It is very understanding why Althletes can be so superstitious.  There are many uncontrollable variables that truly impact the outcome of an athletic competition.  This is especially true for equestrians.  Not only are humans susceptible to mood swings and hormone surges, so are horses.  In addition, the horse and the rider need to be in top top shape to compete.  If one is not then things will be less then optimal.  Since this is an outdoor sport the weather has a great deal of influence on the horses ability to compete.  The events basically go on in rain, snow, wind storms, blazing heat, freezing cold etc.  There are very few weather related elements that prevent a show from occurring. Horses are very sensitive animals.  They are not only sensitive to the attitude of the rider and all of the other horses around him/her, but also to the weather.  They can get hyper in certain types of whether and sluggish at other times.  If one is a control freak - who likes to know that they can work their rear-end off and then they will be rewarded with success commiserate with their level of preparation - then this is not the sport for that person.  It is really hard when one is a control freak parent, who feels the need to see their child consistently improving with every competition.  None of this bunny hot stuff.  Yet that happens here in the horse world all of the time.  

All in all, Horse People are just different.  They have to be to survive.  They work so hard that I am literally amazed that they can function at the end of the day.  Yet, after all of that work a simple bad day on behalf of the horse can mean that the days work is all for naught.  Spending so much time at horse competitions has made me a little superstitious as well.  I hate being superstitious.  I feel like it is a pile of phony baloney.  (I type this as I knock on wood).  I have tried the "fake it till you make it" positive attitude.  The hold my breath until it is all over and ignore everything attitude.  The expect the worst and then you will always be happy attitude and none of them have panned out.

This is my awakening.  Two weeks ago when were here at this show I prayed for one of my daughter's horses.  An honest pleading with the Lord for help.  This horse has been trouble ever since we got her over a year ago.  The next day the vet performed an ultra sound on her legs and found nothing wrong.  She was fine.  Then, her trainers decided that they just needed to show her intensely so that she would go lame again and then we could figure out what is making her lame.  They put her through the wringer last week.  Yesterday my daughter jumped her in a class and today she will be jumping her again.  I cannot ignore that the power of prayer has been the one thing that has been a constant here.  I have found peace.  I used to be so stressed out - mostly because I feel like if she doesn't win every class my husband is going to be unhappy.  But I don't care what he thinks anymore.  I not longer let his negative energy push my buttons and I am filled with the peace of knowing that if Annika is meant to go to Young Riders she will be able to go.  That as long as Annika can keep a positive attitude and as long as she remains humble and has faith, that God will provide.  I have seen this through Anka.

I believe that I need to give credit where credit is due.  This is just an analogy for me that applies to life.  Annika works as hard as she can.  We do everything we humanly can to prepare the horse and she does all she can to prepare herself.  Heavenly Father makes up for the difference.  This is true in all of our endeavors.  I am so blessed to have such a fantastic daughter, that we were directed to work with Lara Schleining and that Lara brought Garrett to the barn family.  We feel divine guidance in all of this.  We feel so fortunate that we are part of a barn that is so positive and uplifting.  We absolutely love being with everyone who is part of this barn family!