Today I met a Paralympian. Dale Dedrick is a Facebook friend but we have never met in person. Today was the day! Dale and I are both competing at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Dale is competing in the CPEDI3* ( Concours Para Equestrian Dressage International). I am competing in the National show.
I spoke with Dale and she said that this is only her second horse show with her new horse Suede. “That’s not usually how you do it,” she told me.”But now’s the time!”
Dale has been assaulted by numerous physical challenges in her life. But she has never given up. In 2012 she was on Team USA in the London Paralympics. Major surgery kept her from qualifying for Rio 2016 but she’s back now with a new horse and is competing this weekend ,at the international level, in the CPEDI3*.
The weather forecast is for high heat and humidity. I have been thinking about this as my ride times are in the mid afternoon. But when I see the para riders, who are stabled in the same area as I am, I reminded myself that they are contending will all sorts of physical issues and they will get on their horses and ride! For me the heat and humidity is a minor issue. Perspective!
This week’s Word Press Photo Challenge was “wish“. So here is my wish. I wish for Dale to have the competition that she wishes for. May it go well for her and for her horse Suede.
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