The ride of my life

The past twelve weeks have flown by and I realize I keep saying that, but it's true. The 2013 Winter Equestrian Festival has come to an end and I cannot express how much this experience has meant to me. (My time in Florida isn't up yet, more fun is yet to come ;))

The last week of the horse show was a whirl wind. Emily and Kendall headed off to Tampa to cover their show, so I was left to my own devices, (with Rebecca) to finish off the season. It was the best week ever. I was at the show every day and was able to speak with so many people. Jen Alfano came to Wellington for the week to do the Hunter Derby, so after weeks of speaking with her on the phone, I finally met her in person.

Rebecca and I covered the USHJA International Hunter Derby over the weekend and that class was unbelievable. The first day took place in the Grand Hunter Ring, where Liza Boyd took the lead, followed by Louise Serio, Kelley Farmer and Jen Alfano. On Sunday, the class continued out on the derby field, where there was tons of movement in the class. I have never seen so many riders move up and down in a class before, but that's what makes it interesting. After 25 horses, Jen took the blue, leading the victory gallop. She was followed by Kristy McCormack and Victoria Colvin. It was the perfect end to the week and the best season ever.

This has been the best 12 weeks ever and it's hard to think that it's all coming to an end. I came to Florida pursuing my dream. And I have had the opportunity to work in a field that I love, doing what I love, and I have now found out exactly what I want to do with my life. I want to be around horses, writing about them and doing exactly what I have been doing this circuit. There is still the possibility of a job with Phelps, but for now I am heading back up north. Not to my dream job, but back to my pony that I miss like no other.

Everything happens for a reason and if this does work out in the end, then it was all worth it. If not, then it was the ride of my life.