As a horse owner living in Central Kentucky, I recognize I am fortunate. It’s a 7-mile drive to the Kentucky Horse Park from my house (I can even get there via dedicated bicycle lanes and paths in 9!), and there are world-class veterinarians based five minutes from the farm where I board. There are horse trial venues and places to cross-country school all overÑit’s an eventer’s heaven. I also board at a barn with a lovely indoor arena, so I can keep training through the winter. The farm has even hosted a winter jumping schooling show series, so I haven’t had to leave the farm to compete.

My drive to the barn is one of the prettiest ones in this region, lined with stone fences and cupola-topped barns.

I say all this not as any sort of brag. I say it to remind myself to feel gratitude when I’m tempted to throw up my hands about my current horse-related frustrations. It gives me perspective. 

And I’ve been reminding myself about all these blessings a lot this week