2008 Update

Well it is 2008! I think it is going to be a great year for the Second Chance Event Team. We are still in a building process and have some obstacles to overcome... like not having our own arena to work in... but by 2009 we are going to be up and running.

The plans for 2008 are for Tokaj and I to keep building a partnership. She is coming along really well. She is currently being stabled at Stonewall Farm in Kearney, MO where they have a fabulous indoor arena with synthetic footing that is just lovely to ride on. I will have Tokaj at Stonewall for the rest of January and also February. I am hoping to give Tokaj as much time as I can these next couple of months because I will be laying her off for a few months this Spring and Summer since my husband and I are expecting our first baby.

I know, I know, I can hear you all now.... "How are you going to continue your dream to event if you have a baby?" And my answer to you is that I am going to see how it goes, but it seems to me that there are plenty of eventers who have children. I am going to work with my husband to figure out how to make it work. I know it will be work, but nothing in my life that has been worthwhile has been easy so I am not scared of a little hard work. Also, my super-supportive husband is cheering me on and vows to be a very active dad so that I can take a couple hours each day to train.

One thing that needs to be established before I can really have goals, is that I need a place to ride at home. With a baby, there is going to be no way to trailer every time I need to ride. So this Spring, plans are in the works to build an outdoor arena that can accomodate a short dressage court, and also be big enough for a course of jumps. I am thinking that by September, or October of 2008, that I will be making my way back into the saddle and be ready for fall and winter clinics and be competition fit by 2009. Really, it is not that far away! :)

Bailey and Savannah are my two young horses, and they are also my biggest concern. I was hoping to find someone out here in MO who I would trust to put some time in on them... but so far I haven't met anyone who specializes in young horses, or who I would trust to get them going correctly. I need to start asking around. Ideally, I would like for Bailey to get some riding in 2008 to further his education, and it would be nice for Savannah to be a riding horse and not a pasture ornament by the time I get back in shape enough to ride in the Fall. My very ambitious goals for them is to start competing Bailey in 2009 at lower level events, and to take Savannah on trail rides (she will be 4 years old) and to dressage schooling shows, as well as introducing her to jumping. Three horses will be a lot to keep going while also raising a baby, but I think with the right facilities here at home, and if I am willing to seek help with the young horses, that it can be done.

We have an exciting year ahead! Well, I better get going to ride Tokaj...

P~