OLYMPIC DREAMS

News and views about the proposed Lakewood Olympic Equestrian Center.


What's Happening:

The Lake County Forest Preserve District continues to work with the Chicago 2016 Olympic organization on planning for a new potential Olympic Equestrian Center site in Chicago’s northern suburbs. Two sites in Lake county remain under consideration as well as sites in the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

It remains important for equestrians to contact potential Forest Preserve District Commissioners and Chicago 2016 to let them know they support hosting the Olympic Equestrian events.

Aside from the excitement in 2016 of having a world class equestrian competition take place in our back yard, the legacy that’s left will live on in history.

The facilities that would be developed for this event could benefit generations of horsemen to come. In that spirit, we’ve begun an addition to our Olympic Dreams column that highlights devoted “horse kids” that are currently living the dream of participation in equine activities. These may or may not be potential Olympians, but they are an example of the thousands of young people who are reaping the positive benefits that association with the equine species can produce.

The youth of 2008 will be among the leaders of our horse community in 2016. If we work to bring the Olympics to our corner of the world, these are the kids who will be influenced by the experience and carry on the legacy.


 

 
 !  Your involvement at this point of the project is vital to the long term success of the Lakewood Olympic Equestrian Center! Don’t be part of the silent majority. Get involved and help make our Olympic Dream become a reality in our lifetime, and a legacy for generations to come.
 

Living the dream ... Spotlight on Horse Kids
by a Horse Kid, Lisa Kucharski

Name: Hayley May
Age: 16 Home: Bristol, WI

What is your favorite horse activity? “Showing and teaching new students to ride is fun. I love seeing the little kids’ faces when they climb on a horse for the first time!” How many horses do you have? “My mom would say too many, but we have seven.” (Cotton, Fancy, Magic, Mac, Smokey, Scotty, and Valentine)

How long have you been involved with horses? “I’ve been riding since the day I was born. I was on horses before I could crawl.”

Best thing about having a horse? “There are so many good things about a horse its hard to choose one. I’d say the joy of riding them and meeting so many new friends.”

Worst thing about having a horse? “Getting up at four in the morning for shows.”

How do you finance having a horse? “My parents both work and my dad has a hauling service on the side. He is also the manager at the barn our horses stay at.”

Other Interests/Activities besides horses: “I am vice president of my 4-H club, I show steers and I play some tennis.”

Most memorable horsey moment? “My most memorable moment was probably a couple of years ago when I was teaching one of my dad’s students and she was having trouble slowing the horse down while not making it choppy. I worked with her for a while and at the end of the lesson she accomplished slowing her down and they looked amazing together.”

Who’s your biggest influence? “My dad would definitely be my biggest influence! He always helps me and is there whenever I need him.”

What horse related clubs or organizations do you belong to? “I’m actively involved in my 4-H horse project. I’m in a high school showing team and I’m involved in Bristol Horse Country club.”

How did you first get involved with horses? “My dad stared in horses when he was young and I was introduced to them from my dad. From the second I saw them, I fell in love.”

How do you help others enjoy horses? “I always help give pony rides and teach the new lessons at the barn.”

What is your favorite activity with horses? “I love going on the trails behind our barn with my friend Tara.”

What are your plans after high school? “I plan on going to college to be a vet. I also want to manage a small barn of my own.”

What have horses taught you? “Horses have taught me so much: dedication, responsibility, trust, compassion and so much more!”
 

Check out this website for more information: www.lcfpd.org/lakewood2016