Dr Kathryn Hobbs

 
I got news this morning that a dear friend I hadn't seen in a long time has passed away. She was one of those unforgettable people you meet that had a heart of gold, she was extremely giving with her time, her advice and her belongings. She was someone that believed in me, defended me and was instrumental in my successes as an Equestrian. I was a teenager when I moved to Colorado all alone to train full time. I didn't know a single soul and had made a huge leap of faith in packing everything I could carry on my own to move to a foreign country by myself. Kathryn was one of the first people I met and we immediately hit it off. She was unbelieveably kind and infectiously happy. I often confided in her with my personal thoughts and struggles, and she always had a soft and caring way to ease my mind whenever I needed her.

Kathryn generously offered me the ride on her horse "Mason" aka "RK's Highland Fling" so that I could compete while I was there. Nevermind that she had only just purchased him for herself, nevermind that he would be competing for Canada while I was on board, and nevermind that I was not yet a seasoned professional. Mason and I bumbled through our first few competitions with some spectacular crashes and falls but Kathryn never lost faith and was always right there to dust us off and put the pieces back together.

As we formed a better partnership, Mason and I went on to place 2nd at our very first International competition (1 point out of first place), we were tied for 1st place with Australian Gold medalist at our 2nd International Championship, 6th place individually at the North American Young Riders Championships, and I was named the Canadian Equestrian of the Year at 21 years old thanks to that horse and Kathryns generosity. I owe a great deal to her believing in me and maintaining unwaivering faith in my abilities.

So here's to you Dr Kathryn Hobbs, you have had an immesureable impact on me and I will never forget your laughter, squeals and shrieks of delight from the sidelines while I rode. Your kindness will be with me always. Say hello to Mason for me!

Of Fish & Ponds

This Blog post is coming at you straight from Nassau Bahamas. Yes I am in Paradise (that's actually the name of the place I am staying!!) and I am in my room writing a blog!! Why? Because last night was the closing ceremonies of the Exit Realty 20th Anniversary Convention & Awards, and I am so inspired by the experience I have had here!


WOW! This week has been amazing and I have gained so much from being surrounded by the top producers in my industry! When I used be a professional equestrian, my coach David O'Connor used to always say that the best way to become a champion, is to surround yourself with champions. There's no glory in being a big fish in a small pond. One of the best things about Exit is that a new agent can walk up to a seasoned pro and ask questions anytime.

"If you are at the bottom reach up, if you are at the top reach down." That's an excellent philosophy.

We are all unique individuals and we should strive to use our differences to better ourselves in the way that best suits our personalities, strengths & weaknesses. Every time I met another agent, bar none, I felt like we were part of an extended family and I felt a mutual respect and camaraderie instantly. We were told many times to foster our differences and embrace them smiling. What makes us different, makes us good. It never mattered what pond we were from.

The biggest fish in North America were honored this week, and I am more than proud to say that I walked across the huge stage and got a hug, a handshake and an award from the founder of Exit himself. It was quite exciting to be recognized for my efforts. Seeing the size of the pond that Exit has created was eye opening and has inspired me to keep swimming upstream to get to the bigger ponds, with the bigger fish. I am not here to be mediocre.

A big shout out goes to my broker Val, her husband Kim and all the gang of colleagues and their spouse from Nova Scotia that traveled here. Also a high five to the new friends I have met while here!

Dallas TX 2017 - Here we come!!