It’s been far too long since I wrote a post. So long in fact, that I had to go back and reread my previous post (from March of this year if anyone’s wondering exactly how long it’s been) to refresh on where I left you wonderful readers. In that last post, I started off by saying that 2019 hasn’t exactly been the improvement on 2018 that I was looking for. My initial thought was to say that still holds true, but after some deeper thinking, 2019 really has been an improvement on 2018.
Far too much has happened in the past three months for me to give a complete run down, so here are some of the headlines.
Riding: After several great goes this spring, Cedric refused to go near the start box at Plantation H.T. and then bailed out after the 3rd jump at the Virginia Horse Trials, which will be his last attempt at eventing. Long story short, we gave him the best runup to the event, including body work, training, and careful management, had a great cross-country warm-up, a relaxed start out of the box, and three great jumps over the first three fences. There was a path back to warm up right after the third fence, and he stopped and spun at it and refused to go down to the fourth fence. There was no excuse of pain or anxiety; he simply saw his out and does not enjoy the effort of jumping around cross country enough to finish a course if there’s an easier way out. It was a long walk back to the barn, and I’m incredibly grateful for Tim Bourke and his group, my friends, and my mom for being very supportive. Ironically, the Virginia Horse Trials is also where I decided to retire Doppler from upper level eventing, so I’m getting a bit used to the long walks across that property.
Not having a horse to aim at events with for the first time in my life has been interesting. On one hand, I’ve had more time and extra funds to enjoy new experiences with friends and exploring Boston. But on the other hand, I’m struggling with not having a goal in this very big part of my life. My plan is to lease Cedric out has a jumper or dressage horse by the end of summer (definitely contact me if you know of any great homes) and source my next young prospect. Until then, I’m focusing on fine tuning my riding on this talented horse at in our training at home, but I think it has affected me more than I’ve really admitted.
Life: Big headline - I fully relocated to Boston, MA at the beginning of April. This move is one of the main reasons 2019 has been an improvement on last year. I love this city, this state, and New England in general and being here full time has added a level of happiness to my life that I was desperately seeking. I’ve been fortunate enough to make some amazing new friends through the wonderful friends I already had up here and have been exploring the city and outdoor activities the area has to offer. I’m originally from the area, and while I appreciate the experiences I’ve had living in the Maryland and DC area, it feels super to be back. Cedric came with me and is living at the wonderful Eleazer Davis Farm only 30 minutes from me. Chandler found a wonderful new family at the end of our time in Aiken that happens to be in Massachusetts as well, so I’m hoping to run in to him at some point.
On a less positive note, after several months of feeling like my non-hair related symptoms were improving, many have come back and I had to bow out of my second attempt at half marathon this weekend (the first attempt being in December when I had to bow out for these same health reasons). This has been frustrating to say the least, but through the support of my friends and family I’ve been doing my best to stay positive and be patient in the healing process. Several friends invited me to join them in running the Boston Athletic Association 10k in support of Brigham and Women’s Hospital this weekend, and it felt amazing to finish very strong. It’s clear that my body is not in a place where a half marathon would be healthy, but I’m lightly setting my sights on the fall to give it another attempt and am extremely grateful that for having a race experience that was within my limits. It’s hard to have patience when you’ve gotten used to pushing through issues, but I’m slowly learning taking the time to truly heal and get stronger is more important for the long term.
School: My last big update is I’ve been accepted to enroll at UMass Boston part-time to finish my B.S. in Biology. Long term, I know I want a career more focused in science and this is the first step to being able to achieve that. While it will add more to my plate, this is the right time while I’m aiming to have a younger horse and am able to work from Boston most of the time for my current job. It may be time to add #intercollegiateeventer back in along with #corporateeventer!
Overall, I’ve made a major life change with my move to Boston that has changed my life for the better. I’m disappointed about the end of Cedric’s eventing career, but finally having this decision made opens the door for a new prospect. And taking the leap to re enroll at school is intimidating, but also the first step in pointing me towards a long term career I can be passionate about. There are always ups and downs, but I feel I’m making the right moves to set myself up for overall upward progress.
As I always say, I plan to be better about writing more – now that I’m settled in my new home and routine maybe I’ll stick to it!
Until next time,
JL