04/19/2026
I’m not even really sure how to start this, so it may be a bit of verbal vomit, apologies. Yesterday, Mia Stavola’s Leading Lady gave me her everything in the $10,000 USHJA National Derby, with scores of 92 and 88, to finish 🥈. Christine Quinn”s Halcyon jumped his heart out to an 87.5, and then had a cheap rail in the handy. Each time I left the ring, I was in tears, and we’re not talking a single, delicate tear, we’re talking snot running down your face, hyperventilating, ugly crying.
They were tears of appreciation, for my amazing clients, for these unbelievable animals, for the opportunity to do what I love every single day, but they were also tears of complete and utter gut-wrenching sorrow. I’m sure some on-lookers probably thought I was dramatic, I’m sure a few thought “well, it wasn’t that good, she didn’t just win the Olympics, what’s her deal?” But what they didn’t know was yesterday morning we said good-bye to one of the best horses I’ve had the pleasure of working with, Alice Difiglia’s No Agenda, who was taken from us far, far too soon.
Edgar was kind, gentle, athletic, talented and a pleasure to work with. His future was so bright, and he did not deserve the hand he was dealt. I am eternally grateful for the amazing owners I have that trust me when I say “my gut is telling me something just isn’t right” and allow me to call in the experts. I cannot thank those experts enough, Dr. Darragh, Dr. Beste and the entire Palm Beach Equine Team, for their diligence and compassion, even in the worst of moments. Edgar, I am so incredibly sorry that you did not get to realize your full potential, you were taken far too soon. I was so looking forward to watching you and your mom in the AO’s, may you rest in the sweetest peace.
Lily and Lion, thank you for showing up for me, helping me heal my soul just a little, and for shining some light on an otherwise very dark day. You both reminded me just how special horses are, you always seem to know just what we need💜🦄.
Alice, I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words to comfort someone when they have been through what you have. You handled it with so much grace and compassion, it is a privilege to know you