CatchRide

The difference between my lacrosse stick and my riding stick is that my lacrosse stick is always in use. Earlier in July I finished two very grueling college recruiting camps, playing lacrosse in 103* East coast heat. Last week I swapped my stick for my crop and began week 1 of 4 showing horses with Quiet Hill Farm at the Vermont Summer Festival. I’ve been away from California and my home for over a month now. While I miss my friends and family I think I miss my bed the most, especially after experiencing life in 3 different college dorms; Skidmore (Saratoga horse show), Keene State (lacrosse camp), and Wesleyan (lacrosse camp). Our house in California is being remodeled so I keep reminding myself of the early morning construction noise I’m escaping so it’s all good.  The Vermont Summer Festival is New England’s largest “AA” rated hunter/jumper horse show and offers more than $750,000 in prize money. I competed here a few years ago and it was so much fun. Vermont is laid back but the courses and competition are really good. Last week courses were designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio who handled designing duties at the 2009 World Cup Final in Las Vegas. I found his courses quite good and challenging, requiring horses to be easily adjustable. Hillary Dobbs and her cat-like Marengo made the $30,000 Battenkill Grand Prix course look easy, leaving all the rails in place and taking over top spot to clinch the win. I watch in awe, inspired to learn to ride as smooth and strong as Hillary.