French Girls, Horses, and Tonton Bill

4/25/2013

Carla et Maude

Carla et Maude .. daughters of my dearest friends in France. They are a joy to me and I proudly wear the name "Tonton Bill" next to my heart.

Two daughters of the same blood, but so different. Carla is the adventurer .. with energy that seems to be unbounded. Maude is the intellect .. the deep thinker. I'm certain both are destined for full, rich, colorful lives. That is my dream for them.

Having watched these two young ladies grow since the day they were born has been an incredible experience. Each time I return to France, they surprise me with new found wisdom, flourishing talent, and depths of knowledge I could never have foreseen. I'm proud of them, inspired by them, and love them as if they were my own daughters. What a gift .. I will always be thankful to my dear friends for sharing their family with me. Merci, Philippe et Veronique .. Merci Beaucoup.

But this post is not about the sentimental ramblings of a proud "Uncle" .. this post is about empowered women and their horses.

Last May, while staying in Versailles, I was invited by Philippe & Veronique to attend an afternoon equestrian event in which youngest daughter Carla (on left in photo above) was scheduled to participate. This day was an unforgettable experience and a unique view of a generation of empowered young French women exhibiting a competitive nature and skillset I could have never envisioned. One could feel the competitive spirit in the air from the moment we parked our car and walked onto the grounds of the meticulously manicured and austere riding club. This was serious business.

Precise preparation .. and ever present cell phone

There was a dignified quietness about the event, a reserve I have always found very attractive about the French .. and there was also a very strong and focused energy which was unmistakable. These young ladies had come to compete. From her preparation at home to the gathering of her horse and equipment at the club, I knew Carla was here to win, and it was obvious the other young ladies were of similar mind.

Preparations prior to the event

It felt wonderful to be outside on this beautiful day with my dear friends .. here to celebrate Carla's equestrian accomplishments and support her. Seeing the camaraderie amongst the participants was equally as uplifting .. reminding me that this generation of sophisticated young ladies is certainly as socially adept as previous generations, if not more so.

Preparing to enter the arena and enjoying the day

Like Amazons .. they prepare for battle

With preparations underway and we adults "in the way", it was time to "make our way" to the arena and await the arrival of all contestants. I regret that I was not thinking fast enough to capture the entrance, but I'm happy the brain cells kicked in as the competition began and I was able to capture a small portion of the action on video for you. Click Here to enjoy a unique and exhilarating bit of action, as provided by the young ladies of the riding club and their fantastic ponies.

Proud Mama Veronique (center) capturing the action for future memories

The pre-event parade

The competition

Carla (left) on her mighty steed

I'm happy to report that Tonton Bill's pride and joy won the day! You can Click Here to enjoy another short video of the final event, and the Victory Celebration and Award Ceremony.
It was a wonderful day. Philippe and Veronique were obviously very proud of their youngest daughter .. as was Tonton Bill.

But what about Maude? Do you really think I would chance writing about one and not the other? Not in a million years. The Intellect .. The Reserved Daughter .. The eldest, with dreams of success and potential beyond description. What about Maude?
Maude has her mind set on a "Horse" of a different type. I suspect she will also Win the Day .. that is my dream for her.