United States Eventing Association

One Olympic Short-Listed Rider's Journey

Our journey began on June 24th at 1:30 AM when my horse The Good Witch, otherwise known as Pooh, left Copper Meadows accompanied by Fennal, Dandelion, Taren and me. We were headed for the airport at Ontario, CA, for a 3:45 AM load time.

Pooh and I waved goodbye to Taren and the dogs, making sure to kiss Fennal on the head for good luck and good bye. Watching my trailer pulling away from the wing of the plane, I finally felt this hard-earned opportunity become real. I realized that I was about to make a leap to a pinnacle moment in my career. So many emotions rushed over me. I didn't know if I wanted to laugh, cry or just sleep from the last 2 weeks that were taking their toll.

The 4 hour flight to Lexington, KY went by in the blink of an eye but I wasn't looking forward to the 8 hour haul to Round Hill, Va. Thanks to Greg and Larry of "Tex Sutton" our escort to Willow Bend Farm was state of the art. Pooh had the trailer to herself, with a view of the picturesque mountains to admire during our travels. Our driver Victoria was very enthusiastic and always concerned with Pooh's comfort. We pulled in to Willow Bend - Mara Dean's farm, at 10pm excited but exhausted with anticipation for the next day which would be our first day of team training. My accommodations were with Michelle and Simon Hobson who live 5 minutes down the road. Michelle was nice enough to let me use her truck and trailer over the next 5 days to transport us to the training session.

High Acre hosted the 2008 Olympic team training and believe me the name matches the 360 degree breathtaking views of Loudoun County. Day One consisted of multiple evaluations and introductions with vets and fellow riders. I owe thanks to Kim Severson for helping to break the ice for me and overcome my shyness. She made me feel like I belonged among such great horsemen.

The following days consisted of private lessons with Mark Phillips, gallops up the High Gallop and some social outing with the short list squad. What an education. I am absorbing every piece of valuable information in order to enhance my skills.

My favorite moment other then hearing Mark saying complimentary remarks while coaching our dressage was when Sarah Ike asked me to follow her to her car to try on an Ariat coat. Well the Ariat coat was the RED TEAM COAT . . . my faced flushed red and again I didn't know if I wanted to laugh or cry. Even though that was just team procedure I will put that moment away in my heart for the rest of my life . . . and by the way . . . it fit perfectly!

Pooh and I seem to love it out here! The grass IS greener. The flowers and foxes are always fun to look at and the deer . . well, be afraid of the deer. They are constantly trying to arrange a date with me and my rental car.

I am looking forward to spending the 4th in our country's capital and then moving on to Norwood, North Carolina (home of The Fork Farm) on Monday night to begin the stage of this final selection and count down to the 2008 summer games.

I would like to once again thank everyone for their support recently and over the years. Many of you know first hand how financially trying it is to get this far and appreciate the hard work.

Jen & Pooh