Live Oak CDE 2026

There are moments as a parent when you realize you’re witnessing something bigger than just a hobby or a weekend activity. Watching my daughter, Mildred, at Live Oak International 2026 was one of those moments.

People see the polished carriage, the gleaming harness, the perfectly turned-out presentation and the ribbon at the end. What they don’t see are the early mornings, the long drives, the quiet frustrations, and the small victories that build over time. Being Mildred’s mom means living in all of those spaces—some exhausting, some joyful, all meaningful.

I’ve learned more about patience through her journey than I ever expected. Horses don’t respond to force or impatience, and neither does progress. Mildred has had to learn that, and in turn, so have I. There were days when things didn’t go right—when practice felt like a step backward or when confidence wavered. In those moments, my role wasn’t to fix things, but to stand beside her and remind her why she started.

Live Oak this year felt different. Not because of the scale or the competition, but because I could see how much she had grown—not just as a driver, but as a person. She carried herself with a quiet confidence that doesn’t come from winning, but from putting in the work when no one is watching.

When they announced she had won the Best Turned Out Award for youth driving, I felt that familiar rush of pride—but also something deeper. It wasn’t just about how everything looked in that moment. It was about the care, discipline, and respect she’s developed for the sport and her horse. That award reflected who she is becoming.

Being Mildred’s mom means celebrating the wins, of course—but it also means appreciating the unseen effort behind them. It means recognizing that success isn’t just measured in ribbons, but in resilience, responsibility, and heart.

I don’t know exactly where this journey will take her next. But I do know this: whatever she chooses to pursue, she’s learning the kind of lessons that last far beyond any competition ring.

And for me, that’s the real reward.

Thank you to our friends, family, and sponsors that make it possible for us!