OCALA, FL (352today.com) – After 15 years of watching her daughter compete, Kathleen Carrara decided it was time to give the sport a try herself.
Carrara recently competed in the three-day eventing Florida Horse Park Ocala I Winter Horse Trials, held Feb. 6-9.
“I decided it was my turn when she went to college,” said Carrara. “I just loved the camaraderie and the community—and, of course, being around horses.”
A former marathon runner and triathlete, Carrara had the opportunity to immerse herself in the sport from the ground up.
“I saw my daughter do it, it looked like fun, and I’ve always been an athlete and a competitor,” she said. “It was another challenge—and a big challenge it is.”
Eventing consists of three phases: dressage, cross-country, and stadium jumping. Carrara is still mastering the intricacies of the sport, with some areas proving more challenging than others.
“Jumping is our strong suit. We have a lot to learn in dressage, but I love the concept because it’s all about training and partnership,” she said.
A snowbird, Carrara spends summers in New England but has found her winter home in Ocala.
“Vermont is cold and dark in the winter, so this is the perfect place for me. We love coming to Ocala,” she said.
Carrara is also enjoying the bond she’s forming with her equine partner, a combination that is proving to be a strong team as they progress through the levels.
“He’s a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse. I’ve had him for two years,” she said. “When I first bought him, he really didn’t know a lot, but he’s come along way. His name is Allu Jewel and Allu is his barn name.”
Carrara’s patience and determination—qualities she honed in other competitive disciplines—have been essential in her journey through eventing. Her advice to those interested in getting involved?
“Just get around horses and see if you like it,” she said. “It’s a journey and it’s a long process. It’s not something that happens overnight. It’s just fun, you get around horses and you really love them, it’s one step at a time.”