Too much too soon....
Wish we could do it all over again -
This is a sport of highs and lows.... and when the lows come - you just want to get away from them. Looking back on why Burghley didn't go as planned - we can come up with a thousand reasons.
Doodle was low on runs - He a gas belly ache three days before we trotted up - Karen's father just died - we missed Richland due to the funeral - footing was deceptive and we needed bigger studs - on and on and on - and in the end, IT IS WHAT IT IS.
Too much too soon on so many levels.
And for all the miserable people on the Chronicle chat room - the stirrups are adjustable, you try and ride that track - be nice, we already feel really bad, don't make us feel worse. Cheer us on and be a part of something great.
Home to regroup - Home for more runs - Home to let Karen's soul heal from loosing her papa - Home for more gallops - Home for hugs from friends - Home to kick on again -
For those that watched the TV coverage, sadly they didn't show where Doodle was great and where he really started to grow up on the course - he slipped with the off camber ground on take off to the first corner just as Andrew Nicholson's horse did and he landed on the corner with his knees and pitched Karen out of the tack.
Small scrape on his stifle is his only injury - Everyone is alive, everyone is going to run and play again. Perspective is an amazing thing - sadly we get it right after we needed it!
Horses fly out tonight - Karen home today and we are off to Five Points this weekend. If anyone is there - Hug Karen, she needs it right now. She is a brilliant rider, brilliant horseman, and needs people to give back to her like she has given out for years.
more soon....
posted by Max Corcoran @ 7:40 AM
18 Comments
18 Comments:
You tell 'em, Max! Whatever happened to being supportive of the home team? Best wishes for Karen and the rest of OCET this weekend!!
Max, I love your blog - thank you for giving me a peek into your world. Makes me feel better when my horse freaks out at a saddle bag... Take care of yourself and your team, and know that there are folks out here admiring your honesty and willingness to keep on trying. Hugs to the whole team.
I would love for the COTH armchair quarterbacks to put up or shut up. I don't ride at that level but horses are horses and everyday is a learning experience. Karen is obviously an excellent rider and doing the best she can. Sorry she is getting a lot of back lash my thoughts are with her in this difficult time.
Give her a hug for me, Max, and make someone give you one from me, too. I'm mired in grief over losing an elderly sheepdog, I can't imagine being in Karen's boots and trying to ride. I'd love to tell a whole lot of people to STFU, but somehow I don't think they're listening. Take care.
Kim
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Thanks for the update Max and lots of hugs to Karen and Mandiba. I lost my dad over 2 years ago and I still have not gotten over it yet. There will be another day/competition to win and shine on. I was at Millbrook and Karen and Mandiba were "smokin"!!
Unfortunately, Burghley was not in the card this times and I for one do not think the USA Team put on a bad show. Burghley is a TOUGH course. How are Mandiba or riders like Missy and Jennifer with their horses ever going to get the experience if they don't go to places like Burghley or Badminton to compete in order to prepare for WEG. Don't let the "arm chair quarterbacks" get ya down. Obviously, the posters are not perfecting their XC skills because they are spending too much time on the COTH BB ; )
Eh, don't read most of the COTH. Just read from folks like snoopy and denny. Most of them will post about their very first event and yet armchair cross country ride for you.
They aren't there, they have no idea.
Just friggin' get rid of Capt. Phillips, will ya?
Thanks for the update. Glad everyone safe and sound...anyone who doesn't know that bad days happen doesn't know this sport. Take Karen home and help her mend..its a hard time!!! Safe travels and better day next time!
Go Max! Hugs to everyone from your friends in TX. Agree w/Jessica on the COTH idiots. Take care!
I have been so impressed by Karen as a person, a teacher, a horsewoman. I was amazed that she even brought herself up enough to get to Burghley, never mind just trying to get through the day as normally as possible since her Dad died so recently - that was selfless, IMO. She will always be a hero in my eyes. A big hug to you all- Give Swing a kiss for me (just watch for the teeth! haha) keep kicking on! Love, Nancy
Please ignore those mean spirited jerks. It's very easy to criticize from the sidelines. Keep up the great work!
No matter the outcome, there are those of us who are behind you -- and Karen and Mandiba -- and support you through good runs and bad. We're behind you NO MATTER WHAT.
Sincere condolences to Karen on her loss, and kudos to you Max for your frankness and your tact. I'll be at Five Points Friday and Saturday with hugs, rooting for you guys all the way.
I just got back from Burghley. It was a challenging course but Karen could manage it handily. S*** happens (and all the more expressively around our beloved horses)!!! I'm thankful that both Karen and Mandiba are OK and my heart goes out to Karen for her personal loss - the COTHers need to zip it!
Y'all take care!
Diz in Texas
When it really comes down to it...I would like to see ANY of the people leaving bad comments try for one second, to ride a straight forward related distance combo at that level...guaranteed they wouldn't be able to do it.
I agree, STFU..!!! and support our North American (I'm Canadian) squad.
You guys keep doing what you are doing...Max, you and Karen are my heros.
Max, I tried to put a good word in for Karen and Doodle, good for you, sorry we will not be at Five Points, hopefully see you at VAHT and for sure at Waredaca T3D
The higher you climb the mountain the bigger the stones that are thrown at you. It all comes down to one word- JEALOUSY! Let it roll off- it's now worth the worry! R.I.P. Mr. Lende.
The journey is what we enjoy through your words, Max. Thanks for painting us a REAL picture and sharing genuine emotion about your team and horses. As you say, "highs & lows" or reds & blues with a lot of color in between!
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