YAY! I got the position!

[Handbag Lady]

How incredibly lucky for you, what an HONOR!!


To be able to do it once, well, that says something. But TWICE! That's incredible.


Thank you for doing this.

 

[czycropper]

Congrats! That's such a great organization.

If you are ever up here in NJ at the US Equestrian Center let me know....I don't live too far from it -I'm in southern Somerset County.

 

[Cat0727]

Awesome! Congratulations!

 

[minkydog]

Congratulations! That's fantastic. Christian no longer competes in the equestian division, but I'm sure if he could talk he would be cheering you on. I hope you have a great time!

 

[Katy Belle]

Congratulations!!! You will love Athens!

 

[4nana]

How exciting to work at something you love and travel too! What a blessing to share your gift with these wonderful kids! Good luck!!

 

[dis-happy]

WOW!!! I've enjoyed reading your "horsey" stories here on the Dis, but WOW!!! You must be one fabulous (and modest!) trainer! Congratulations!!

 

[Planogirl]

This is amazing. A big congratulations to you!

 

[Jennasis]

Aww, you guys! I have been doing my happy dance all day! I can't wait to find out about my athletes. I think they'll have the list finalized In June or July, so that gives us just about a year to knuckle down and develop a good training program for each of them.

One thing that I'm not thrilled about...I really REALLY hate flying! But for these guys...I'll do it. At least it won't be 16 hours on a plane like going to Shanghai was!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

That is wonderful Jennasis! Congratulations!!!!

(Now my life long question--how in the world do the horses travel to the Olympic games???)

 

[FINFAN]

Hey everyone! Just had to share the good news...I just found out that I have been selected to coach the US Special Olympics Equestrian Team at the 2011 World Summer Games in ATHENS, GREECE!!!

I am so incredibly honored and excited. I coached the team in 2007 at world games in Shanghai, China and it was the experience of a lifetime. Over 500 athlets and coaches from the US joined thousands of coaches and athletes from around the world to compete in dozens of events, from aquatic sports, to track and field, to cycling, bowling, skating, bocce, basketball, baseball, equestrian and more!

The event in 2011 is in Athens from the end of June through the beginning of July (about 3 weeks total). My equestrian team will have 10 amazing athletes from around the country...6 ladies and 4 men. These terrific athletes will compete in events on horses they've never even met before, from trails and dressage to barrel racing and equitation.

I just can't believe I get to do this a second time. Working with the Special Olympics has been a life-changer for me. I am humbled and honored to get to throw myself into the fray for them again!

SWEET! That is really excting..and your right, the fact that the athletes heve never been on or met these horses before is quite challenging. Athens, how beautiful! Congrats!

 

[RadioFanatic]

How amazing - congrats and thanks for all you do for them!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

That is the coolest post I've read in a long time! Congratulations!!!!

I couldn't have said it better!!!

Hey, do you need an assistant. I rode for years and would love to help.

 

[ZachnElli]

Holy Cow!! That's exciting!! Congratulations!!

 

[Jennasis]

That is wonderful Jennasis! Congratulations!!!!

(Now my life long question--how in the world do the horses travel to the Olympic games???)

For regualr Olympic competition, they travel by plane, usually several weeks in advance for both quarantine laws and to adjust to the temperature, environment, food and water (yes, foreign hay tastes different!). The horses use the 6-8 weeks prior to competition to acclimate. When they travel on a plane it is in the cargo hold in a large box stall-style shipping container. Since they are often million dollar animals, they usually travel with grooms and vets at their side to assist them if they get stressed. It has happened where a horse has had to be euthanized in transit due to extreme agitation. It was an American horse I think.

However, the Special Olympic athletes do not bring their own horses. The host country supplies horses for the competition donated by locals. In the case of the games in China, some horses were donated for our use by the Chinese National Showjumping team (yes...Olympic caliber horses) and some of them were little native ponies.

This is just one reason why I am so impressed by my athletes. An Olympic rider would never DREAM of showing on a horse that they hadn't been training and riding for years themselves. My Special Olympians have to compete on a horse they've never seen before and usually they only get about 20 minutes of "practice" time to get to know the horse before they have to compete.