It has been 5 weeks today since I broke my arm. What I have I learned in these 36 days? (not that I have been counting)
1. I am a horrible patient
2. I am a really good "fibber", my doctors have actually believed me when I said I haven't been riding
3. I do not like being a spectator, or watching other people ride my horses, even if those "other" people are Karen & David O'Connor. By the way, thanks guys! :)
4. But most importantly I learned that I really REALLY love what I do. Not just the competing but the whole day to day process.
We all go through lows and say to each other "why in the world do we do this sport?!" and I think there was probably a lot of people asking that question after the tragic losses of Mandar and Dekorum this past weekend, but I don't think any of us could quit even if we wanted to.
Personally, I can't nail it down to one specific reason, I suppose it is a bit of it all. You can go with the obvious highs- winning, a great cross country round, a 20's dressage test; but there is a lot more than that, the little things of day to day training, when you have a breakthrough lesson or a great jump school. It's the people we get to know and the friendships that are formed, and most importantly it's the bond we create with our horses.

It's refreshing and motivating to come to this realization and in some ways this forced hiatus may have been beneficial mentally, or I am desperately looking for a cup half full attitude :).
This year will without a doubt be a rebuilding year after having to retire both of my Advanced horses, but I think I have stopped feeling sorry for myself and can really be excited about the classy and talented young horses I have in the pipeline.
Poplar went well for OCET this weekend and I will be competing at the Florida Horse Park in April with Reba, Patrick, Czechy, Tinker, and Maria Brazil's Pas de Panique. The 4 year olds Ginger and Roma will also come along for their first competition exposure.
Until next time,
Lauren