Ericka's Truck Story (with permission and input)

I am writing as one of many people— and I mean many— whose path has intersected with Ericka’s. Ours crossed enough years ago for me to know it would take some serious cajoling to get her to approve of this endeavor. After thoughtful conversation and a big swallow of humble pie, Ericka has gratefully given this ask her blessing.

If you follow Ericka’s feed, you may have seen the funny-but-not-funny “ass-over-engine” shot. Here’s the story behind the shot. (No pun intended). As Ericka was navigating hilly highways of South Carolina, she found herself going down-hill with a trailer full of horses when, without warning, her engine suddenly seized. She was close enough to the exit, or so she thought, when she pulled onto the shoulder and headed for it. But the truck didn’t make it and stopped dead just 350 feet from the exit ramp. And there she was, 18-wheelers whizzing by and a trailer full of horses behind her. (How scary is that?) Ericka made SOS calls to local horse people for help, and within a short time and the generosity of some incredible folks who came to her aid, she was able to get the animals to safety before doing anything else. Fast forward two days— endless, exhausting phone calls to dealers and insurance people and lenders, etc. while juggling no-show flatbeds/tow trucks for the now deceased Ford. It’s a goner. And finding a new one is complicated. She hauls big animals and needs a tough, dependable truck. Even with a loan, her budget allows for one with a whole lotta miles on it. If she does that, she could find herself right back in this mess again with all the miles she travels.

If you’re reading this, chances are Ericka has bolstered you at some point in your life. Maybe she helped you find your dream horse, taking the time to be sure it was safe and sound and just right for you. Perhaps she helped you train your horse with love and care and patience. Maybe you know her from the fox hunting world, or perhaps she introduced you to fox hunting when you thought you’d never in a million years hunt. Or maybe you needed her in the middle of the night, and of course, you knew you could call her. I’ve seen her drop everything to help a petrified horse load after the owner (a stranger drenched in sweat) tried for hours unsuccessfully. Maybe you’ve shared confidence-boosting trail rides, taken clinics with her, laughed and cried with her. There’s no doubt she’s instilled in you (or your horse) some grit that you never knew you had.

Ericka recently said to me, “I love the life I’ve built.” Her voice might have cracked a little. ;) She’s like that.

It’s no secret that you don’t get rich doing what Ericka does, you’re just happy doing it.

So here we go. This is the scene in “It’s a Wonderful Life” where a drained Jimmy Stewart makes his way home after an exhausting day of self reflection—not sure how he’ll find his way out of a financial crisis— only to find the entire community showing up to help him out of a jam.

The basket is on the table, people. Any little bit will help, and all funds go directly into Ericka's bank account.

Thanks so much.

Angela Jobe

Old friend, Big Fan