Photo-Heart Connection, April 2012

For me April was a month that I didn't take as many pictures as I usually (or like to) do.  However, my daughter & I attended a large horse show (CDI/CPEDI) the last weekend of April that was very moving and inspirational.  Part of this show was the CPEDI for para equestrians hoping to get the scores to try out for the 2012 olympic games - like I said - a big/important show.  We wanted to see one equestrian in particular - Courtney King-Dye.  I won't go into her full story here, but essentially a former olympic team member who fell from her horse in 2010, suffered a traumatic brain injury (was not wearing a helmet) and competed for the first time since the accident at this show - hoping to move forward as a para rider on the 2012 olymic team.  The photo was taken from far away, heavily cropped, but she stands proud & at this moment seems to be in her own thoughts (I wonder what she was thinking). 

Courtney King-Dye, far right - looking forward - para equestrian rider

We don't personally know her, but got a chance to meet and hear her encouraging words, along with her trainer/mentor/friend - former olympian Lendon Gray, speak to junior riders.  You know meeting someone like her, cheerful, helpful, etc - even after her injury puts things in our lives into perspective.  Here's the link to her own website:  CKD Dressage which includes a lot of information including her personal blog.  Along with Lendon Gray, they have created a website encouraging junior rider participation including the use of helmets (some helmet rules were changed in the equestrian (English) world because of her accident) which you can find here.  Thank goodness my daughter has never ever given anyone grief over wearing her helmet - meeting Courtney & watching some of the para riders just reinforced helmet use for her - not sure if you will ever see her in a top hat - just not worth it - only takes one fall. 

Here's my big gripe for this post:  I will never understand riders who chose to go without a helmet - I see people (especially Western riders) who ride out without a helmet - it only takes one fall & why risk it?  Are you not that important to the people in your life to protect yourself?  I really have a hard time seeing young kids - some riding trail rides or parades without a helmet - riding on concrete.. why?  I've heard all the reasons - it is hot, doesn't look good, doesn't stay within the tradition of the sport, etc.... even bull riders are now protecting themselves ... I just don't get it & think it is one of the most poor choices a rider (or parent of those young riders) can make when in the saddle.  During this weekend there were several shows going on at the same as the CPEDI - also a 3 start CDI - a stepping stone for able-bodied riders.  Interestingly during one event (dressage derby FEI prix st goerges 2nd ride) where the riders all switch horses so you end up riding each other's horses, the 2 women wore hard helmets - the 2 men wore top hats.  Even more amazing, one male rider was warming up a horse (not his own) and we saw that horse rear at least 3 times prior to going in the test arena - yet he still wore that top hat.  I don't get it..  Gripe over.

I had never watched a para equestrian event before & at the awards ceremony the announcer talked about each rider & how they obtained their injury or what their own challenge was - it was extremely emotional for everyone in the arena.  I'm really glad we drove there to see them.  My daughter videoed the entire awards ceremony for the para riders which you can find here on youtube (keep in mind it was a hand-held video camera taken by a 12 year old).  Here are a few other inspirational para equestrians - congratulations to them all for even attempting what they do on those horses... no matter if they are walking or have the ability to perform canter half-passes (hey not even my daughter is up to that level yet).



Jonathon Wentz, rode Grade 1B FS on Sunday (2 horses)

Barbara Adside, rode Grade 2 FS on Sunday

We were only able to attend the show on Sunday, but these riders (and others) also rode tests on Friday and Saturday.  Jonathon Wentz has cerebral palsy and his website can be found here.  Barbara Adside was born with spina bifida and here's a wonderful article about her here (she's also been an actress and stuntwoman). 

Linking up with Kat Sloma's Photo Heart Connection for April.  Visit her website here to see other photo-heart connections.

Sorry for the lengthy post (and the many links) - I had a lot to say this time!!