I was walking up to the dressage arena today and looking at all the tents and people around, and I had a bit of a think. I said to myself, “Wow. How many millions of hours have gone into getting to this point? How many great teachers and coaches have I had?”
But most of all I thought, “I have an amazing horse who deserves to be here, and I hope that I can ride him the best I can to prove how special he is.”
That Cooper did today, and I am so proud that I have a horse like him, and that he showed how workmanlike and professional he can be in all that atmosphere at just 8 years old. He is winning on a 42.8!
This experience had been amazing so far, and I hope I can continue the trend. I have gotten to literally hang out with all these legends in our sport, and I’ve realized how nice everyone can be. I thank Capt. Mark Phillips who flew all over Europe to bounce back and fourth between Will [Coleman, who is competing Twizzel this weekend in Germany at the Luhmühlen CCI****] and I to help me.
ADVERTISEMENT
I have enclosed some pictures of the cross-country, and as you can see by them, I have two awesome coaches here that have really put in the effort to make the weekend work.
I hope you like the pics so far, and I hope tomorrow I can bring good news.
I am honored to be representing the U.S. in this competition.
