United States Eventing Association

Suzanne shares an older blog we can relate to all to well. To hear more of what she has to say, visit her blog: Confessions of an AA Event Rider and Convicted Overthinker.

So, there is this noble thought that circles around us amateurs: we do the things we do because we love our ponies. And that we compete for the love of the sport and the ability to be with our friends and our horses. There are so many threads on various Bulletin Boards that validate these thoughts and, yet, poo poo the idea of lovin' polyester.

So, here's another little secret... IT IS, KIND OF, ABOUT THE RIBBONS!

I carry no false nobility. I love my horse and caring for her and grooming and cleaning stalls and paying astronomical amounts of money to keep her healthy and fit enough to live a very good life. She has 22 hours each day to rest and rejuvenate from her hour or so under saddle. To be sure that her body is feeling good, she has a masseuse, a chiropractor and an acupuncturist administering frequent care.

Eventing is like a good game of golf. I train and practice to get better and better. I want to win, not to beat you, but to validate the work that I've put in. And, at the end of the day, I judge for myself... Did I have a good ride? Did my dressage get better? Was my jumping clean and rhythmic? And did we rock and roll in our cross-country run? If I finished the day learning something, having fun, still loving my lil' diva and thinking that jumping rocks, then it was, in fact, a great day - A ribbon is an added bonus!

Working hard and wanting to win is not shameful. It has no less dignity than loving the sport, loving my horse and wanting to be the best horseman I can be.

I once won a ribbon (8th Place) for a day that involved a stiff, spooky dressage test, a perfectly wonderful stadium jumping course and a XC run that included 2 stops at a "scary" yellow bench (jump). It did not make me happy to have that piece of brown polyester and I was not proud... our (my) performance was shabby to say the least. The ribbon did not change that ride.

Yet, the USEA just "reminded" us that we may have qualified for a Medal. I was immediately excited and checked. Yep, they were right, Sugar and I qualified for a Silver Medal at Novice. Still excited, I await my prize.

Have you earned a bronze, silver or gold medal for your level? Check out the requirements here and claim your recognition!