Outsiders Lamaze and Hickstead shared special bond

An air of sadness fell over the competition at the PAEC in Stouffville Ont., as news of Hickstead’s passing went from rider to rider.  It was during the annual Tournament of Champions at the barn, a salute to the winning riders and horses.

While most people know the story of Canadian Olympic champion Eric Lamaze and Hickstead, the riders in particular understand the impact of the loss of a great partner. Lamaze and Hickstead had a special bond. Both were outsiders. Lamaze, a rider who excelled in a sport that helped him find his way from a difficult past, and Hickstead, a horse who was too small and too wild to be ridden.

Rejected by most, these two found each other and learned to work together, to will themselves to unlikely championships on the way to Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games. Riders understand that bond, the absolute need for mutual trust, respect and understanding between horse and rider. What Lamaze and Hickstead shared was extraordinary, a once in a lifetime relationship that forged two misfits into an unbeatable team.

The riders in this large learning centre for new riders shared their sadness, but they also did what they do. They  jumped.  Competition went on with the resolve that everyone in the ring shares — the horse, the rider and the jumps. That was the therapy they all sought. That is what they know, what they understand.

All their sympathy went out Lamaze, but all riders understand  the only thing to do is to continue. Focus on the next jump, no matter how difficult.

It isn’t how many times you fall off, rather how many times you get back on.