So What Now: An Update

Long-time, no talk preps. A lot has changed in my life since I last sat down at my computer to write a post; some for the good, some for the not so good.

First off, I moved into college to start my freshman year at the University of Kentucky. I made lots of fantastic friends, joined a sorority I love, and was on a career path that I wanted to be on for years. But sadly that good start didn’t last for long. In early September, my dad passed away from a stroke. Our plans for future Wellington trips came to a halt for good and that idea was really rough for me. I won’t lie and say that I was okay, the grieving process is not kind and I struggle every day.

My dad & I at a horse show when I was just a little one

My dad, Courtney, and I on our last trip to Wellington

Everything in my life had changed so drastically and my trainer, Courtney, saw how much I was struggling. So, my sweet Carina also came home to Lexington with me in mid-October. Courtney sent her all the way from Wellington to Lexington so that I could have Carina around to help me cope with the really difficult things happening in my life. Carina is a big part of my lifeline and I’m forever grateful for Courtney being so incredible helping me bring Carina home. We’ve stepped down from showing so that we can just enjoy our time together. She has done her time in the show ring and I enjoy letting her be a horse eating all the grass her tummy can handle in the blugrass of Kentucky. She lives the barefoot, pudgey pony life now. I still ride 4-5 times a week but we don’t have any goals at this pint, just having fun.

After a rough start to the school year, I decided that majoring in medicine was just not the right fit for me anymore. So, I’m now an equine science major with a focus on equine nutrition; horses are sticking around in my life for good. Equine nutrition is something I’ve been super passionate about for a long time and I’m excited the UK is helping me make a career out of it.

My new motto has become “Life is tough, but so are you.” So, for now, I am taking it day by day and working hard to roll with life’s punches. I encourage y’all to hug your loved ones a little tighter and live your life filled with passion and love. Look out for some more horsey related content coming soon, I hope to write more consistently in the coming months.

Until Next Time Preps,

Sydney & Carina