And So It Begins.........

Being 52 years young, I had never really considered "Blogging" about anything. However, seeing the increasing number of "master level" riders increasing in the ranks as we Baby Boomers age has inspired me! So why not!?

I have competed in equestrian sport literally for 46 years. Having been an Eventer for the majority of that time, I have not been without my share of injuries. I have broken my back, wrists, and toes. I have learned that women riders suffer more knee injuries than their male counterparts primarily because of our wider pelvis and hence angles of femur to tibia, creating less shock absorption capabilities as we ride over fences. (Yes, I fully plan on discussing this with the Almighty when I finally meet Him some day, and expressing my discontent with His design)

As such, I have undergone double knee replacement merely to be able to continue to compete on a national level. Eventing was my passion J- dressage a necessary evil. Just last year however, I was told that if I continued to jump, I risked paralysis. Apparently the spine, once injured, loses a lot of its shock absorption capability. When you pair this with the natural aging process ( yet another topic for discussion with the Almighty!) .....well, lets just say the heart and soul are willing but the flesh becomes incapable.

So, I have undergone epidurals, acupuncture, steroid treatments, traction and countless medications to continue to be able to ride. By some miracle, I met Dr. Debra Sillins, one of the best friends and plastic surgeons in all of Kentucky. She felt that a breast reduction coupled with cutting off the vestiges of years of steroid use (i.e. body fat) could do wonders for me. She was right! I underwent a 6 hour surgery in which she removed approximately 30 pounds of flesh from my body. I am happy to report that I now ride pain free, except for some stiffness in my neck. I still do PT exercises and take an occasional Celebrex, but I ride!

So now begins the journey from Eventer to Dressage Queen! My trusty friend and companion Fly Over Jordan (a.k.a. Jordi) has managed to end his eventing career injury free. Like me, he is a bit stiff from time to time- he's no spring chicken either!- but we will make this journey together, he and I. We will learn to dance together in the face of whatever adversity we face. Come join us! It's going to be a great ride!