Area V is Where it's At

     I couldn't help but write a post about Area V today. Yet again, Area V has made their voices known at the NAJYRC in Lexington, Kentucky this year. Our two star team had some unfortunate events occur, but our one star team pulled it out to bring home the team and individual gold once again. Not only that, but one of our other team mates placed fourth individually, and one of our riders who competed individually placed sixth. It really is bittersweet being home and getting to follow our teams throughout the weekend, whether it be on eventing nation or the live results. I wish so much I could have been there, and even more that I could have been apart of the team this year, but I couldn't be happier for our area and how well our teams did. There is an overwhelming since of pride that goes with being apart of Area V.
     Last year when I was back on the east coast, I remember a girl there telling me that when you finish in the top five at one of the events over there, you know you're really good. She said it's a lot different than finishing in the top five in other places of the U.S since eventing is so big on the east coast. Well, I guess that isn't neccesarily true these days. Seeing as Area V not only brought home team and individual gold this year in the one star, but also brought home team and individual gold in the one star last year as well, it's safe to say that when you're competing against these girls and doing well, you know you've done something right. And that's what I did. I got the great oppurtunity to compete all season against the girls that played apart in taking home the gold this year and last year at NAJYRC. In the video on Eventing Nation of Tori being interviewed, she says that Area V is a special team because we're all very close. It's the truth. Everyone is so close and looks out for one another in our area, and I couldn't imagine a better group of people to be surrounded by. We're all a big family.
     For many years now, I have wanted to be able to represent such a great area. It looks like my time and chances of that are up for the one star team, but there may be some chances left for the two star team one day. That being said, there is a point when you have to look at your life and know when to let go. There will always be a time where you're going to have to let go, even of something you've dedicated years to achieving. It may be time for me to let go of the goal of being able to represent Area V some day. It might just not be in the cards for me. I take a look at the amount of stress I took on this past season, the fact that I was literally sleeping on people's couches this past year, and the amount of financial stress I put on my family, all in the hopes of going to Young Riders this summer when ultimately I wasn't even chosen. I look at it all and I honestly don't know if I should keep this hope alive. It sure wasn't fair to my family, and at this point in time, I can't imagine doing that to them again. To push forward or to let go? That is the question. Obviously it won't be answered now, but hopefully I'll have more answers in the future.
     As for Stoney, he is getting better and lazier as time progresses. After only a few days of stall rest, he was practically about to kill me when I took him out for walks, and I wasn't sure how this was going to go on for the next couple of months. However, he has now realized that being on stall rest (with the exception of not being turned out) is actually quite nice. He is enjoying not working six days a week and getting carrots for no apparent reason. At least, that's what he thinks. I give him carrots every time I walk him and he doesn't spin around, rear, and strike out at me. I can only hope he'll make the connection that when he doesn't try to "play" with me when we go for our walks and has composure, he gets treats. And we do A LOT of walking. So as you can see, the horse is getting a lot of carrots and being spoiled for no apparent reason. Of course he doesn't mind. With the exception of having to deal with the new found obnoxiousness he has ALL THE TIME, he has been quite easy to handle.
     Until next time, I hope you enjoy the amusing picture and the facial expressions I get out of my horse. Every time the potent fly repellent systems come on in the barn, he never fails.