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The Blessing of Joyce Foster
Written By: Sue Blair - Carpe Diem Farms | Issue: 2016/07 - July
It was a once-in-a-lifetime meeting, 24 years ago that changed my life forever.
There are no accidents as Deepak Chopra says, “It’s Synchrodestiny.” That’s how it was on that faith-filled day for me, Joyce, and the life and future she gave Carpe Diem Farms.
Joyce began her equestrian career at 40. She rode, drove and competed with her magnificent mare, Lady, a world champion Morgan. When she retired her from the show ring, she bred her twice. The resulting fillies, Gracie and Delta, were her horses when we met. Joyce was 63 and I was 39, a lifetime equestrian, and had just received the 501©3 for CDF and was working on plans for its development. From the start, we knew we were kindred spirits and the horses magnetized our relationship forever.
Soon after that first meeting I was riding “the girls” daily. Some days Joyce would hitch Gracie to the buggy with me galloping behind on Delta, barely keeping stride as she sped down Jody Town Road! Joyce was fearless, she loved going fast in a buggy or astride a horse. Many a day we would gallop together up the mountain trail behind her house come out in the meadow, she’d pull off her cowboy hat swing it ‘round her head as we whooped and hollered. It was joy manifest.
In 1995 Joyce entrusted the full-time care of the girls to me and we moved them to Cold Springs. In 1998, CDF was a reality and together we moved the girls into the newly constructed stables. Gracie and Delta were the backbone of our programs, embodying the CDF motto: “Exploring the Human Potential through Equines.” Since those humble beginnings, 22 horses and more than 4,000 participants, Joyce was with me every step of the way, always cheering, loving the horses, and being my personal champion.
Now I’m 63, CDF will be celebrating its 25th anniversary next year, and I will always count the blessings of Joyce. She believed in me and held my vision to create CDF. What greater gift can someone give?
Carpe Diem Farms, Highlands, (828) 526-2854.
