I was looking at my wall.

I’m not much for ribbons. 

Of course you have to GET ribbons I suppose to care much about them. Bad Eventer and all………….

Regardless though, I’m not much for ribbons (wait I already said that.)

After all, what do you do with them?

I know I know, people make them into quilts………

and pillows………………..

and other craziness……………

But that’s not me.

As a matter of fact, on the rare occasion that Bad Eventer gets a ribbon, I typically don’t pick mine up.

I figure that’s one less ribbon the organizer will have to order for the next show.

My friends are rather horrified by this.

Frequently at shows someone comes to me with my “forgotten” ribbons from the last show.

They are always so proud, “I brought your ribbons!! You left them!”

“Oh, thanks” <out loud>

“another green ribbon for my extensive collection…………..” <silently to myself>

I HAVE saved a few over the past couple years that had some “meaning.”

My very first Prelim in my life

My first ribbon with the new Wonder Pony………………..

My dumbblood Warmblood’s first ribbon…………………

My first RED ribbon EVER IN MY LIFE.

I was looking at my small collection, and making note of the one missing color.

Part of my journey with horses (and especially eventing) is that I realized a long time ago you can’t focus on a result.

All the stars have to align for a top “result”. And that just doesn’t happen much with us mere mortals.

What’s important is challenging myself, and having fun while doing it.

I was telling my coach at the show, that I read some interviews with ex “eventing greats” and the one universal regret was not having fun while winning…… Rolex, Olympic Medals….etc. They were so “result focused” they forgot to enjoy the experience along the way.

So this weekend, I went out on course with the intent to ENJOY IT.

And I did.

I had great fun while doing the best I could.

And just so you know…………….the stars did align.

And we won.

Make that BAD ASS EVENTER