Thanks, Everyone!
Hi again!
I just really want to thank everyone who has been writing me. You have all brought tears to my eyes and put a smile on my face. We are hanging in there. Brentina has been full of herself and has no idea that she has not won a medal. She goes out and struts her stuff like she always has. I am sure that you have all read the reaction from my team and what a team this has turned out to be! I don't know if you can see on television how many we have standing on the stand in front of the arena. The cover picture for the Grand Prix Special on Equisearch should give you an idea. But we are all there for each other. When I say this I am also including Michael Barisone, he is a teammate and brings so much to our team spirit. Often the alternate is not talked about and certainly not given the credit they deserve. All of us put our family, and our financial support on hold for three months or more, depending on where you live and where the horses must travel. He stood ready to step in for the team and his country at any moment, yet sits in the background. What so many don't realize is that this isn't like most shows, in the fact that you can't get your family credentials to see you. So when they come, you are lucky to spend a little time during a part of the day that you can fit it in. There has been an International Tent made available for families and friends to get together but it isn't the same and can be very crowded. I just would like to point out that even though we were only allowed to start three riders we had a fourth who is just as much a part of the team as those of us who had the opportunity. Thank you all for your continued support, you are the reason it is all worthwhile!
Debbie
posted by EquiSearch.com @ Sunday, August 17, 2008
14 comments
14 Comments:
you are so gracious, Debbie,and one of the greatest people in horse sports today. We love you and all you have done for U.s. dressage.
Elena G. H.
Debbie, you and all the team are heroes no matter what the outcome in terms of medals. You have represented our country wonderfully for so many competitions. Brentina has lost none of her status to those of us who love her.
With admiration always!
Barbara
Debbie - you and Brentina are a class act! I'm so sorry things ended the way they did in Hong Kong. Very strange and you both deserved so much more given all you've done for the sport here in the USA.
You know, everyone has a bad day.... just look at the sprinter Tyson Gay.... He tore a hamstring at the trials and despite making it to the Olympics, he didn't qualify for the finals. He was the world's best!
So, thank you for all you've done for the sport! Hugs to you and Brentina :)
You know, I've always had respect and admiration for you, Debbie. I've never met you, but I know those who have. Never have I heard a bad word! You just keep concreting this respect I have with the way you conduct yourself. Your sportsmanship is incredible!
Thank you for mentioning and thanking ALL of the team. It truly is a team sport, even in the "individual" aspect, and you have made certain everyone out there is well aware.
We do love you, all you have done for U.S. Dressage, and all you have shown in the love of your horses. Particularly, Brentina. It's a shame there aren't more out there like you.
Keep smiling, keep cheering, and keep knowing you are deeply admired.
It is so cool to hear that the whole US team is getting along so well! I think that is a huge thing to be proud of! I am glad Brentina is acting as though she won the gold medal...she is am amazing horse and she should be pleased with herself for everything she has done with you in the past 13 years! I hope you are enjoying your time in China and that you get to spend some time with your family soon. Did your children come over and watch? I can't wait to hear more stories from you about all that is going on over there. - OnTheBit
Michael Barisone is indeed a class act. We think he rocks and are delighted that he got to go to HK.
Please relay to him: Mikey!!! Give Noodle a kiss.
Debbie, I can't believe it's you! Where have I been?! Somehow I missed seeing you and this fabulous horse Brentina, but can only imagine what a team you make! It wasn't until I read your Olympic bio that I was convinced it was you! Congratulations on a fantastic career in dressage! I wish you all the best! Say "hi" to Bob! Joni Tucker Sherwood, Colorado (Vanishing Point, 'Bindi')
Debbie-
You are such an amazing woman and an even amazing rider! It always puts a smile on my face to watch you ride or see videos. I hope that one day I hope to be half the rider you are! You give me hope because I am only 5'1" and it just proves that you can be a successful rider and not be extremely tall!!!
Keep your head up and keep smiling!
Kristin Posner
Dearest Debbie and Brentina. You certainly did not let the Country down. You both tried your best and sometimes things just don't go the way we want them to go. We are not perfect, horses and humans both. Just to see you compete in the Olympics is awesome. And Brentina has accomplished so much. The Olympics are not only about winning a medal, they are about coming together with the best from many countries of the world. Just seeing you both there was awesome, even if it didn't work out the way you wanted it to. We love you both and are so proud of you.
Debbie & Brentina... You've had a fabulous career, and you're both an inspiration to so many. I watched video of the ride courtesey of NBC, and it was fascinating to watch. I learned a bunch, as I always do watching your rides.
May Brentina's remaining life be full of little kids hacking on leadline, plenty of cookies, lots of great days just grooming, and baking in the summer sun... she's done so well, and deserves the rest.
You're still a hero to me and my horses!!!
Debbie,
Thank you for taking the time to write.
It is truely a thrill to see you all ride and you all looked WELL TURNED OUT!!!
I have spent many days in Asia with our company and know the heat you are in. You are all making it look easy!
We are proud of you all. Wonderful representatives.
I cannot wait to see the rides tonight.
Take care. We are all "riding" with you.
C Sessions, USA
I recall a story from Alois Podhasky of the Spanish Riding School. (From: My Horses, My Teachers)
He had presented a demonstration ride on his favorite stallion and the organizers decided to present him with gift of thanks--delivered by helicopter into the arena!!
He speaks of sitting astride a terrified stallion trembling between his legs and how the only thing between him and total panicked disaster was all the years of training. The stallion stood beneath his rider, shaking like a leaf as a young girl hopped out of the roaring monster machine to present a bouquet of flowers to the master rider. It was all he could do to accept the bouquet and passage out of the arena.
When I heard you explain how Brentina panicked and that you were so proud of her for somehow finishing that test (and still earning a score!) I thought of that story.
It was a tribute to a white stallion and your ride was a tribute to Brentina. In a sense, you had been rewarded for all the training and love you have given her. It might not have been as you had dreamed it would be, but in a strange way, it was her precious gift of trust to you.
Thank you so much for all you've done. Please give your lovely mare and extra hug for me.
You and Brentina are the reason my passion for Hanoverian horses turned into reality. I think when I saw you ride in Calif in 2003 it was the start for the Hans, husband said "go for it" and now I have an awesome breeding program. Thank you, I think...bye bye retirement savings! haha
Many, many thanks to two classy ladies - Debbie and Brentina.
You have given us so much pleasure through the years.
Both of you have brought so much joy to the sport and have been instrumental in showing others the wonderful world of dressage.
LB
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