Qualifying for The Run For A Million was a professional goal of mine. With the class being an Open class, open for any age horse, the best of the best show up. The horse I qualified on is owned by my wife and I; he is 5 years old this year. I felt like he matured a lot over the winter and was ready to compete at that level. Qualifying on a horse my wife and I raised and own is super special. I was a little worried about being an early draw. I knew I needed to push him and try and make people chase my score. He was great! He was honest and was with me through the entire run. At the end of my last maneuver I got goosebumps, I knew it was going to be enough to get us qualified.

Savage Love, or "Lucifer" as we call him, was raised by my wife and me. We also raised and still own his mother, Miss Whizzletown. I trained her, and Jenny and I both showed her. She was a phenomenal show horse, great minded. I see a lot of his mother in him. The year he was born Jenny was watching a series on Netflix called Lucifer. He was (and still is) a very good-looking horse, so Jenny decided to call him Lucifer because he is a handsome devil.

The success I have had has definitely been a team effort. We are very fortunate to work well together, and even when we worked for other people, we worked together. We have the same eye for the type of horses we like. I am lucking that Jenny shares the same passion and drive for success that I do. She is always there behind my back to give me advice (good or bad). She pushes me out of my comfort zone and to be the best version of me. She is definitely my number one fan and supporter. Having that kind of partner is invaluable.

After the Cactus I showed Lucifer at the NRBC. He was really good there and we won the Level 3. I don't want to over show him this year leading up to TRFAM, so now he will have a little time off. We will keep him legged up over the next couple months, and I will take him to a show to school him the end of July before heading to TRFAM.

I think being successful as a professional and successful as an amateur are 2 very different things. To be successful as a professional you need to find a feel and style that works for you and stay true and consistent with your program. At the same time, you cannot be afraid to ask for help and take the advice openly. Success also doesn't happen overnight. It takes a lot of hard work and long hours. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen right away.

As a non pro, obviously to be successful you need to put the time in practicing. You also need to find a program that works for you. Find a trainer that has the same goals as you and wants you