Charlie made US Eventing's front page!!

Thanks everyone who sent me the heads up about Charlie's unexpected stint as cover model for US Eventing's latest podcast (on the value and importance of starter trials in the eventing community - you should totally check it out here! Presenters include Carolyn Mackintosh of Loch Moy and Marc Donovan of the War Horse Event Series.).

There's exactly zero chance I would have seen it otherwise, so I seriously appreciate it!

screenshot of useventing.com from Friday

Charlie looks like such a freakin prince in this shot by GRC Photography and I'm just a bit overwhelmed with pride that US Eventing chose to use it. I had submitted it to the Loch Moy folks after they asked for pictures, and USEA picked it up from them.

As you all know, this particular cross country run for us at Loch Moy last month wasn't without difficulties and challenges. But this moment right here, and the feeling Charlie gave me during that moment, are really what it's all about. We're green and we make mistakes, but this horse has got it in him to just be straight up magnificent.

gif version of the jump. dem knees tho!!
full helmet cam video here icymi

I feel so lucky that the quiet, kind OTTB I found a year and a half ago - my first ever horse! - has blossomed into such a beautiful and talented event horse.

And I feel even more lucky that Maryland's eventing community has so many awesome venues like Loch Moy to host these excellent starter trials. Without them, there's no way I could have gotten so many experiences as an eventing newbie with limited resources.

So. Ya know. Seeing Charlie's picture on US Eventing's front page, even just briefly, just filled me with pride and gratitude. My inner 12yo is walking on air. And yes, I totally emailed all his former racing connections (trainer, owners, all of 'em) with the link haha. I figured this was reasonable enough material for my bi-annual update on the pony ;)

Charlie's definitely getting extra carrots today :) Especially as our big plans for the day include heading out to Fair Hill for a relaxing hack through the park with Michele and Sarah for a farewell sendoff before Michele leaves us for Tennessee. Should be a good day!

Hope you are all having great weekends too!