Thursday, April 19, 2012

"Meeting" Will Simpson

Recently, a retired horse show mom told me to check out horseshowtime.com to get information about the event I was just about to dash off too.  One can check schedules and how many people are in each class.  "See who else is there,"  she exclaimed.  I scrolled down the list.  I saw a name, Will Simpson. "He's famous" I blurted out.  The retired horse show mom was flummoxed, never heard of him.  A quick Google search confirmed the obvious.  I was right, he is famous, part of Team Gold, Beijing Olympics 2008.

Then, I instantly went into anxiety mode.  What if I was there at the show and never got to see him ride?  What if I could not figure out who he was.  Excuse me?  A guy at a horse show, how many choices were there?

Day 1: We were all sharing the one covered arena to school.  A guy about the right age was schooling a really green horse. His jacket was embroidered "Simpson Show Jumpers."   Could be him, I thought to myself.  But still room for doubt. Always the optimist.

Day 2: Another green horse with talent.  Another jacket.  This time it was embroidered:  Team Gold Beijing Olympics.  This time I was a little more sure of his identity.

Day 3:  Warming up in the mud pit, I mean schooling arena.  He was on another green prospect.   He finished and was standing still.  I was cantering Princess around to jump another doormat-sized jump.  He did not see me and turned to exit, causing me to stop abruptly to avoid crashing into him.  He apologized and said "Oh, I guess it is not all about me..."  and we both laughed.  Princess was perfect jumping the door mat and I got to "meet" Will Simpson.

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