and my trainers, vets, and I decided it was best for Gracie to retire her to the life of a overpaid, underworked broodmare. It was terribly heart breaking for my journey to end but I feel so lucky to have shared what I had with Gracie. She is a truly spectacular teacher and partner, and opened so many doors for me. I will forever be indebted to that special little mare.

After the initial heartbreak and shock of her unexpected early retirement wore off I quickly realized how much sanity my couple of hours a day at the barn provided me. At first I thought that I would focus solely on school and eventually find myself a nice project horse, but after one week I was going stir crazy sans horse. I sent a few frantic e-mails, text messages and smoke signals out to practically every horse person I know asking for summer jobs riding ANYTHING, as long as I could be in a barn and ride a little bit. After a couple leads a friend that has known me since I first entered the gypsy life style called me. Liza Horan (I will always thank you for giving me the push I needed) asked me directly “What’s keeping you here? Get out of the states.” Floored and a rare moment of speechlessness, as she had a point I then expanded the receivers of my frantic e-mails to people in the UK. After not hearing anything I was a bit disappointed but ready to spend a summer in lovely little Middleburg. Exactly one week before my final exams started I got a call from a foreign number while I was out with friends. I answered and it kept getting dropped. Finally a third time and I answered, exasperated, I said “Who is this??” At the end of the line? A British accent saying “Missy, It’s William Fox-Pitt, I received your e-mail.” Insert foot in mouth. Was I still interested in coming? Of course! How soon could I get there? Well I finish classes June 2^nd. Perfect, so as soon as you’re done. Please fly yourself into Heathrow and keep in touch with your travel details. After about a 5minute phone conversation my summer plans had changed continents.

In two weeks I was moving apartments, packing for three months abroad, oh yeah, and final exams. After an overnight flight, and navigating the London train stations with three over-packed bags of luggage I have arrived at Wood Lane Stables in Dorset, England. William just got back from Bramham and is already preparing to leave again soon for Luhmuhlen. I have only spent one day in the barn so far but have a feeling I am in for an amazing summer. Everyone has been amazingly nice to the weird American girl that seemed to show up out of nowhere with too much stuff. I am beginning to wonder if the English have southern hospitality beat as far as politeness goes?

As I sit here, writing this I keep looking at my computer background, a picture of me and Gracie from the Fork, and smiling, knowing that without the experience and confidence Gracie provided me with I would never have gotten here. I look forward to again, sharing my amazing summer experiences and mishaps with anyone that reads this. Also I am going to take a moment to express the thanks I have for my parents, for continuing to go along with my gypsy lifestyle for so long. If you know me at all, you know my parents and can agree that they deserve some type of medal for still being sane after 22 years of “Missy”.

Until next time, Cheers!

Life Lessons

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2011

Life Lessons by Missy Miller

Well the happenings since my last post before the Fork Horse Trials have yet again proven to be the ultimate of highs and lows. Seems to be a constant theme with the horses, can’t believe it’s taken me this long to figure that significant piece of information out. Better late than never? I guess I can start with the best of the happenings, which also works perfectly as that is how it goes chronologically. Like I had said, Gracie and I headed to North Carolina to attempt a CIC3* at the Fork Horse Trials. Truly an amazing event in every way possible. We had dressage on Thursday which I was hoping would work in our favor as the more days in a row you do dressage on Gracie the more she realizes how much she despises flicking her toes in a rectangular arena and the more she starts to strongly object. Unfortunately though, even after one day of light practice of the movements, once she got in the ring she was making it very clear to me that her preference of places to be was definitely not there. Disappointing? Of course, especially since our previous test in front of those scary judges booths had gone so well, I had built up a little bit of hope that all was not lost in the case of my dressage skills. Thanks again for the “humbling experience” Gracie. Oh well, on to the fun part…

I’d be lying if I said when walking the course I became immobilized with fear from time to time. Maybe I even sent Leslie a frantic text saying something along the lines of “This is big, scary and impossible, I think I should just go hide by a novice jump and cry”. But hey, maybe I didn’t. Leslie was unable to be there this weekend for me as he was prepping for a show in Florida the following weekend (I hear he did o.k there) which definitely made me even more nervous, but I cannot thank Clark and Jessica Montgomery enough for taking on the task of helping me through this weekend. Both of them were so nice and helpful, I couldn’t have hoped for better. After walking the course enough to make it seem slightly less intimidating and slightly more do-able, my legs were sick of moving and then it came time for Grace and I to tackle one of the toughest courses we had seen in our career together. As we did our typical prance over to the start box I wasn’t sure if I would even be possible of remembering to breathe. Gracie and I finally got the countdown and scooted out the box, I know this is cliché and I have said this before of Gracie’s cross country rounds but I seriously could not have imagined a better ride out of her. Everything I was nervous about she tackled like it was nothing, ears pricked the whole time I feel safe saying both of us really came off the course having had so much fun and feeling 10ft tall. I really wonder how I became so lucky to get to ride this mare around and have her try so hard for me, although I’m not sure if I always feel like she’s trying as much as she’s just having fun.

Jogs presented themselves with much stress and unease. As perfect as Gracie is in my eyes, a vet would argue my case of perfection with very fair facts. After jogging her for Christiana Ober we noticed that her bothersome ankle was giving her a bit of trouble, nothing we hadn’t expected. This called for hours more of icing and an early morning ride before the jog. We passed after getting held once, and were onto stadium. The stadium course walked well and when I walked it with Clark we walked it where all of the turns were to the left besides one. Then while I was warming up I was told it was wheeled the other way so to break it up. I made the decision to change my plan at the last minute and thought it wouldn’t be too much of a deal. I can’t say that is what caused one of our two rails, but I also can’t say it would have happened if I had just stuck to my plan. Oh well, live and learn. Nothing could trump my feeling of ecstasy after finishing my first CIC3* on a mare I had worked so hard with and that meant so much to me. We were finally qualified for the Bromont CCI3*, Gracie had yet again gone beyond anyone’s expectations.

After The Fork we made the plan to give her two weeks off so she could be fresh and ready for Bromont. I was able to focus on school, while Grace enjoyed rolling in her field and requiring baths almost every other day. As I started her back in work I was dismayed to find her ankle was still bothering her and making her sore to ride. I was scheduled to go to Florida for lessons the following weekend and to get her shod. I decided to bring her down, have Leslie look at her and go from there. Leslie definitely agreed with me that it was her ankles and I decided to leave her that week so Christiana could look at her and assess what was going on. Leaving Gracie anywhere is never easy for me, especially when I knew something was bothering her. She’s a tough little mare and for her to still be sore something was definitely up. I tried to stay optimistic while waiting for the call from the vet but during those two days of waiting I feel like years flew by around me. When the call finally came it was Leslie on the phone and unfortunately all of my fears where brought to reality. It seemed Gracie had done quite the number to herself at The Fork and had a 50% legion on her suspensory branch. After talking with the Laws and Christiana it was decided that in the best interest of Gracie, due to her already troublesome ankles and age it would only be fair to retire her after this kind of injury.

Since the news countless tears have been shed and my emotions have been on a rollercoaster since I have no idea what to do from here. Just last month we decided to retire my other mare as well after an MRI revealed very little cartilage left in her ankles, diminishing her chances of staying sound and comfortable at the upper levels. As heart breaking as the first retirement was, Gracie’s was even more so as my emotional attachment to her and what I have been through with her for us to accomplish what we had has been one my greatest learning experiences. Of course, I know how lucky I am that both of them can spend the rest of their lives in a field, becoming fat and happy and maybe one day fat, happy mommas? I’ve had the alternative happen and that’s something I would never wish on anyone so as heartbreaking as it is to go from having my dreams seem attainable on such a special mare to retiring two very special horses I know that I’m blessed to be able to walk out in the field, feed them carrots and have them knock me down while rubbing on me.

The lessons I learned on Gracie are something even a great coach couldn’t have taught me. Maybe it’s me and my stubbornness that makes it so I can only learn how to do the right thing by trying everything wrong first, but Grace would make the wrong options very obvious by her reactions towards them and sometimes I swear she would mock me like I was foolish for even thinking of some things. Of all my equestrian accomplishments Grace was the horse that really made my dreams attainable and I cannot thank her enough. I’m not sure how I deserved to gallop around the Kentucky Horse Park, stand on the podium at the NAYRC, and compete a season at advanced on such a remarkable horse but I did and for that I am eternally grateful. I apologize for the sap but I don’t even know how to put into words what a special horse I’ve been lucky enough to have such a special partnership with. It was never easy, never did I know what to expect and I also felt like I never knew what I was doing but it was all incredibly rewarding. Realizing that, I know the answer to the frequently asked question of “Why do we do this?” after hearing bad news or after a bad ride, I also realize that that’s what makes the eventing community so special and some of the best people I know. And even though I am currently with out a horse, I also know that I won’t be able to keep myself away from all the incredible friends and amazing horses that surround the eventing world.

Lows & Highs of a First Season at Advanced

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2011

Lows & Highs of a First Season at Advanced by Missy Miller

The last two shows since my previous blog were the definition of low to high. Grace and I traveled to Tallahassee, Florida with the amazing help of my dad and his driving so I didn’t have to miss any classes the week before finals and I was still able to be at Red Hills on time to show. The dressage went well but Grace was sticking her tongue out most the time, which definitely offended one judge more than the other. Oh well, it was my first attempt at a 3* and I kept telling myself like any first time experience, push through it, get it done and then improve upon it every time thereafter. For those of you who don’t know, the last time I competed at the fabulous Red Hills Horse trials my partner at the time, Leprechauns Rowdy Boy, tragically passed away half way through the course at the first water. So already adding more onto the stress of my first CIC3* I had many emotions tied into this weekend whether or not I wanted to admit it. Grace has been amazing all season and there was nothing more I felt me or my trainer, Leslie, could have done to further prepare us for this. As we started out on course it was amazing and rode very well. But as it can happen at this level my horse and I stopped syncing after the first water and didn’t make it much farther. As upset as I was, while walking her back to the barn I realized how lucky I was to even be doing that. At least now I know that she is healthy and able to come out another day and try again. It’s our first season at advanced, mistakes are bound to happen and not everything goes accordingly which is why everyone makes back up plans. It was nice to have gotten through the same water jump that changed my life three years earlier. As always, Red Hills was run beautifully and is still one of my favorite events to be a part of because the whole city really gets involved and supports it. Not many events can achieve that for an entire four day weekend and I look forward to this event every year.

After our first 3* attempt we decided to enter the Poplar Place Horse Trials to make sure none of the misunderstandings at Red Hills between Gracie and I were long lasting and have a positive run before attempting the CIC3* at the Fork Horse trials. I entered the weekend hoping Gracie wasn’t holding any grudges against me for not giving her my full commitment at our last show and planned on focusing on a steady, confidence-boosting weekend. I was really happy with how she handled herself (even keeping her tongue out of sight) in the dressage and despite me having a blonde moment, we scored one of our best dressage scores at this level! Cross-country was very intimidating when we walked it, I was especially worried about two narrow cannon jumps set on a hard angle at two strides. Grace came out of the box ready to attack the course and having me holding her back as I didn’t want her to run herself too hard and by the 4th jump I felt her settle into a rhythm and she handled the course like a pro, no grudges held. Again, I realize that Grace is nothing short of a tenacious little mare in ANY situation, be it out on course, not wanting to stand in ice, or being convinced that all vets are out to get her. Nonetheless, I feel very fortunate to have her even when she is trying to give me a close up of her hind shoes. Part of me thinks she does the opposite of whatever I think/say about her just to prove me wrong and make me look bad, thus making her look good. Which again she proved to do in stadium, jumping around like a pro until what Leslie so kindly referred to as my “village idiot move” at the last jump. Can I still claim that it was a young rider mistake or does that give a bad name to other young riders that can hold it together for an entire show jumping course of 12 jumps? Well, I’m aged out anyways, it was just one of my duller moments. Good girl Grace. Now we will head to the Fork next weekend for another one of my favorite events of the year to again attempt the CIC3*. I’m almost scared to admit it, more or less put it in writing but yet again I am feeling cautiously optimistic after how well Poplar went. But I’m also reminding myself that anything can happen and trying not to put too much pressure on myself, Grace, or the weekend itself.

Tragic events like what happened this weekend to Michael Pollard’s and Jane Rusconi’s lovely mare, Dekorum and Arden Wildasin’s, Mandar really make you realize that no matter what, if your horse is back in their stall at the end of the day we are lucky to be surrounded by these animals. I wish there was something more I could say to all of them but I can’t think of anything besides sending my condolences to all involved. My thoughts are with you at this awful time.
For everyone else, go hug your horses.

Moving up to Advanced from a Young Rider's Perspective

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

Moving up to Advanced from a Young Rider's Perspective by Missy Miller

The 2010 season ended for me and my horses on a bittersweet note. My quirky little trakehner mare, TSF Amazing Grace, earned individual silver and team gold at NAYRC, and successfully moved up to Advanced and I was in the top 20 on both my horses in the open intermediate at the AEC’s. After what I was convinced was an unrealistically wonderful year my other mare, Pembridge Swingtime, suffered a minor injury, preventing us from our goals of a fall CCI2*. She had been doing very well with my trainer, Leslie Law, while I was focusing on Grace and our NAYRC goals. Luckily, thanks to amazing vets and help Swinger is already on the mend as Gracie and I are pursuing our first season at advanced together.

For anyone that has ever met my mare Gracie, it can be agreed that she fully believes the TSF in front of her name should be replaced with HRH. I always say semi-jokingly that her ‘spunk’ is what makes her such a great event horse and even though we all curse the quickness of her hind legs on the ground I bless them while jumping. She has gone above and beyond anyones expectations the past few years, just ask Leslie about the first time he laid eyes on her. I don’t believe his first thoughts were “Here’s an advanced horse in the making.” As she was trotting around, head high, back hollow, snorting like a fire breathing dragon, with me desperately trying anything to put her in some form of a frame. Looking at how far she has come it makes her patience testing tendencies on the ground a little more bearable, for me at least. I won’t try to speak for vets, farriers and others on her black list.

2011 will not only be our first advanced season (hopefully) but also I am officially a full time student. For the past two years I have been taking classes in Ocala at Central Florida, making it easy to manage horses and school together. As of January I transferred to Savannah College of Art and Design to pursue a degree in fashion marketing and art history. So I am also bidding adieu to sleep and what little spare time the horse world allows to begin with. Lucky for me though, SCAD does not have classes on Fridays as those are set aside for studio days to work on projects, or in my case horse show days. If anyone knows of a company that puts school books on audio you would be my personal hero. This season my trailer at competitions will be doubling as a traveling art studio and havocked study space. Maybe the USET could use the help of a fashion major in help with selecting jog outfits at team competitions? Sans cowboy hats? ;)

Currently Leslie and I have planned my season on a “if all goes well” mantra up to the Red Hills CIC3*. Seeing as Gracie has already succeeded far more than initially expected the rest is just icing on the cake. After our first few shows this year Gracie continues to improve with each outing. We are already very friendly with the kind people at the AG station between Georgia and Florida. Next for us will be Red Hills, seeing as Pine top went better than expected. I was ecstatic with how she handled the one day and am feeling cautiously optimistic at the moment. Of course that will turn into violent butterflies as the event gets closer and the reality of it starts to set in. And of course to add onto the nerves my finals for classes are conveniently the week after Red Hills. Goodbye sanity.

Now what?

Posted

Mon, 2010-08-09 13:35

Authored By: 

• Missy Miller

Well, I am finally back in Florida and things are seeming to calm down for the moment after NAYRC. It was hard to come down off of the high that I felt and check myself back into reality.

(Left: Missy Miller and TSF Amazing Grace were members of the Gold Medal winning team and the individual silver medalists. StockImageServices.com Photo.)

First thing on Sunday it was an early morning in the barns doing final icings of legs, and trotting up for the vet as the sun was rising. After getting the thumbs up from our team vet and the ground jury it was time to sit around and wait for stadium. By the time everyone passed jogs it felt like we had been up a whole day already! The one star was scheduled to jump first and all the show jumping for eventing was to be held in the grand stand. Already nerves were raised as most of us have only seen our equestrian idols show jump in that arena with the atmosphere and having the Rolex scoreboard in the back ground. I tried to watch some of the 1* stadium but the more I saw how influential the rails were becoming for them I decided it was best for me to go back to the barn before I had a full butterfly garden formed in my stomach.

Back at the barn I sat around, annoyed Gracie by brushing her obsessively and went over my tack until I could have drawn an overly detailed portrait of it from memory. Finally after what seemed like years it was time for me to slowly start to tack Gracie up and have her led up as I walked Stadium. Well as it goes when ever you are nervous about something, it was running a little behind and I had more time to wait to walk stadium when I got up there which really translates into more time to get nervous. I walked stadium with my teammates and Kyle. It seemed like a great flowing course with a couple big oxers but nothing impossible. I kept having to remind myself though that everything can change in an atmosphere like the grand stand and I couldn't let myself get too complacent.

In warm up Gracie felt great. I tried to distract myself so I wouldn't hear how the people before me were doing. I prefer not to hear if rails are coming down a lot as I just want a clear head going in. Walking down the runway into the grand stand it really hit me. I was here, in good contention going into stadium, about to jump around, on my special mare in a place I had always dreamed about riding. Wow. As the rider before me was finishing up Gracie started to dance around and get nervous so the only way I was able to get her through the big white gates was canter her in and hope both of us would then concentrate on the task at hand. All i was thinking about was keeping her in front of my leg enough and between my hands. As we cleared the last jump I had to double check the score board as I couldn't believe what she had just done for me.

As everyone began to cheer and I felt Gracie jump to the side, spooked as she finally noticed everything around her I kept waiting to be awoken from a dream. Could this really have just happened? Being swarmed by my teammates as I walked out all I could muster was "She's Amazing!" When I looked up in the stands and saw my mom and dad all I could do was smile and shrug my shoulders, after all their support it had finally paid off and proven to be more than worth it. The following hour or so was such a blur of activity I can't even describe how unreal it all seems. I was so proud of my team for accomplishing what they did and for Gracie for overcoming all she had and proving to me that she is an amazingly special mare, that makes up for all of her attitude on the ground.

(Right: Missy and Gracie were one of only two double clear show jumping rounds. StockImageServices.com Photo.)

Being on a team at NAYRC is hard to explain as it is so much more than just the week at camp and the week at competition. As cliché as it may sound you really do become like family and it is something that doesn't end with the closing ceremonies. Once you are on a team with so many great people you are always a part of each others team. After succeeding together at such a major competition you realize how much other peoples support can help and encourage you and others, and you also realize that it takes nothing short of an army to succeed. I can't speak for my team but standing on the podium at Young Riders has been a dream of mine ever since I knew what it was. To have it all play out for my final year on such a special horse and surrounded by amazing people meant so much. I can't imagine that feeling ever being topped right now. It's amazing how such an experience can bring strangers so close. Just standing there with all the other riders, fighting back tears of joy together and not being able to hide our smiles.

After such an amazing time it is time for me to get back to chasing the next dream and look forward to the next event. Gracie will have a vacation before AEC's and I will temporarily turn my focus to school. But I cannot thank everyone enough for all the support it took to make my last year as a young rider such a successful one and reinstate the fact that I don't want to grow up!

Sincerely,

Gracie and Missy

Breathe... For now.

Posted

Sun, 2010-08-01 14:49

Authored By: 

• Missy Miller

I am writing this as for the moment I am able to relax, and enjoy the reality of an amazing cross country round earlier today. This can only last for around five minutes before the preparations and prayers for final jogs begin.

Dressage day for the 2* was on Thursday and although Gracie wasn’t as amazing as she had been in our lessons leading up to, we were able to put in a solid test that helped contribute to my team.

(Left: Missy and Gracie tackled the two-star cross-country course with grace to move up to sixth place. StockImageServices Photo)

As luck would have it, my teammate, Emily Renfroe, who was set to go first in the order was having an amazing warm up and looked beautiful going around the ring when she went from canter to trot and Walker hit herself, ultimately going down the centerline still limping from her “stubbed toe” and the judges made the decision to ring her out. Not a fun way to start the least fun day of the weekend. Emily is an amazing character though as she was immediately able to put the past behind her. My other two teammates were able to put in two beautiful tests which had us all in the top 10 after dressage and silver medal position as a team. Watching my teammates I think I finally have an idea of how my mom feels watching me go.

(Right: Gracie getting iced after cross-country. Missy Miller Photo.)

Cross country day Gracie and I were the first to go for the team and I was nervous a I wanted to have a good ride and be able to help my teammates feel confident going out on the course. Gracie put in one of our best rounds yet and came in only one second over time. The course was rewarding and very forward. I never felt a time when when grace stopped pushing and I was really happy with how well Gracie came back. My teammate Dani Dichting had a great go as well but added some time penalties as well. Unfortunately our last to go, Devon, was having a great go until the water in the last part of the course, which was a bounce in, 4 strides to a skinny turtle in the water. She had an unfortunate run out there but finished for our team and we only dropped to 3rd in the team standings. Kyle seemed happy and now it is time to prepare for Sunday jogs and show jumping in the grandstand!

-Gracie and Missy

Let the games begin!

Posted

Thu, 2010-07-29 13:40

Authored By: 

• Missy Miller

The 24 hours since my last blog have been turbulent to say the least.

To start on the positive note I had an amazing lesson with Kyle yesterday on the flat and was floating on cloud 9 while walking back to the barn. Conveniently, immediately after I walked past our vet and waved some of the show jumpers grooms were yelling "Hey Lady, Hey Lady!" and pointing at Gracie’s hind end. My first thought of course was "well, they don't want to go near that" but then I saw what they were pointing at as one of her hind shoes was hanging on by just one nail. Luckily our amazing team vet, Dr. Chris Newton was able to come remove the rest of the shoe safely and send me back to the barn, back on earth to soak her hind foot. How fun does that sound with Gracie? Despite a few initial kicks at us to let me and Alex Green know she didn't enjoy this Grace finally let us put her foot in. When she trotted up sound later Chris and I decided to have it glued on the next morning after a night of having it wrapped. Thank you Grace for waiting for the perfect moment, the day before jogs, to throw the first shoe you've ever thrown since I've owned you. And a hind one at that! But again, she is one tough little mare and didn't seem the least bit bothered by it.

(Above Left: TSF Amazing Grace all tucked in for the night in her stall at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Good Luck Monkey is courtesy of Law Eventing! Below Right: Two-star teammate, Devon Brown at the Opening Ceremonies. Missy Miller Photos)

After dinner with the team last night a few of us were making a late night Wal*Mart run and picking up some last minute accessories to add to our jog outfits. Upon selecting the items and everything else we needed as I walked out to my truck I made the shocking discovery that my keys were NO WHERE. I ran back inside and asked everyone who looked like they would be able to understand me in my high pitched and panicked state of mind. After perusing the store hunting for my elusive keys and not even catching a trail the intercom came on announcing the closing of the store. I had officially closed down a Wal*Mart and it was starting to look like I would also be sleeping in my truck. Welcome to Kentucky. Thankfully my teammate, Dani Dichting, was able to come pick me up and I was invited to spend the night with the rest of my team and hope my keys would be magically found by the next morning. Well they weren't... This left me in a hard situation with my clothes on one end of the world and everything else on the other end. My sweet groom, Alex, leant me her truck when I needed to get dressed for jogs. Looking back, it was a very risky move on her part looking at my recent history with keys. And of course my reputation preceeded me and a locksmith was called from tripleA to make her a new set. Strike two. But alas, the key god's shined through and a call was received saying mine had been found!

Besides all of the lost keys and lost shoes, I am happy to announce that all of Area 3 passed jogs today and looked smashing while doing so! Bring on the weekend! After jogs and another fabulous lesson from Kyle I am really looking forward to tomorrow and also can't wait to see my teammates go in the ring as well!

(Left: The result of two lost sets of keys in Missy’s truck. Below Right: Emily Renfroe at Opening Ceremonies. Missy Miller Photos)

Opening ceremonies were earlier tonight and I think all the organizers did a great job on honoring every discipline and area/zone/region accordingly Walking into the grand stand arena at the horse park with all your teammates, seeing the Rolex signs everywhere and hearing your family and friends clapping for you is almost impossible to describe. Definitely makes you stand up a little taller. After a short but very moving opening speech the feel of excitement among all the competitors was impossible to deny as you saw all the team members from every discipline looking sideways at each other and grinning, although the grins were wavering between worrisome looks as a threatening thunderstorm loomed on the horizon. I doubt that will be enough to damper the spirits of everyone here as the week moves forward.

Road to NAJYRC Part 2

Posted

Wed, 2010-07-28 13:51






































































    Authored By: 

• Missy Miller

Being in Kentucky means several things, The delicious Ale-8-1, gorgeous blue grass scenery mixed in with the luxurious racehorse farms scattered everywhere, and of course the Kentucky Horse Park which also means Young Riders has finally arrived!

I apologize for not writing at all during training camp, but with all of that team bonding and putting out finishing touches into our rides, when time to relax rolled around it was usually with eyes shut and brains turned off. The Area 3 young riders were lucky enough to spend our final week preparing for NAJYRC at Carl Bouckarts amazing Chattahoochee Hills. The preparations being made for this years American Eventing Championships are amazing and I am looking forward to seeing it all in September.

Despite weather that would normally only be tolerable at the beach with fruity, frozen drink in hand, my team and I were putting on our riding gear every day and working hard to show our coach, Kyle Carter, what quality horses and riders look like. Kyle has been the Area 3 coach every year I have been lucky enough to make the team so as you can imagine if you've ever met Kyle, he is just as upset as I am about this being my final year as a young rider.

The two-star team has been looking stronger every day and that's all I'll say in utter fear of jinxing us all! My team consists of Devon Brown on Dynamic Image, Dani Dichting on Tops and Emily Renfroe on Walk the Line. During our camp team bonding seemed to be am ever present theme which consisted of eating, napping, eating, singing, eating, dancing and a little baking of a giant cup cake(Pictured right). Our brilliant ideas of paintball, sky-diving, 4wheeling and jet skiing were immediately excused by our safety conscious chef d'equipe, Leigh Littrell. At least until after competition. The deal is I guess, we take care of our horses and she makes sure we are well enough to do that properly? ;)

We all arrived in Kentucky safe and sound yesterday and somehow all of us made it safely with out any major complications. Now that Kyle is also back from his "after camp vacation" to South America the mood is full if anxiety and excitement about the week to come. The 1* and 2* horses all look fabulous thanks to our superstar grooms. To be completely honest I'm shocked no one has felt their life threatened by sweet little Gracie yet, but not to worry she has "introduced" herself to the treating vets here at NAJYRC and our team vet.

It's quite hard getting used to a whole crew of people ready and willing to help you out and cheer you on but it definitely gives you that team feeling that people of our age can rarely experience at such a level! I can't explain how excited I am to be on such a great team of riders, grooms and everyone else that it takes to get here. Looking forward to the week and being able to share it with everyone! Until next time, GO AREA III!

Sincerely,

Missy & Gracie