I believe in my dreams

I was working my usual 5-10 shift at Panera Bread today when my phone rang. When I saw who was calling, my heart skipped a beat. It was the owner of a beautiful barn in Wisconsin who I have been in contact with now for a few weeks. They are looking for a replacement trainer/rider for their barn, and have interviewed a few people over the last two weeks. I was told that they love the way I ride, but they would get back to me after they interviewed two people before me. I was unsure if I would be cut out for the job; I am only 22 and am not on the level with an olympic/grand prix rider, but I have enough passion and dedication towards horses that I feel I am a good candidate. After hearing there were already two people ahead of me to be interviewed, I wondered if there was even a chance that I would be able to show them how I ride. 


With permission from my manager, I quickly called him back and spoke with him for a good 20 minutes. It turns out he wants to fly me to Wisconsin so I can ride his horses and show him my abilities, while also getting a feel for his facility. I asked him when he would like me to go up there and ride for him, and was unprepared for his response: "in the next few days."


I sit at home now, with a racing heart, unable to think of anything else. Will I be in Wisconsin in 24 - 48 hours chasing a life-long dream? I have always wanted to ride in a grand prix or make it to the equestrian olympics; it has been a dream of mine since I can remember. Now I have an opportunity to show my talents and everything that I've worked for in the last 16 years. I feel like this is my last hoo-rah. I am graduating in May and as soon as I get a few pre-req classes out of the way, I'm on the path to a new career. As soon as I'm done with that, there won't be any more summer or winter vacations, there will be a probable 9-5 job, and I know I am not ready for that just yet. This is my last chance to do something for a very long time that deals with me and riding horses. To me, this is what it all comes down to.


Pressure? There is a lot. Not only for myself, but I also want to make my parents proud (although I know they already are!). All of the horse shows and lessons [3 times a week] my parents had to go to (and pay for)... will it get me an opportunity to ride at this beautiful barn? Will I be able to use my abilities with young, talented horses who are bred to win? These horses were bred to be champions, but was I?


Right before I left to go to work today, I grabbed a piece of Dove chocolate from the freezer (Tara loves them frozen), and I swear to you the inspiration quote on the inside of the tiny gold wrapper said, "Believe in your dreams."
Perhaps it's mere coincidence, or maybe there is something more at work here... but I will always believe in my dreams. 

                                                             Cassie & Pumpkin: 1997