As we await news of Henny’s fate I thought it would be good to look back at the helmet-cam videos that introduced us all to Peter and Henny’s remarkable partnership. Peter was certainly not the first rider to use a helmet-cam, but his obvious love and encouragement of Henny instantly captured our hearts. And the videos are just completely awesome.
Eventing Nation posted the first 2010 Henny video shortly after it was released and I can say difinitevely that, while I loved the video, I could not have expected that Peter’s helmet cams would reach international fame.
Ladies and gentleman…Red Hill 2010
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We received an overwhelmingly positive response to the Red Hills video and it quickly hit Facebook and the forums. Next up was The Fork, where I excitedly waited for the Youtube video after seeing Peter wearing the helmet cam on cross-country. With considerably fewer trees than the Red Hills course, The Fork provides an entirely different but equally awesome helmet cam experience.
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After the Fork, it was time for Peter and Henny to step their game up at Rolex 2010. They did just that, and, although the XC was relatively straightforward for a CCI4*, they surged up the leader board. As an aside, every time I mention that Rolex 2010 was straightforward for a 4*, I get at least one hissy email from a Rolex rider, but nonetheless…
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And then, a few months later, Peter and Henny returned to Kentucky to compete for Australia at the World Equestrian Games. Once again, they rose to the occasion and dominated the toughest course of their career. With 115,000 views, this video is as popular as horse videos get without Pat Parelli getting physical.
No one knows whether Peter will get to keep the ride on Henny, but, in an age of questionable horsemanship and nostalgia over the bygone days of eventing greatness, I think so many people want to see Peter and Henny stay together because the helmet-cam videos reveal eventing at its best: a true, giving, and unshakable partnership between horse and rider. Go eventing.
