Day 72: The Elite - 0km

Wesley Clover Park National Horse Show

We went to WCP today. It was an idea passed on by some equestrian's we met at Anemo. Stephanie got on board and she was the one to organize it. There were a few hiccups getting it in place. We didn't have a booth, and the horses couldn't stay there like we originally thought. That was okay, we easily found another barn, and were definitely happy to have something more quiet.

I've never even been to a horse jumping show before, aside from the Royal Winter Fair. It was mostly what I expected. I don't know if I was intimidated by the professional level of riding, or just feeling a little out of place. Huge, groomed, expensive warmbloods are everywhere with their manes and tails braided and small leather saddles. Here I am, borrowing my moms jeans so I don't have to wear the same used breeches I've been wearing for 73 days straight. The first few people we told about our trip and handed cards to kind of gave me a "so-what?" Face. But then we did also get some warm receptions.

I mostly felt out of place. Like walking onto a baseball diamond and I'm dressed in my hockey equipment. Just because we're both using horses, does not mean it's we're in the same playing field. After traveling the distance we have, and experiencing so many different people, horse people, homes, ways of life. I couldn't but help notice the elitism of show jumping. It's clearly an expensive sport. Like a lot of sports, it takes money to get to high ranks. Good training, equipment, facilities are costly. Heck, I know Jewel and I are priveledged to be riding horses too! Though our horses did come from ads of Facebook, and cost less than some peoples phones. Throughout this journey I've been becoming aware of my own privilege and lifestyle through witnessing the lives of so many others

This being said, it doesn't mean we didn't meet amazing, down to earth people that were excited about our journey too. Katie gave us a complimentary massage! It was amazing and much needed!

Amy Millar was super sweet and was interested to hear about our journey.

My dad reminded me that a good athlete has respect for other athletes in different sports. I can definitely respect the men and women that jump, and their horses. The skill level they've reached is outstanding and I have respect for what they do. And although I do believe there are ways to "make it to the top" without a lot of money, it would definitely be harder. The horses alone at this level are worth a lot, let alone training and equipment. Stephanie gave us VIP passes so we got to sit front row under the tents with a buffet and drinks. It was so fancy, but I definitely felt like I was living like the 1%. After staying with so many people who have so generously opened their homes and cooked us meals, witnessing what some families have and some don't have, it's a strange feeling to sit in that VIP booth. I guess I felt like I didn't belong there. There's also another layer of marketing yourself that can feel a little odd. Although I guess if I'm getting into acting I should get used to that.

We did meet some incredible people. First and fore most, Stephanie is seriously amazing. She is a show jumper herself, and also works for purina. She worked really hard to get us at Wesley, Despite the coordinator giving her a hard time. She introduced us to everyone she knew, and even found all the Millars, including Ian Millar, so we could meet them and tell them what we were doing. Each one was excited and humble and very down to earth. Stephanie really did try to get us out there and meet as many people as possible. Even though she was super busy herself, her interest and dedication in our project continues to motivate Jewel and I.

It's constantly a learning experience. I think it's our nature to judge and compare. Though I think it's important to think critically, I also want to diminish my judgment so I can see things more clearly and unbias (is that even possible?) but I will try. We met a lot of awesome people, and not so awesome people. But that's everywhere. Sometimes it's me just getting frustrated with the way the world works and the uneven distribution of wealth. LIke how can we spend 500 million dollars to celebrate Canada 150, when many of the people we displaced in "creating" Canada are homeless. Why don't we put money to that?!? Sorry, not sorry. Just doesn't make sense to me. And now I'm sounding self-righteous and it's probably time for me to go to bed.

So happy the horses are at Sunset Farms. It was so nice to return there and feel right at home after a day of feeling a bit out of place. Grits and Tori are so genuinely sweet and caring and they're the kind of people that make you want to be a better person too. I've met so many people like that, and I hope to be one of those people for someone else some day too.