Racing Reflections

To my loyal readers, I apologize for my absence the past few weeks. We were riding a high after Big Rock's big win at Ascot, and everything seemed to be on the up. The week after, I had a friend come visit and I took her to her first races in Chantilly. We even took a trip to Disneyland to check out their Halloween displays.

And then, trick-or-treat! My apartment got broken into… that was definitely not on my Chantilly bingo card. And the cherry on top - after my first (and hopefully last) venture in French court, I ended up sick in bed for almost two weeks following a massive asthma attack.

While the lows of life hit hard, it gave me plenty of time to reflect on what a journey it has been so far. And with this being the week of American Thanksgiving, there is no better time to look back on the lessons I am grateful for. 

Here are a few of my "racing reflections": 

HUMBLE YOURSELF 

It’s important to learn from the ground up. I like to say that I have practiced the literal meaning of this phrase - beginning with shoveling horse poop on my first day. But this learning approach makes you appreciate everything a little more, and also gives you a greater understanding of the inner workings of the business and industry. 

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED 

Each day is full of unexpected surprises. This is something that is true in any sport; however, a big difference I have seen between golf and thoroughbred racing is somewhat of an obvious one: humans vs. animals. While we can't control everything with human athletes (injuries, etc.), there is even less to control with horses, in large part due to the inability of a horse to communicate with you as to what is wrong. We can be the favorite in a race and lose by lengths. A horse can have a bad day, conditions can change, the distance can be off, etc. 

APPRECIATION 

Show appreciation for both the horses and your team. Like how our head lad (the lead at the stables) has fresh pastries brought each morning for the team. Or how there are celebrations for the respective groom after the horse they ride each day wins a race. Or even as simple as feeding your horse an apple treat. This industry is not an easy one, so it is vital to respect and appreciate each other. 

GRIT 

Taking care of horses and a stable is hard and humbling work. I learned that my very first day, when I was told that I would learn how to prepare a box. I thought I would observe a couple and then do a couple; however, after completing my first 2 I was told to finish the row… 15 stalls later and I did not feel my arms for a week. Currently, I am witnessing the beauty of training horses in the wintertime in France, with constant rain and weather that rarely peaks above 55°F / 13°C (and sadly, horses do not like umbrellas, so the Decathlon ski section is my new home). As stated above but worth repeating: this industry is not an easy one. 

COFFEE, COFFEE, AND MORE COFFEE 

I would have never called myself a morning person or a lover of coffee, but Chantilly has transformed me. You have to be alert when working with horses, so rest is important. But this job also requires lots of early mornings before the sun is up - so coffee it is! 

TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND SMELL THE ROSES 

But my favorite rose is Blue Rose Cen, to be exact… :)