United States Eventing Association

The Road To Rolex Part 2: Heather Gillette

Did you miss part one? Be sure to read it here!

I used to think the road to Rolex was one big grand adventure. It certainly is, but it is an adventure that is made up of many, many varied day trips!

I find myself thinking one day at a time about everything. We are off to Rolex when all is well after yesterday's gallop, or jump school, or lesson..;. I can go on. I watch over Questie's every step, mood swing (of which there are many), how he is eating and every other possible variable. Now I do this normally, but without periodic sleepless nights wondering about what I will find in the barn the next day.

And I love every minute of it! Though my hair is greying exponentially.

Life has been very busy. We are based in Tallahassee, but if find myself not spending much time here. I spent three days in Ocala for lessons and vet appointments. Then home for four days. Then off to Poplar Place with four horses competing. I am now home for a few days, before heading back to Ocala again for more lessons, vets, and farrier. I will return to Tallahassee to pack us up for the trip home with six horses. On the way we will stop in North Carolina to compete at the Fork with three. Makes my head spin just writing about it.

I will be home to see my very patient husband who is so supportive of my crazy life. He is a wonderful calming influence on me when I am nuts about things. He has quite a job ahead of him because I head to Kentucky one short week later.

Through all of these 'day trips' Questie is doing well. The only thing he is worried about are the days between cross country trips! He is training well and was very good at Poplar Place. He did a lovely dressage test scoring a 33 with an error by his pilot. Was super on cross-country making short work of a stiff test, again the only problem being a miscommunication on my part. He show jumped well with one rail.

He is on the job and at least one of us is sleeping well!

Kentucky is not far off, but we have many 'day trips' between then and now.

If you want to keep up with them you can follow us at Heron's Landing Event Team on facebook and I will be back with another blog soon.

- H