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Keep Calm and the Countdown Begins

While most people look forward to the flowers, the longer days and the closer proximity to the summertime that Spring brings with her, ask any event rider with a pulse and he or she will tell you the true meaning of the spring time: Rolex! Yes our nation's only four star is finally here and I'm lucky enough to once again have the chance to compete in one of the world's most prestigious events amongst the riders who are commonly seen in magazines and on my mighty little OTTB Anthony Patch (patriotism at its finest).

This year's Rolex will be "Al's" fourth four star which still stuns me considering it was nearly twelve years ago I bought the scrawny little bay horse bred and trained by Tom Swales of New Jersey, USA.

As many of you know, Al and I have been teammates for over a decade and have been fortunate enough to have represented our country abroad, competed at the highest level of our sport and most recently won the American Eventing Championships and Gold Cup Series in the fall of 2013 in Tyler, Texas.

With all the experience (as a team) under our belts, my priority in getting Al to Rolex this year was to have him happy, healthy and sound. Being that Al isn't a spring chicken anymore, my coach and I made the decision to run him lightly in the preparations leading up to Rolex with our focus primarily being in "quality" over "quantity." After a good stretch of the legs at Rocking Horse at the intermediate level, Al and I entered Red Hills CIC *** (one of my personal favorites) in hopes of obtaining a positive and conditioning round. With an unforgettable dressage test in the monsoon-like conditions placing us in fifth in a hefty field of horses, we finished in the pink ribbon position and simultaneously re-qualified ourselves to compete in Kentucky at the end of April.

Our next show and final outing before the big day was held in Norwood, NC...which also is home to Kellie Pickler (any first year American Idol fans out there?) and of course lots of calamari (you'll have to have watched A.I. first season to get that joke). The Fork Horse Trials is notoriously known to be the preview event for what's to be expected at Rolex. However, It also happens to fall only three weeks before the first trot up which can pose a risk for any eventer.

Now every other year that I have entered Rolex I have chosen to run Al across the difficult advanced track that The Fork offers. However, due to his slightly elevated age, the ground being a little on the hard side and the fact that Al is seriously a jumping freak of a butterfly horse, the decision was made to save him for the big day....which is actually ten days away. Gulp!

I have to admit that were it not for the fact that I trained Al from beginning novice to four star or the fact that I've had the pleasure of owning him since he was a four year old, I may not be driving into the Kentucky Horse Park with utmost confidence. However, there's just something about the long arduous journey that beings with training your horse to successfully complete a twenty meter circle without falling out of the canter and slowly turns into galloping through the finish flags at Rolex beaming from ear to ear that really adds the "pep" to my step. I'm a firm believer that a course, no matter the level, is only as tough as the relationship you have with your horse and when push comes to shove Al will have my back the same way I will do my best to protect his. After all who needs Red Bull....Al gives me wings!

To Rolex and beyond! See you guys outside the galloping lanes!

Unfinished Business

Many feelings come to mind when reminiscing about the happenings that occurred this year in 2013. Truth be told that when I really sit down and reflect on the difference this one year has made in my life, I keep coming back to the same nagging notion: 2013 was a year of “unfinished business.” That isn’t to say that I am unhappy with the wins with Al this year, it’s just that the success was so short-lived, being that I only had three advanced runs with him before his season was over. I feel like I have so much to prove and that I am finally beginning to ride the horse the way he always should have been ridden and I only hope to be able to pick up in Florida where we left off following our most honorable performance to date at the American Eventing Championships. Winning the Gold Cup aboard Al was not only a dream-come-true for me but for my closest supporters, ahem my mother and my grandparents, it was a time where we ALL shared the spotlight. Coming back from my accident in 2008 was obviously difficult to face on a personal level, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it took even more guts for my family and friends to watch me fall and WANT to try again. My unbridled passion for horses has been apparent ever since I was a small child chasing after my mom alongside the abandoned rail road tracks in Shingle Springs, California. Despite tossing me into every other sport in addition to persuading me to join the theater and acting class, nothing could trump that need to gallop across the countryside on horseback. I had to learn at a young age (as every horse lover learns sooner than later) that falling is a frequent occurrence when dealing with horses and in order to be the best, I had to push through those fears and mental struggles and just RIDE. And that’s what I love so much about the sport of eventing. The very thing that nearly took my life is what actually GIVES me breath by providing me the internal strength and motivation to succeed. “Eventing” doesn’t care about what level you participate, what breed your horse is and how much your saddle costs...rather, it’s sole focuses are grit and determination: the two ingredients that separate us event riders from the rest of the sane and financially stable world. The sudden loss of my Lyle (aka: The Big Island) is another reason why 2013 left me with sense of incompleteness. Lyle was an off-the-track Thoroughbred that towered over his counterparts standing eighteen hands tall. After bypassing him three times, my mother was guilted into buying him when he would not stop following her around his pasture. After having him only a month, mom flew me out to California where I competed him at novice level at his first event at Woodside. Immediately it was love at first ride. Fast forward two years and Lyle was dominating the intermediate level as a six year old long-legged steed with a heart as big as his stature (and in a loose ring snaffle I might add). Losing him didn’t only create a void in my eventing horse arsenal, it dislodged a large piece of my heart as a part of it died with him on that damp and misty Ocala morning in February. My mother has always reminded me that “when one door closes another one opens” and that I should always be ready with a backup plan. Losing Lyle was a door I was not ready to have slammed in my face, however welcoming my four year old Jockey Club registered homebred, Calling All Comets to my east coast farm was one door I could not wait to open! I am so lucky to have a youngster as talented and eager to learn as he and the fact that he is bred by my mother AND that he’s full Thoroughbred is only icing on the cake! Although mom and I have believed in him from day one (literally), it’s always nice to hear that reaffirmation from someone as all-knowing as William Fox-Pitt. I am now eagerly awaiting the moment I get to canter down the centerline with him at Rolex, most likely competing against Mr. Fox-Pitt...now if only I could fast forward another four to five years! 2013 might have not been my banner year to date, but it’s left me with a taste of victory and a yearning for more. I am hopeful that both Al and I can finish what we started this year at Rolex in 2014 and after that...well that’s for the eventing gods to decide. Until then, sit back, gobble up and enjoy the downtime with your family and friends. Enjoy the holidays, the desserts (sans the extra lbs) and the awesome movies that celebrate the festive season. I hope you have the “hap hap happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny (bleep) Kaye”. Thank you Clark Griswold. Thank you. See you in the gallop lanes in 2014!

USEA Convention High Performance Meeting Notes

Dec. 6 2012 High Performance Meeting (Am Session) The ROAD TO EXCELLENCE What does it take to get to the top? -our sport is different, not a lot of education through the levels. Very systematic. How do they talk about their coaches, plans, progressing an athlete? We need to pay more attention to this. We aren't any more special....the horses is just something that we do. -do you study like a professional? How much time do you spend in a classroom? Football, basketball, hockey spend a TON of time in the classroom! -we all need to have a unilateral sense of vocab (ie: impulsion---> if you ask four riders they have differing opinions as to what “impulsion” is) *HOW GOOD DO YOU WANT TO BE? -do you want to be an olympian? what does that mean to you? -do you want to be number one in the world? What does that mean to you? -Motivation is KEY. These things have to be out in front of you to keep that motivation! -team player? Good? Teacher? instructor? WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE?! -being an olympian isn't enough. If you’re number one in the world then you’re going to be an olympian (these are not the same) -10,000 ppl at the olympic games. only 250 gold medals! The process of being an olympian is key which makes the motivation part HUGE ---> constant struggle -Out of the struggle comes the theoretical process WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THE TOP? ambition-the unwillingness NOT to be good. Ambition is the DRIVER Intelligence/emotional control-you have to beat the game. Your horse has no idea so you have to be able to get them there and when the game changes, you need to be able to change technique-how it is received in an instinctual moment selection appropriate horses-they’re the athlete on the day. In training it’s 80% rider/20% horse....the opposite on competition day Horse Management/Time Management-have to be able to allot your time appropriately. Is Michael Jordan answering a phone call mid practice? Need to take a section of your day to be realistic and train for YOURSELF! This is respect! talent- the least important part. ***The Talent Code-Good book to READ!!!! (10,000 hours it takes to become successful) DO YOU “GET IT”? do you understand the sacrifice it takes to be the best? This game is about winning, being the best are you willing to invest everything you have in that process? In a quiet time in your season go back and re-assess....evaluation time TWO WORDS FOR IMPROVEMENT: 1.Awareness-awareness of the time and your weaknesses, the awareness of what’s happening to you at the moment. Do you notice what’s happening underneath you at the time?? Are you reacting to the thing that actually happened underneath you. a.Perceiving things as they actually are b.Self awareness is recognizing those internal factors that distort the ones own perception of reality 2.Responsibility- the correct action is taken in a moment. Has to be repeatable.The correct action to set up everything LEVELS OF LEARNING: (5 levels) Technique-legs, seat, hands, voice, opening reins, what are their actions? Very important a.use a video- watch yourself not your horse and others you want to emulate (chose someone that’s your body style)I should watch Sinead or KOC use of Dartfish Technology-sports analysis program (visual cue for technique) use of mirrors-make sure it’s specific use of coaches-another set of eyes on the ground. tell them what you need to work on use someone else’s video for imitation-watch other competitions use of visualization-the sports psychology part Theory-theory of exercises and the effects on horses the step by step process that leads to competitive excellence your position to communicate-your seat is by far the most important thing! appropriate exercises for the level of the horse use of aids-what are they, when do you use them? the indiv. control (core strength and core flexibility) timing of aids-has to be an intellectual thought process search the internet for all theoretical thought processes g. BOOKS: The Principles of Riding and Advanced Techniques of Dressage (have to get these books asap!!!!) Both from the German school of riding Instinct-the ability to react without thinking about it. Riding ends up being about instinct (this is the section that we have to fill) the ability to react properly without thinking about it technique must be perfect-what does Tiger Woods practice the most? The simplest technique so that it’s pure in competition you must let go of thinking about technique sport psychology-creates a trigger that gives you a mind set (What is my trigger that puts me into the mind frame that puts me back into the awareness?) Going into an environment that we don't get to practice so we need a trigger to lock out part of the world AFTER THESE THREE THINGS THIS IS WHERE THE AMATEURS DROP OFF Intuition/Philosophy a.what are your most basic beliefs that are unchangeable for you that drives how you train and compete your horses? (is it all about horses instinct? Communication? The more I have communication the less I say) This is where you become a student of the sport. This is your core being of being a horse person. Imagination not teachable- Can you see the “field” differently? Can you make inside turns and lines dependent upon the horse you’re on? the ability to process multiple inputs without thinking of them and setting up a plan instinctively (two sides to the equation. did you miss the moment? if not, did you get an answer?) confidence in technique and what you can do (nobody in this country that has THIS in all three phases) a mind set (not teachable)-you dont know what Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods was going to do when they were in their A game a study of preparing your body and mind... ***Where am I on this scale??? Then there’s a plan forward....have to accept where I am now (be honest) Use of Coaches: -to achieve your goals -to prefect technique -put into your words the theoretical process -step by step process of goal achievement -creating necessary tools -timing for tools for situations -assessment of horses (a horse that’s suitable for you) GOAL SETTING: -set both long and short term goals -look at small achievements on a daily basis, not at the total picture everyday. The pieces of the puzzle (steps in the corners, small goals) If you don’t decide that before, how are you going to judge whether you got there?! -over a day, week, month, year, multiple years. Dec. 6 2012 High Performance Meeting (Pm Session) The ROAD TO EXCELLENCE THEORY: How do we communicate to our horses? -position-make sure the ppl that you choose to help you understand that we are doing three phases. Make sure that when the specialist ppl are understanding more than life in a box (pure dressage is aggressively more forward. With jumpers, they can be more aggressive bc of the indoor aspects they were going through) -parts of the body (use of the weights and use of the hands) 1. below the knee-puts energy into the system 2. above the knee to ribcage-the whole thing is the seat (you can move this part without it effecting the rest of the parts) core strength and flexibility are vital 3. ribcage to top of head-turning and use of weight with your hands at the end (for turning, shoulder in, half pass etc) -the reward to the horse is the release of the pressure. the aspect of communicating with them is some form of putting on and taking off pressure which is why the use of the hands is an important part of the pitfalls you can find with training in yours. Are you overusing your hands or is your horse ignoring you? -dressage is supposed to be more and more subtle over time -if there’s movement all the time you end up making horse’s mouth’s hard. -the horses have to understand that GIVE (the soften when the horse chooses to do the thing you ask, when you soften they are willing to go back there again and again)Most important tool -Use of Legs---> dressage vs jumping -the ratio of your aids will change from dressage to show -the lower leg becomes more important higher the jumping and the less the seat is important and vice versa -Pressure and release of pressure: when I use this single aid, this is the single response I want. The idea of making it simple has to be very important to the trainer. Horses aren’t reasoning this out, this is up to the rider to solve. Timing is key in the release of the pressure. 5 PARTS OF THE TRAINING SCALE (this is what we get judged by in dressage) *rhythm-more about purity and rhythm of the gaits. The purity of gaits when you go to change something, does the horse lose its rhythm. Walk and canter is more prominent (stay away from a horse with a natural four-beat canter) *looseness/suppleness-how the horse is using his whole body. Lateral suppleness behind in the ability for them to cross and engage themselves is imperative Walk and trot are symmetrical...canter is not. Horses naturally bend to the outside so that they can give their inside hind leg more room to move so it doesn't have to bend so they can remain balanced. They use their head and neck as a counterbalance *contact/acceptance of aids-acceptance of the bit, if there’s a change, do they change? Contact is a big issue in this country. Quality of a still and a relaxed contacts is lacking *impulsion-willingness to go forward over their back with a looseness in their body. Is the horse taking you? “Out in front of the leg” There are different factors as you go forward. *Straightness-it’s about pushing off evenly in their step. The physicality of a horse, we are all stiff on one side or the other we have to be able to touch our toes so we don’t have tight hamstrings *collection- if you have all the previous things, then the collection comes. It’s given to you then but cannot be truly collected if lacking on any of the other steps. FRAMES -stretching:dressage gymnastics (the lowering of the neck NOT the closing of the angle) -helps to strengthen their back muscles (a long muscle that his skeleton hangs off of) ex. Rembrandt changed dressage, he was the first horse that exemplified lightness and softness not just power stuff. -harder for event horses in the canter. They need strength over their back, not FITNESS. -strength training we talk about reps, make sure the dressage training is similar -if not correct then we cause problems (lameness and mental) -if you give the reins forward and the horse doesn't follow you don't have them -show frame can be false -by switching back from the show and long and low frame it makes the horse better and gives the ability to relax them and works on their strengthening and hones the communication that you have between your horse -Definition of thoroughness: THE HALF HALT 1. Have to create the half halt: -different types based on the horse you’re riding -on the younger horse it’s to change the length of stride -in the end you have the rebalance -and to help increase cadence -body has to go first before the hands -by changing the tempo of your posting, the horse will soon change his tempo to your posting (haven’t used the hands) the lifting of the cadence -you have to create the tool 2.where do you use the half halt: LATERAL WORK leg yield-front leg and the hind leg cross, bend going away from the direction you travel. Suppleness exercise (it is the touching the toes exercise) not a weight carrying exercise, it increases engagement (4 tracks) shoulder in-hind legs don’t cross, the hips stay square to the line and bend still similar to the leg yield. This is a weight bearing exercise! (3 tracks) haunches in- can be on both 3 and 4 tracks (it can have more angle to show the difference in angle) Shoulder fore-inside front leg and inside hind leg on the same line, a slight flection. Takes the outside front leg in the middle of the tracks between the hind leg and less bend through the body Pirouette in walk-the inside hind leg steps up and down but stays in the same place. Practice 90 degrees walk out no longer so they don’t plant or get stuck (the turn on haunches allows inside hind leg to walk on a small one meter circle) Working pirouette-the haunches are on a 5/6 meter circle, bringing forehand back over the top of the inside hind leg. Bringing the front around in a haunches-in exercise really helps to teach them collection 90 degree turns are very important Dressage horses have more sustained elevation whereas the event horse have same collection just not as long of elevation. (big difference) Half Pass-haunches in on a diagonal bent towards direction they want to go -turn on the forehand is a good exercise about yielding from the leg. On a bigger circle, not in place EXERCISES -simple change through the trot (as horses go up the level this becomes a very very difficult exercise, huge exercise for looseness and letting go, needs to be more practiced) -simple change through the walk (3-5 steps) make sure the walk is established -flying changes (the position of the hindquarter is extremely important. inside hip to inside hip) -quality of aids that ends up becoming important through the levels (if youre losing the hind quarters in simple changes youll never be able to do it in the flying changes--> practice with tennis balls) -Halt (horses need to be more patient to stand there and not too rushed. Make sure they are comfortable....if they get nervous walk forward give them a place do it again and so on and so on) -Rein Back-halt, relax then rein back. They need to be separate in your mind. DOC doesn't want to see the rider’s leg go back. Use the reins alternating to control the front end -Always practice above the level in which you’re showing (4 star horses should be doing tempi changes, pirouettes) LENGTH OF STRIDES -gradual changes to immediate changes -pendulum of elasticity -working -shortening/lengthening -collection/medium -passage/extension ***make sure you work on both sides of the pendulum TEST RIDING -use of corners (thanks KIM!) 5 steps in the corner (the coiled feeling you have in the corner that the horses are READY) horses normally want to release the pressure by stepping on the outside in the corner (gets lost in the third step in the corner) which makes you come out of the corner RECOVERING the deeper in the corner the more advanced the horse is in his training watching the horses go down the centerline and turn to the corner they step out the three lines -use of the shoulder in -use of the haunches in -the use of shoulder fore -what do horses do naturally? Straightness issue. Must realize what they do naturally and the type of straightness you need and understanding where the hind legs actually ARE!!! DEFINITIONS -straightness -impulsion -engagement -cadence-lift in movement (has the ability strength wise to carry the weight) -western world wants an immediate reaction to the aid and we want to change the gaits JUMPING POSITIONS -three positions two point half seat full seat USE OF AIDS FOR JUMPING -more lower leg (thigh is no part of this except for creating structure of your position -use of weight through your own back (being able to use strength of your position instead of just your hands. Use back instead of hands) Event riders are more handsy than show jumpers bc they have far more strength in back and are more consistent (when you land from a jump are you rebalancing hands or landing with them on horse’s whither?) -important to keep hands as still as possible so the horse can pay attention to the rail WHAT DO YOU NEED TO JUMP A FENCE? -direction -speed -rhythm quality of canter (impulsion) -balance -timing (recognize the distance not LOOK) -the same thoroughness as dressage in their back so they can use themselves LINES IN SHOW JUMPING -straight related -bending -accuracy not only for a single fence but also how you jump into a line or combination (we have roll backs, straight lines, 6 stride, combination then another 6 stride....need to commit ourself into that line so we create a canter that produces a good shape) THIS IS IN EVERY COURSE! Just long enough distance to panic! Dec. 7 2012 High Performance Meeting The ROAD TO EXCELLENCE JUDGING EXCELLENCE:(expectations of selection and the process of selections) -the fight to beat the game is what determines who represents the USA in the Games, the Worlds and the Pan Ams. The FIGHT is important ***HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THOSE 5/6 PEOPLE? The Selection Committee Separation and independence- these ppl are judges The selectors will not be the primary source of information-DOC will be the primary source! The selectors have to be independent so they can judge us fairly 4-5 selectors, plus 4-5 scouts (they’ve had a direct appt onto that committee) Veterinarians Create a vet team-more of a team that can go with us on indiv trips No evaluations after CCIs in 2013- the evaluations will not be during training sessions so that it’s more preventive Evaluations during training sessions Evaluations before public money spent on you Vet team and DOC will be in barns ALOT at competitions Transparency has to work both ways (ex. movie GI Jane--> “Are you hurt or are you injured?” GET USED TO THIS PHRASE) If there is a horse that’s hurt, we can do something about it whereas if he’s injured we need to come up with a plan to get him better . We have to make sure that our score will BENEFIT the USA. Trust is key! Trust takes a long time to build but about 30 seconds to kill Farriers Steve to head the farrier team although he won’t have to be the one that has to tack the shoe on Several farriers for trips (similar to vets) No one is going to give up their practice all the time to do as many trips as we are talking about so have to split it up and increase the team player SELECTION TIMELINE: -Application deadline for trips up to July 1 will be March 15 (these are soft numbers) Decisions will be made IMMEDIATELY AFTER deadline!!! Want it to be early enough so that you can plan and you have the chance to raise money (the grants will be $20,000 so will pay for horse flights and our own and that’s it.) -Application deadline for events July 1-Nov 1 will be July 1 -2013: as above -2014: For WEG decisions by July 1 (make the team earlier to build camaraderie and increase team morale) -2015: for Pan Am Games decisions by June 15 -2016: for Olympic Games decisions by June 15 (we aren't going to wait until the entry deadline to name the team anymore) SELECTION PROCESS: -Naming the team earlier -Subjective decision by selectors to remove someone from the squad for reasons other than soundness (human nature warning: happens to a lot with first timers) loss of form (are you prepared?) Not preparing horse to necessity (most likely at that time you’re not going to agree with it) Code of conduct (Olympic fever is a TRUE disease) If the system is challenged, then it will revert back to the older system of last minute selections (there’s some duplicity here) An intellectual and emotional change FIRST TIME THIS HAS BEEN DONE EXPECTATION: (THIS IS THE FIRST GOAL) a. Better than 70% for dressage (this is a 7) WE WANT TO START HERE! This is your body of work (national horse trials: around a 30 international horse trials: around a 45) So when you come out of a test on your training horse, was this test around a 70%? If this horse is with you over 4 months, then you should be getting AT LEAST a 70% in your body of work at EVERY LEVEL! Would this have benefitted the USA? Put the pressure on yourself because we are an island. We are competing against ourselves and we can get comfortable. DOC isn’t just interested that we win, but he wants us to be winning well!!!! XC-the ability to quick and clean in any situation (within ten seconds) You’ll have to tell DOC how fast you’re going to go before you leave start box so we can judge ourselves in proximity to our expectations. When you’ve made the decision, you have the ability to go quick and clean SJ-the ability to jump clean in many situations, horse’s comfort level, surfaces and weather (never more than one rail)DO YOU HAVE A BIG DAY TEMPERAMENT? SELECTION SYSTEM: (what are the subjective elements? Need a quantitative number to a subjective decision) -mix of objective and subjective criteria -can we have a sub number for sub criteria? -can we create a guide to make this decision? OBJECTIVE CRITERIA: -dressage score as a percentage (ie. 7.5) -XC score 1-10 -10 points for a clear round -2 points off for each stop -0 points for DNF -1 point off for every ten seconds below fastest time of day -as a whole the XC could get to 15 -SJ score 1-10 -2 points off for 1 rail -3 points off for 2nd rail -4 points off for 3rd rail SOUNDNESS: -1-10 ten being totally sound -Decided by veterinary panel including treating vet SUBJECTIVE CRITERIA: (Done as a combination of one horse and rider and only INTERNATIONAL HT not NATIONAL) -Character: does this rider have a positive or negative effect in a team environment? (1-5) how do you handle stress? travel? How do you handle not being the primary individual anymore? -WIll and Ability to win. BIG DAY TEMPERAMENT (1-5) -Experience in CCIs and teams (1-5) -Type of combination for planned event (1-5) -Rider instinct/technique (1-3) -Rider fitness.....our own soundness (1-3) -going to try to have fitness evals 5-6 times per year (injury prevention) -four star xc results will have objective criteria and soundness multiplied by 1.5 -for 4 star: 70% obj. 30% sub. -for 3 star: 60% obj., 40% sub -CIC system -CCI*** system -CCI**** system -Used as a guide for selection decisions. -Information could be given to rider and to owners (want to be able to hand it back to you) -Not the actual final selection process however

Post by Sally Spickard

The Competitive Advantage I am a self-professed sore loser. Ask anyone who knows me what happens when I lose a sand volleyball (recreational, at that) game or an argument over my favorite baseball player. To me, the game of life is a competitive one. I have always believed that a sense of competition is directly related to your success at any endeavor you may attempt. This belief has never be more applicable than with my chosen sport of eventing. Now, do not mistake my competitive nature for a lack of compassion and sportsmanship. I may be a sore loser, but I will never blame my horse or anyone other than myself for finishing in a less than satisfactory standing. Eventing is the most adrenaline charged sport that I have ever experienced, and I have only competed through Novice! I have often wondered what the competitive drive is like at the top echelon of the sport so, in order to gain some perspective, I caught up with four star rider Laine Ashker, who was kind enough to give me a few moments of her time while I picked her brain and attempted to channel her competitive drive from 800 miles away. I have always looked up to athletes who are openly competitive. In my aspirations to reach the top level of the sport, I have followed many riders’ careers closely, and Laine is no exception. However, the blatant dedication and passion that she has for the sport and her horses is crystal clear, and reading just a few of her competition blog entries will give anyone insight into just how competitive this girl is! One of my first questions to her was in relation to her competitive nature: Sally: Have you always had the competitive drive that you have now? Laine: Yes, I am a very bad sore loser! I’ve gotten better, but I always blame myself – it’s not about making excuses, it’s more of a self-defeating thing. Everything I do is a competition. I’m not a person who goes to even the bowling alley just to have fun! Being competitive is one thing that kept me alive after my accident. I didn’t go home with my tail between my legs… well, initially I did, but my competitive nature took over and said “learn from it!” A year later, I was back competing at Jersey Fresh at the three-star level with Al [Anthony Patch]. As a testament to Laine’s competitive nature, she told me a story about some advice that Buck Davidson gave her prior to a competition. Knowing that her mind could sometimes get in her way, he told her to “just shoot for last place” at Jersey Fresh that year. His logic was that she was so competitive that by telling her to go for last place it might take off some of the pressure that she inevitably put on herself. And his advice worked! That year, Laine placed 6th in the CCI***. I also asked Laine who her idols were growing up, and she was quick to name Karen O’Connor: Sally: Who was your equestrian idol growing up? Laine: My mom went to the 1996 Olympics and brought back a poster that was signed by Karen O’Connor. I hung it on my ceiling so that I fell asleep looking at it and woke up looking at it, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. Karen’s kind of been it for me, and even more so today because she is still out there kicking our butts! I’ve always been a fan of hers just for the sheer competitive nature that she has. Boyd [Martin] is another person that I look up to because he’s such a good sport. And Buck [Davidson] is another one – Buck can ride a broomstick! [EDIT: Buck, if you read this, I would be very interested to see you do this!] After a few laughs and a lot of fantastic answers to my questions, I asked Laine to gossip a bit about Al, her current four-star mount. She immediately laughed and informed me that when she travels to big competitions, her other horses don’t go. Al is somewhat of a clingy type, and attaches himself very quickly to other horses, so the theory is that when he is a bit down and friend-less at shows, he focuses on Laine more, thus creating a better result in competition. She also told me that for being the spookiest horse when she is on him, she still finds that he enjoys having his head brushed by a broom and his back scratched with a pitchfork, which, in my experience, are two of the most frightening inventions for horses – go figure! Lastly, I asked Laine for advice for aspiring upper level riders, and as much as I want to just keep it to myself (see, that’s my competitive nature coming out!), I will share it with you! Sally: Any advice for the aspiring upper level riders out there? Laine: Don’t let anyone tell you [that] you can’t do it. Also, go to college. I’m so happy to have had that sort of cultural advancement to be able to look beyond the spectrum of horses and see the outside world for what it is. Otherwise you have nothing to base yourself on besides horses. It’s so easy to get caught up in this lifestyle, which can be a selfish one. It can be done, you don’t need a big paycheck to do it. As long as you have a good coach to help you out, it can be done. Follow your dreams, as cliché as it sounds! My conversation with Laine further solidified my theory that being part adrenaline junkie and part sore loser can make a pretty solid event rider! It is the humbling moments in this sport that make us realize how much progress we still have to make and what makes us keep reaching for our highest goals. The hunger and passion for the sport is what I admire the most about event riders. For Laine, her goals will constantly be growing as she continues to work for every milestone. At the same time, she is very humble and down to earth about what she has chosen as her path in life: “Have I achieved all of my dreams? No. But I am living my dream.”