Kelly Pugh Eventing: 08/01/10

I will be quick in telling you all that the area VI horses all looked great in the trot up this morning! Now on to the fun stuff!! Kelly Loria for the area VI team went into the show jumping ring standing in first place and did an amazing job under pressure to put in a beautiful, clean go! She won the gold and on top of it the team won the gold as well! By that point I was out and ready to walk my course and was intent on making sure I knew exactly where I was going. It was a huge ring (the same grand stands they use for Rolex and the WEGS) and there were a lot of jumps in there. I walked it twice and was feeling pretty confident. Its times like these that I am so thankful to be sitting on a clean jumper! Warm up went well, she was over jumping everything! I went in and knew I did not have a rail in hand. If I wanted to win I had to go clean. I gave her the best ride I could and in return she jumped like a superstar!! We were one of only two clean goes in the two star. After I left the ring I did not get a chance to watch the girl in first place but someone near me congratulated me on winning the gold and I couldn't help but start hugging everyone around me!! The feeling is still so unreal!! Our team got the silver and I could not be more stoked for that. It is even better when sharing it with amazing people. My teammate Natalia had the greatest attitude and her horse management skills were unreal. Her horse was always her top priority and for that she earns all my respect. Not to mention she is rather funny too! After that I went to the press conference and it was all a blur really, they asked about my horse, the competition and this and that. Cameras were everywhere and the majority of my answers to the questions was "my horse is really cool!!" I need some practice maybe....
After that we had the closing ceremonies and that is where the individual medals were handed out. We got to go on the podium, more pictures were taken, and they played our anthem for us. I think it really hit me when I was up there and I looked over during the anthem and saw my dad wiping away some tears. I did this! I really did this!! I have had many ups and downs with this horse but some things you just have to be patient with, even when you are down. She was worth being patient with. I came here and I was hoping to be competitive but shooting for the top five. Chloe had different plans. She exceeded me expectations in every way possible and for the first time all three phases came together wonderfully. I was nervous after I realized how many people started reading my blog, what if things went bad...would I just stop writing??? I am so happy it went well and I got to share it with all of you!
As I mentioned in my last post none of this would have been possible with out the amazing team. That team includes our grooms Amanda who will take credit for finding my four leaf clover that I wore in my arm band. Scott who jumped in always with out being asked, he was a great help to everyone. My dad who literally never left my side, just in case I needed anything :) Our Chef Shannon who made this whole thing run so smoothly and did an outstanding job. Our Vet Laura Werner who donated her time to be here for us and put up with me getting lost...a lot. All the parents who cooked all those great meals, offered hugs when needed, and was sure to give out encouraging words. All of the riders...we got along so well! To Dayna who is not only an amazing mother but one awesome coach!! Congrats on bringing home three medals!!! And again to all of you who have texted, emailed, called, facebooked etc. Your words go a very long long way!! Lastly to my horse...I would be sleeping in her stall right now if they would let me!!
Congrats to all the other riders as well! I got to meet some of the girls form area III and they were all so nice! It just made this experience that much better.
Chloe will have the day off tomorrow grazing and resting before we head home on Tuesday. Shannon promised her today after show jumping that for the next few months she can have unlimited carrots and limited baths. I think that seems fair. When she came to me as a green six year old I wondered if I would ever be able to ride her, and now I cant think of a better horse to sit on. Sorry, I could go on for days talking about her...I will spare you all for now and get to posting some pictures!!!
p.s www.eventingnation.com has her show jumping round on there!
Xoxo Kelly and Chloe