Login
Apr 12, 2011
The Road To Rolex Part 3: Heather Gillette
So close but yet so far.
It is only 15 days before we ship down to Rolex. It is going to feel like forever and no time at all. Both at the same time. How can the same amount of time feel so different?
The good news is it is all systems go with Questie. He is fit and more than fresh after not running cross-country at The Fork this past weekend. You see, he had a quarrel with a wasp in his stall on Thursday morning. And the small flying menace won. Stung him right on the eye lid.
I was able to do dressage, and was so pleased with our test. I think the best we have ever done. The score didn't reflect that, but that is dressage, isn't it? But by the evening his eyelid was huge and burning hot. We gave him a small amount of anti-inflammatory but it was still huge and very painful on Saturday morning. Thank goodness he ran so well at Poplar Place because I clearly was not going to ask him to jump around cross-country with a huge shiner! It is hard enough with two eyes! I was able to gallop on the lovely hills and perfect footing Sunday, so all was not lost.
It is now back to New Jersey to get some 'home time' and to get organized for Rolex. Final vet, chiropractor, massage, farrier, and acupuncture appointments. Questie has a rough life, let me tell you. I hope to get a tune up as well, if there is time between his! What I really need is a hair appointment . . . my gray hair is taking over. (Stupid flying insect!).
I have to schedule a few dressage lessons. Fit them in around the necessary gallops we need to be ready to tackle the hills of Lexington. Jumps schools, cross-country schools . . . the list goes on. All in 15 days. Ahhh!
So much can go wrong in that amount of time, too. I am trying not to dwell on that fact. I am just going to be watchful over my horse, be prepared mentally for the tasks at hand, keep my stress level to a minimum, and keep breathing. My husband has a big job ahead of him in trying to keep me sane!
Until next time, Heather.
May 19, 2025
Eventing News
MARS Bromont Rising U25 Grant Recipients Announced for 2025 MARS Bromont CCI
The MARS Bromont Rising U25 scholarship program, administered by the USEA Foundation, is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s grant funding for riders aiming to compete in the MARS Bromont CCI (Quebec, Canada) taking place June 5-8.
May 19, 2025
Interscholastic
USEA Podcast #387: Flashbacks to the USEA Intercollegiate & IEL Eventing Championships
Were you one of the competitors at this year's USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Eventing Championships? Or do you dream of the day that you can participate yourself? Are you just a huge eventing superfan and love seeing young riders of all ages enjoying the sport? No matter where you fall, you will love this week's episode of the USEA Podcast where we chat with a member of the USEA IEL champion team and the president of this year's Intercollegiate Spirit Award winners, the University of Georgia. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it feels like to participate in one of these championships from Olive Dumais and Katlyn Parker.
May 18, 2025
Education
How to Ride the Horse You Thought You Bought
In this excerpt, trainer and educator Anne Buchannan explains bit contact connection and why it matters for true collection and healthy movement.
May 17, 2025
Education
Eventing 101: The Show Secretary is Your New Best Friend. Here’s How to Keep Them Happy
Familiarizing yourself with the key players at each horse trial is an important step to your success at your next competition. One of those important figures is the show secretary. Think of the show secretary as the mastermind behind most of the organizational efforts related to each horse trial. They manage entries, the show schedule, ride times, stabling, and so much more. Without the hard work of the show secretary and their office staff, a horse trial simply would not be able to operate.
