Yes, I’m lucky, and I know it.

Maybe my Irish grandfather has something to do with it.

I’m lucky to have grown up in the competitive horse environment, able to ride as often as I wanted…which was everyday.

Yes, indeed, I’m lucky to have Quincy as my partner. I may believe in childhood dreams including the Olympics, and even the luck of the Irish, but it is Quincy who made me a believer. He has never given me anything less than everything he’s got, and… he always asks for more. This partnership over time has been the driver for me to strategize, mobilize, and want to offer him this year as the very best year of his life, simply because he deserves it.

So, yes, again: I just got lucky 2016 is an Olympic year!

More specifically,

I’m lucky my wife and child ground me, always patiently wishing, and waiting in the wings.

I’m lucky to be an equine vet. Nineteen years of practice, and learning from equines and colleagues provide an incredible advantage in caring for Quincy, who submits to a very rigorous rehab after each show. That being said, at home, he’s just more one of the 3H gang in the broad spectrum program, rather than “something special” .

I’m lucky my dad is my trainer. I have learned from many, even from a former Olympian, but the benefits of loyalty and longevity pay huge dividends.

I’m lucky our 3H vets and entire staff are so very talented, dedicated and determined to make this Road to Rio happen for me, that I have been able to focus on Quincy during unavoidable absences from work. In fact, I trust no one more than those who stay behind, to care for client-horses and my own. Their price is time, energy, and unflagging commitment. They, in turn, are priceless to me.

I’m lucky 3H clients have committed to making enormous mutual sacrifices. In order to stick with me, they have been willing to accommodate schedules, and talk or meet after hours more often than not (when it should be the other way around, I confess). rather than simply “assume I’m too busy”. More importantly, they have trusted me as their vet. They believe me when I say, “This is just a countdown to Rio. It is temporary. Our relationship is not. We will outlast the Olympics together. I promise.”

I’m lucky my family and friends have chosen to incorporate my dream into their own. I have felt them walking every single step with me, heard them cheering even before my rides, and marveled they have found the time and generosity of spirit to “be there” with me.

I’m lucky to be half Colombian, so that I have a shot at the Olympics at all! It has been a real privilege to stand on the podium at the Nation’s Cup this year next to some of the most talented and accomplished riders in the world, and call them “my team”.

I’m lucky to have Team Quincy, who is both tireless and selfless. I can only hope they know who they are and what they mean to me, because without them, we would not be on this road to Rio at all.

I’m lucky and humbled to have so many followers, who have decided to take the chance and believe in me, many of whom I have not yet even personally met. I pray they know I do not take their support for granted. They teach me every day ….how very, very important it is to believe in the dreams of others. With any luck at all, I will become more like them.

I’m lucky, at the end of the day, those who know me at all, know I believe,

LIFE is much more about WHO we are than about WHAT we accomplish.

Being so deeply involved with horses in this lifetime, both personally and professionally, is really just who I am.

IF 2016 Rio Olympics happen for me, it will not be just a boyhood dream come true, nor the pinnacle of success. It will be the culmination of an amazing journey…the Road to Rio….which we traveled together. I could not have asked for better companions.

We’re not there yet, however. The date for finalizing entries is May 30, 2016 .

If my luck holds, Quincy’s name will be on dotted line, but he will not be alone. Quincy and I are just in this a little deeper right now, but make no mistake:

We are all in this together.

Thanks for going the distance with me.

So…

How do I spell lucky?

G . R . A . T . E . F . U . L