For one adult-amateur competitor, the experience is about much more than winning ribbons
By Natalie DeFee Mendik
Our departure for the 2024 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® kicked off at 3:30 a.m., loading in the dark with snow already accumulating as we headed east out of Colorado ahead of an incoming November winter storm. After some loading drama, we were on our way with two rigs carrying six horses from Mountain Time through Central and into Eastern.
Two months into being an empty-nester, I felt I could give myself permission to make this trip with my sweet Oldenburg mare, Fidera, better known as Fae. Last year was Fae’s first year competing, at Training and First Levels. The year 2024 brought us to Second Level (which just about everyone, it seems, declares to be their least favorite level).
I head into every competition with a personal goal that’s within my wheelhouse, separate from outside factors like other competitors, judges, weather, or venue. Throughout this year, my goal has been to enjoy riding my horse, savoring how far she’s come in the past year. As I rode about the beautiful grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park, my refrain was: How cool is this?
While my mare doesn’t yet have the degree of collection to be in the ribbons at a competition of this caliber, I am so pleased that she could travel well and take in the venue with relaxation and ease. And I’m over-the-top proud of how she made a big effort to step up and be a harmonious partner. Fae’s job is to be my horse, which for me at this point in life is a horse that is fun—and after some ups and downs, we are now at that point. I look ahead to all the years that we have together and know that this is just the beginning.
At the Finals, I really enjoyed the opportunity to make new friends and compete against people from far and wide—and the quality of horses across all levels was incredible. Fae is all about chatting and cuddling, and she especially liked the friendly crossing guards, sure they were stationed there just to greet her. The volunteers—oh, the wonderful volunteers—how would any of this happen without them?
The last time I visited the Kentucky Horse Park, I was competing with my now-grown daughters at the US Vaulting National Championships. In 2024, along with a new experience, I got to enjoy my own personal trip down Memory Lane.
After a week of horse heaven, friendly people, and beautiful fall foliage, I was back behind the wheel. We received a foot and a half of snow while we were away, and the timing was just right for dry and sunny roads into Colorado, capping off a spectacular week doing what we love with our wonderfully generous horses and supportive barn families.
WRITER BIO: When she’s not in the saddle, Natalie DeFee Mendik, MA, is an award-winning writer and a frequent contributor to USDF’s member magazine, USDF Connection. Her website is MendikMedia.com.
