Chasing Dreams

As many of you may know that follow me on Instagram (@mdurpettievents), I am a life long equestrian and horse lover in addition to planning some of the most beautiful weddings (and my 6 other jobs, LOL).

As I’ve mentioned before, I began riding at 9 years old and now at almost 39, it is still something I absolutely love doing and am really proud of the fact that I compete with my horses as am amateur in the 3’6 amateur owner hunters in places ranging from here in Illinois to Kentucky, and from Florida to Washington, D.C. and everywhere in between!

The last two weeks of October are always a really special time because it is what we refer to in the equestrian world as “indoors” – which is basically our version of nationals. We collect all of the points that we have earned throughout the competition year and submit for consideration for some really amazing horse shows: The Pennsylvania National Horse Show and The Washington International Horse Show.

What is so special about both of these shows is not only the grand pomp and circumstance or the beautiful ribbons – or even that respectively the top teams in the country are who qualifies to participate – but more so the fact that both of them are charity horse shows that raise money for som really great causes.

The Pennsylvania horse show foundation was Established in 1999 and provides support for therapeutic riding and equine rescue programs. The Foundation makes grants exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to acquaint, teach and train the public in therapeutic equestrian endeavors and to support equine rescue efforts. To learn more, visit their website by clicking here.

Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of the most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events in North America. More than 26,000 spectators attend the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Highlights include the $130,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington for the President’s Cup, presented by Events DC (Saturday night), the Puissance high jump presented by The Boeing Company on Military Night (Friday) and Kids’ Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event.

I wanted to share some moments from competing this season, captured by Jump Media and Collin Pierson Photography. Featured in the photos are my horses Lucca (known affectionately as Mo), Cassius, my trainer Caitlyn, my family, my fiancé, and probably my dogs – who all come along for the ride and support endlessly throughout the year each and every year as we chase some major dreams!