Blog Post #4

"The voices of several announcers from different areas blurred together as we walked toward the international arena. The smells of grilling meats, soft pretzels, and pungent fruits floated on the gentle breeze. We walked around the vivid yellow-and-white-striped tents and worked our way to the west-side bleachers, anticipating and hoping to avoid the intensity of the later sun." This passage describes the setting of the 1996 American Grand Prix competition in great detail. It enhances the reading experience by painting a picture for the reader. The author gives us concrete examples of what the show grounds were like. By using details, the reader can feel like they're actually there instead of just reading about it.

If Margie was where she was in the 90s today (she's 54 now) she would probably be fine. In fact, she would probably be better. In my opinion, in the 80s and 90s the upper levels of the horse world where more strict and tough on the riders. While some trainers are still like that today, many of them are more patient and understanding with the riders. Also, the holes in the Olympic committee have been cleared up so there is less confusion. Margie is a tough and diligent person. I feel that she would excel and make the best of anywhere she was.

 Margie and Hidden Creek's Laurel at the 1996 American Grand Prix competition where she became the first five-time AGA (American Grand Prix) Rider of the Year.

Random Blog Post

The world of show jumping has changed a lot since the late 1900s and early 2000s. Throughout Margie's experiences in the show jumping world, she learns how to not only deal with change, but also disappointment.
Just before her grand prix class in New York, her horse twists his shoe. Consequently, Margie is not able to ride in one of the qualifying shows for the Olympics. Luckily, you get to drop your lowest score, so she was still in the running. Making it to the Olympics is difficult and Margie learned how to deal with the ups and downs.

Blog Post #3

My book relates to your average story of someone trying to reach their dreams, despite the odds. In a way "No Hurdle Too High" reminds me of the movie "Soul Surfer". In the movie, the main character tries to reach her dream of becoming a champion surfer. However, this is a challenge because she only has one arm. She beats the odds and ends up being successfu. Like the character in "Soul Surfer", Margie had to overcome the challenges of being a top rider. She got injured numerous times, but continued riding. When she shattered her ankle, the doctor said she shouldn't ride for at least six months. However, Margie doesn't listen. She had a cast specially made and had it painted black, so it would look like her boot. Despite the pain, she rode and won AGA Rider of the year. The book is written in a way that describes Margie's hardships, then describes the postive outcome of her trying to reach a goal.

Blog Post #2

 Steve Engle is a very likable character. He has known Margie since she started trucking horses on long hauls to horse shows. He helps Margie drive the truck and becomes her partner in the trucking business. Steve is a vet so it's hard for him to make time for the long drives, but he does it for Margie.  Then, Steve gets a job offer in Texas that he can't refuse and has to leave. Eventually, Steve comes back to Florida with Margie and they end up getting married. Steve is very kind and understanding. If he found $100, he would probably turn it in because he likes helping others.

This is Margie's first horse, Daydream. He and Margie were set to compete in the World Cup in Sweden. His owner received an offer on him and was going to sell him just before the competition began. Margie was heartbroken. Her dad refused to let his daughter miss this opportunity, so he set up Daydream Inc. and sold "shares" of Daydream. He and the rest of Margie's family pitched in to buy the shares. They made enough money to match the other buyer's offer and bought Daydream. Margie and Daydream competed at the World Cup together.    

Blog Post #1

I got my book for Christmas from my riding coach. I haven't gotten a chance to read it yet, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. I like learning about Olympic riders and hearing their stories. Margie Goldstein Engle is one of the top names in show jumpers and I've been wanting to learn more about her. I also like how the title of the book "No Hurdle Too High" is inspiring. Reading about how Margie overcomes her challenges should be interesting.