As Seen in the ATA Magazine: Celebrating Our Young Riders
Carolyn May and Vaya Con Dios
Article by Carolyn May
Photos at the AECs by Erin Gilmore Photography
Carolyn May and Vaya Con Dios
I got Vaya Con Dios (by Songline II *Ps*, out of Visions of Grandeur by Mystic Replica xx), known as Delilah, to ride in April of this year. Patricia Luttgen was a part owner of Delilah with Doug and Jessica Payne, and Debi and Kevin Crowley. Doug had trained and campaigned Delilah through the preliminary eventing level and 1.20 meter show jumping. The Paynes and Crowleys were ready to sell their interests in Delilah, so Pat approached my Mom, Kate May, about helping her purchase those shares. My Mom agreed, and Delilah came to live with us on our farm (Oak Branch Farm) in Waverly Hall, Georgia.
In just a short time Delilah has made multiple of my dreams come true. I have a wonderful Connemara pony who has taught me lots, but it was time to move forward if I was to pursue my riding ambitions. Delilah is a 16.3 hand Trakehner mare, so I moved up literally. We started with some Beginner Novice events to get a “feel” for each other. After winning and placing no less than third in those competitions, we moved up to Novice level, and qualified for the American Eventing Championships (AECs) at that level.
I went to the AECs in late August to gain experience and build my partnership with Delilah. We ended up getting fourth overall in our division (Novice 15 and under) competing with 30 + other riders! This was one of the best shows I have ever participated in.
After AECs, Delilah and I took a bit of a break and then came back to do my first training level horse trial where we earned first place with a personal best dressage score. Next year I will continue at the Training level in the first few shows, and then hopefully end the competition year at preliminary level.
I feel so lucky and grateful to have been given the opportunity to ride and learn from Delilah. I am hoping to continue on and one day qualify for the Young Rider Championships. Thank you, Patricia Luttgen and my Mom for allowing me to love and learn with Delilah.