50 what?

give a girl a bit of imagination.

See, I have this dumb idea.

In the past, I have seen dumb ideas slowly grow legs.

I have seen dumb ideas slowly grow legs and eventually start walking.

My idea might just grow legs, start walking, cantering, and then jump a jump.

This is not a haiku.

What is so appealing about a hunter derby?

Shadbellies, money, classic jumping, handy turns, all showcasing the true American show hunter. I mean, it has done wonders for our sport, hasn’t it. I have always been a big fan. If I ever came across a brave horse, it was immediately considered for the derbies. The derby caters to those with a passion for fun, jumping high, turning sharp and galloping on, making competing in the hunters far more interesting than a simple performance division. This is an event which can draw a bit of a crowd, all gathering to watch an affair of the heart between a rider and animal, in a more melodic rhythm than a Grand Prix show jumping event, but no less suspenseful or heartbreaking. The slightest touch of a rail, or misstep of a canter stride can be devastating to a promising score, leaving the end result quite unpredictable no matter how solid the competitor list looks. There are few riders who don’t feel tremendously satisfied when successfully competing in a hunter derby. The tiniest of details are considered when prepping for this class, which can be held first thing in the morning, late in the afternoon, or even well into nighttime under the lights, and every horse/rider combination is expected to rise to the occasion of their best efforts in an often controversial, yet adored hunter discipline.

One day recently, feeling the need to be entertained, I felt compelled to annoy a close friend of mine on the phone, asking her what she was doing, expecting a running commentary while she worked. We fell into the topic of life goals and whether they were important or even necessary. Who has them, who needs them, and who coasts through life without them. We compared the differences of bucket lists and life goals, determining that sights and experiences were probably on everyone’s bucket list, but other achievements fell into the category of life goals. It was, to me, an interesting conversation, full of ‘what if?’ scenarios, as I like to call them.

I considered previous life goals I have had, some accomplished already, (learning to train and ride a show hunter), some squashed because of certain world leaders being crazy (sourcing hunters from Russia), some spectacular fails (mountain biking expert - not so much when I flipped over the handlebars trying to jump a log), and others sadly unattainable, despite having the passion (ladies billiards champion).

I struggled to think of a current life goal for myself. Am I content without one? Do I need one? Am I inspired by anything? I am not sure.

My friend then proceeded to tell me about a mutual acquaintance running 50 marathons in 50 states.

HOLD UP.

FOR REAL?

This isn’t just a professional runner running 50 marathons in 50 states. She is a horse girl, dressage queen to be exact, owning and operating a full fledged business while fulfilling one major and personal aspiration.

I could feel my own eyebrows scrunch together. Wow. I was impressed, sure, but I don’t run. What do I do? I ride. Is there an equivalent? 50 states. I have heard of people trying to visit 50 states. Hmm, horses, teaching, selling, riding… in 50 states? Showing in 50 states? Where is the clutch? And then…

It hit me.

50 Derbies, 50 States.

As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I knew the lightbulb had clicked on. It was dim, but it was on. The phrase echoed in the air, like tentacles of an octopus grasping through the ocean floor. I abruptly hung up with my bewildered friend, my head spinning. This is dumb, this is impossible. Can it be done? No, it is ridiculous. Or, is it? 50 derbies, 50 states. I argued with myself for the rest of the week on it. I tossed and turned at night, my head filling with schemes and scenarios making me restless and distracted. 50 derbies, 50 states. I scolded myself over and over again, feeling undeserved to even have created something so outlandish in my head, and yet, repeated the phrase over and over again. 50 derbies, 50 states. You will be made fun of, I warned myself. Not the first time, I replied to myself. 50 derbies, 50 states.

I know perfectly well living on the East Coast spoils me as a rider. Being based in Maryland has enabled me access to multiple show venues North to Maine, South to Florida and West to Kentucky, and although I have to remind myself not every state holds a derby (some may not even hold an actual horse show), I am completely aware of the rose colored glasses when it comes to simply thinking about 50 states. However, despite the deterrent of geography, I cannot actually remove this silly idea out of my head.

Another part of my brain starts to argue that I might not know about all the existing horse shows in every state. And, why does it have to be a recognized show or derby? It could be recognized, international, national, unrecognized, local, held in someone’s backyard, or even a vineyard, after all. I think I just want to see if it can be accomplished. Yes, West of the Mississippi River is an entirely different scenario than the East Coast. There would have to be some major planning, teaching, and catch riding occurring to even come close to having an idea like this come to fruition.

Do I need help? Do I look for more sponsors? Will strangers help me? How long will this take, 5 years? 10? I have no idea… It wouldn’t hurt to have another sponsor like County Saddlery, but how do you sell such a preposterous dream? Luckily, I think this is right up County Saddlery’s alley, maybe they will have ideas to help me get my saddle where it needs to be, when I need it. Am I good enough to catch ride on borrowed horses in unfamiliar territory? Well, yes, I hope so. Of all things, I do have the confidence to ride a hunter.

When I started admitting my idea to a few close friends, the feedback was positive, even from the most skeptical of peers, and even if they were holding back full judgement until further notice. Regardless, it has been enough to form the words, write them down, and mull them over. That same close friend ‘Amazoned’ me a map of the United States. It was one of those you can attach to a wall and use dry erase markers to fill in the states. Genius. Thank you, Nina.

Also, there continues to be much to discuss about horse showing in general across the country. Next year will be a very different year with the channeling system. Would it help to document my every move? Should I write a book? Do I get to count the states I have already competed in a derby? I hope so, there have been quite a few. Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Mississippi, Ohio and Georgia. I only need, what, 42 more? Oh, piece of cake. It is all about the planning, right? Right. I may have to resurrect my TikTok channel, form a group on Telegram, and oohh snap, update my shadbelly, maybe?

Coincidence, or?

As if to give me further confidence to my idea, I recalled what was in my last subscription box from the Cavali Club, soon after this idea started to unfold. Last winter, I gifted myself my first ever subscription box, and of course, it is equestrian themed. I considered it a bit of a posh indulgence at the time, but as it turns out, I have enjoyed the subscription thoroughly, relishing in the mystery contents which arrive every few months. The collections are cleverly put together, and most of the contents have had an instant use for me, each box more valuable than what I paid for it, making me very pleased.

This past month, when a new one arrived, I took the few items for the stable and left the items relevant to home and office behind. Now, I searched it out from the upstairs study, because I was pretty sure it contained just what I was looking for. Yes, there it was, a new planner! I could hardly believe my luck! A giant spiral book full of record keeping, monthly calendars, and organizational tools for a horse person - and an easy way to keep track of what shows are when. It may not have all the answers I need, but it is a start. Between the planner and the wall map of the United States, I’d say kismet has blessed this idea. #50derbies50states.

*For interest in the subscription box, click » here. «

…*not a paid promotion.