Horsemans Mission Colt Starting Challenge
It has been a dream of mine to compete in a colt starting competition of this scale for many years, ever since I ever heard of them, but as the dream came to be a distant possibility, it scared me very much! I took a step of faith and stepped out of my comfort zone the first time I drove out to this event in 2022, and turned that step into a leap when I filled out an application while filled with apprehension. I almost kept the application in my purse instead of turning it back in, but a still small voice in my spirit, as well as random strangers in the bleachers, made me turn it back in. Boy am I glad that I had the trust to go ahead and do that. When I made it into the drawing but was not chosen for the 2023 event, I was relieved. With the Thoroughbred Makeover just days before, the timing was bad, despite the opportunity being worth it.
After watching Road to the Horse 2024 I was filled with further relief, feeling the tide of emotions and seeing how truly hard that event was on real professionals, and glad that I hadn’t entered the very similar, though smaller event at the Horsemans Mission. I was filled with awe at the talent and knowledge and experience of all the trainers, yet filled also with hopes and dreams that filled me with wonder and dread!
When Matt asked if I’d like to remain in the drawing for 2024, I reluctantly said yes! I really really wanted this, even though it scared me. When my name was drawn out of the hat I was soooo excited and still filled with dread. I knew I could do it, but I also knew how much can go wrong, and how wrong it could really go!
I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to have been part of an event that truly embodies love for the horse, and eachother, that supports the community it takes place in, helps people, and betters the education of horse owners in order to better the lives of horses.
I walked into this event with the goal of helping the horse I drew to become better than he was when he started. To give him a good start, without overwhelming him or shutting him down. To help him find some peace, when in one of the most stressful experiences of his young life. I am humbled to believe that we were able to meet this goal, and so thankful to have had this opportunity.
I have linked the playlist of my training for the event below. We had 1.5 hours in the round pen on days 1 and 2, and then 30 minutes in the roundpen before the finals on day 3. Finals consisted of railwork and an obstacle course to be completed in 30 minutes. We made it through and finished in 2nd place!