Please support in a fellow young professional trying to thrive in this sport. Unfortunately she was invited to a competition, flew herself and her horses across the country and more only to arrive to the competition for them to revoke their invitation along with not offer to refund her or reimburse her for their error.

I am hoping sharing Adriane’s situation will allow the horse community to come together to support her gain this financial strain back. Doesn’t matter how little or how much. Anything to support a fellow equestrian recoup a unnecessary loss. I saw hundreds of people supported her post, would be amazing if everyone could donate a little to support her. Even a $1 can go a long way. Let’s support the community together ❤️

Shortly after receiving my invitation to compete, I received word at the end of October that my entry had been flagged by FEI since I hadn’t met the 5* criteria of earning a 65% in the Grand Prix at a CDI to be eligible . (Just many 64%+s of course ) However, I was informed that because it wasn’t stated in the rules for the US Open, they had offered for me to still compete, but would have to forfeit earning prize money.

While I was bummed over that news, I opted to still go, as we had already made travel arrangements. That, and I had already scratched going to the US Dressage Finals in order to save my horse and prepare for the US Open. I told them if I was just going for the money, I wouldn’t be going .

This past Sunday morning, after the horses had arrived the night prior, I was told during the FEI vet check in that the original exception (that had been granted) was being taken back, and I would not be allowed to compete. I either had to change to the 3*or show as an exhibition rider in the US open/ 5*.

I declined both offers, and USEF went to bat for me fighting hard to do what was right. I owe so much thanks to USEF, as well as to all the riders in the 5* who came together to help the FEI re-grant the exception (that had originally been offered before I flew my best friend over 2,500 miles to California).

Thanks to the hard work from USEF, my letter , and the letter from the other competitors, Tuesday morning I got the call from USEF with the great news that the FEI had accepted my entry, and I was cleared to compete in the US OPEN 5*.

Little did I know, the hardships were far from over. On Thursday morning, for the first time ever, Selfie was asked to re-present d the following morning for the 5* jog. I chose to do seeing as I felt confident that my horse was fit and sound to compete.

Unfortunately this morning my fate was sealed, and the ground jury stuck to their original decision to not allow me to compete.

I am devastated. Not only was this trip a massive financial commitment- to come here on my own dime (something I was only able to do because I sold my heart horse , Drake, a couple months ago). But also because I would never put my horse in a situation that wasn’t in his best interest. To see most of the money I got for selling Drake was being put into a situation where I feel like I let Selfie down- is really more than I can even process at this moment.

The one good thing that came from this was to see just how many people I have in my corner- both friends, fellow competitors, USEF, and those from FEI that also pushed hard for me. What is most important is that my horse is OK , and we will come back to fight another day ❤️. Thank you Selfie for being my partner in this wild journey called life.