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How many years have you been eventing?
It's hard to believe that I have been eventing for 11 years now.
Tell us about your horses?
Brandenburg's Lucky Charm or "Bailey" is an 11-year-old ISH out of Brandenburg's Windstar. I have competed Bailey through the Intermediate level. Last year was a tough year for Bailey and I. Not only did he have to get tie-back surgery, we also found out he had EPM. On the positive side, Bailey has completely recovered and will compete Novice at Surefire, then move back up to Training at Maryland HT II.
Bourbon is my other mount. He is a 5-year-old OTTB that I purchased as a project last year. Bourbon did not like the track and the track did not like Bourbon; in fact, he isn't even tattooed. However, he LOVES eventing and is currently competing Novice and will move up to Training at Maryland HT II. He is definitely one to look out for in the future.
How has your training routine changed over the last few years?
My training routine has grown over the past few years as my maturity level has grown. For instance, instead of jumping big once a week, I usually try to jump twice a week over smaller fences and gymnastics.
What are your competition highlights so far?
Since Bailey has really been out of competition for a year, my main accomplishments this year are not in a show environment. I consider rehabbing Bailey back to the horse he was as a huge accomplishment when no one really thought he would ever come back. Bailey and I have done our first Preliminary, one-star, and Intermediate together as a team. I am also proud of my training with Bourbon - he was a barely broke 4-year-old, and a year later I have a jumping machine who is about to move up to Training. Bourbon just received 3rd place at Rubicon Horse Trials. For me, it's not so much how I place ... it's looking back over the journey I have had with both of my horses and thinking how much they have both come along.
What are your goals in the short-term and in the long-term?
My short-term goal for both horses is to get them up to Training and run them in the Training 3D at Mid South Team Challenge. My long-term goals would to be to get Bailey back as my upper-level horse and take him as far has he can go, then getting a mount that can achieve my long-term goals, like Rolex.
What do you love most about eventing?
The thing I love most about eventing is the people. Everyone has been so nice to me and done whatever they could to help me out.
Do you have a favorite competition?
My favorite competitions have to be Poplar Place, Chatt Hills, Maui Jim. I just recently went to Rubicon HT for the first time and was very impressed.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Flying. It would be so much easier than having to sit in traffic. I hate traffic. And think about not having to pay gas prices?!?!?! How nice would that be? Dream on, I know.
Last book read?
Something Borrowed ... almost done with Something Blue.
If you weren't eventing what would you do?
I would be playing some type of sport competitively. Probably soccer or swimming.
Favorite food?
Mac and Cheese, PB&J, Ice Cream
How did your family respond to your decision to ride horses and compete?
My family is EXTREMELY supportive - I think they wish I'd picked a cheaper sport, but they back me up 110%. However, I do have to work to keep both of my horses. I am currently a Senior at Georgetown College where I have been on the Dean's List nearly every semester, and I am active on my college campus and my college community though my sorority Kappa Delta. Horses are definitely a privilege for me and I take it seriously.
Who are the people who have most influenced your riding and horsemanship so far?
Everyone who I have come in contact with in this horse industry has taught me something. However, Jen and Jon Holling, Werner Geven, Martha Lambert, Stephen Bradley, and my first riding coach LeeAnn Tatum have been extremely influential on my riding and horsemanship.
What motto best describes you?
"Go big or go home"
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