A Note from Silva

This was obviously a horrible week and probably the worst thing I’ve ever experienced, and hopefully I will never experience something like that again.

We are all very sad, but we are also just amazed by this country and its people – it’s unbelievable how generous and amazing everyone has been. People have put everything on hold for us and have done everything they can for us, from cooking food and sending flowers, and sending donations to the funds that have been set up. We’ve been getting phone calls and emails from all over the world and even though I’m really sad, it’s such a good feeling to know that so many people are behind us. I think the American people are amazing that way, making things happen the way they are making things happen for us. I hope someday I can help someone out the way people are helping us out. We’re going through our time right now and it is tough; I know there’s no way we can possibly repay everyone but I hope that someday we can do the same for everyone else.

I think Lillian, Caitlin, Ryan, Boyd and Phillip are the real heroes, and we are indebted to the others who put their lives on the line to save Boyd’s horses. Lillian, Caitlin and Ryan have seen the worst of it and we’ll be indebted to them forever.

Phillip and Evie, like they have been with everything since we got to this country, have been amazing to us. I hope I can be such a good person someday. They have a big loss themselves, since it took place on their property, but they are just being good friends to us and supporting Boyd right now. Of course what happened to the horses is awful. I rode all these horses but I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose one of my own. I’ve known Neville longest and I know that he’s a fighter.

I am actually now on my way to Morven Park for the Young Horse selection trials. I was not planning on going, but there’s not really anything left for me to do at home for the moment. I can’t say that I have had the best preparation for this show, but I think it might be good to get a change of scenery and keep the horses on track. This is the selection trials for the world championships in Germany, but at this point I feel there are more important things than qualifying so I’m happy however the weekend turns out.

Once again I am so thankful to everyone for their support. Words are not enough to express how grateful we are and how lucky we feel to have so many friends and supporters in America and around the world.

Silva