Cohn, Jenny

attended two shows within 1 month of arriving and received my Second Level scores. Four months later that barn sold, Obstacle #5! We were moving our horses again… In May of 2017 we found out forever training facility. Ha, is there such a thing? My foal was 2 years old, my upper level horse and I were gaining strides in our training, we were tackling Third Level! Then, Obstacle #6 happened! Mid-year I had to go back under the knife. Not one, but two shoulder reconstructions. Bye, bye most of 2018 and most of 2019! WOW! Then 2020! We all know what happen next, COVID! Obstacle #7. Shows pretty much came to a halt.

During my surgeries, I asked my trainer to take on my upper level horse, because he did not need to wait on me to heal. I focused on my six-year-old and Obstacle #8 occurred. July of 2021 a total knee replacement! Today, November, 2021, I rode for the first time in 10 months. It was just at a walk but feeling that horse under me was like riding a bike. My body may not have taken to this sport like that duck did to water, but it is bionic now and I have not lost my love for dressage despite all the obstacles we have had to overcome. I am planning to get my Third Level scores with my 6 year over the next 18 months. So, nine years and 3 horses later I’m still chasing that 5 year goal of getting my Bronze Medal.

The hardest thing I had to face was the loss. The loss of a vision. The loss of a horse. The loss of being on my horse. Having to watch from the sidelines. Having my horse ridden by someone else. Seeing everyone else excel. Wondering if I’d be able to ride again with confidence?

Dressage is a process. It’s a process for both horse and rider. I know I’m not the only one who has had obstacles placed in their way of achieving goals. Mine may be different from yours. I’m pretty sure there will be more to come on this journey I’ve chosen, but I love “The Ride”. The Horse is my partner on this adventure. The rhythm of each gait takes me to a different place. My favorite gait of all is the full gallop! Feeling the power of the stride. There is nothing else like it! I will not put my bionic body in that situation today, but I can still feel the wind in my face and the power of the horses’ stride. I’m so fortunate I have felt that in my lifetime.

“Every experience on a horse is meant to remind me of living.” Virginia K Williams