California’s Olivia Loiacono and her super jumping Subway (eat fresh!) stormed onto the 4* scene with a 15th place finish at Rolex last year that would only surprise those who do not know Liv and Subway. Olivia has been hired to work for William Fox Pitt this year–the same riding position that helped propel Sinead Halpin to the top of the upper echelon of US eventing. Today Liv checks in with us from William’s yard; click here to read her first blog entry and introduction. Thanks for writing this Liv and thank you for reading.
From Olivia:
Well it has been only a few weeks since I have moved to England and the main thing I would have to say about this sport for me at this moment is that the learning curve is absolutely continuous, and I mean this in the most broad meaning possible. As far as the riding goes, even the top professionals in the sport continue to take advice and lessons. The pros look up to the old pros, the young riders to the current pros, the juniors to the young riders and so it continues.
I was fortunate enough to watch Yogi Breisner (Team Manager and Coach to Team GBR) teach William on several of his top horse last week. Mary King also came along with a lorry load which meant I had the opportunity to watch the World’s No 1 and 2 working some of their best horses together – something I feel very privileged to have witnessed.I was intrigued to see the depth that goes in to teaching even the top riders in the sport. They are all after perfection and willing to receive criticism in order to reach it. The depth of knowledge that Yogi has is outstanding, always bringing new ideas with no session being the same as the one before. Even though I am new to Fox-Pitt Eventing I am made to feel very much part of the team and Yogi quickly includes me in the the lessons to be a part of the learning.
One substantial difference I have noticed is the support that goes into developing the next generation of riders in the sport in the UK. The Lottery funded World Class schemes at every level within British Eventing means that any rider who is determined and looking to be a part of a team receives adequate coaching, mentoring, and support. Not only are the British coaches wanting to help their team but they are looking to develop the quality of their riders across the sport. This support network became apparent to me at Somerley a few weeks ago, I had run Subs in the OI and felt happy enough about how he had gone. I was then shocked to receive some very valuable feedback from Yogi about how I had ridden across country. I was shocked that he had bothered to watch me, let alone take the time to tell me his thoughts and advice. Being a ‘foreigner’ and having only met him the once, I can only imagine the support the British riders receive based on this simple moment.
Now in terms of life, the sport teaches patience, persistence, dedication, and most recently for me, flexibility. I had plans of competing at Badminton this spring, which all falls in place quite well for coming over to work for the season. Unfortunately life has its way of throwing curve balls and sadly I have been wait listed for the event. I have continued preparation for Badminton in terms of fitness and horse trials but am also prepared for the disappointment of not being able to compete there. I have come up with a few alternative plans, including Bramham under 25’s continuing on to Burghley in the fall, or possibly Luhmuhlen in June. That is the one of the huge benefits of being in England , there are several options to reach competitive four stars, even if it’s not the one I originally had planned.
As a whole, I am really enjoying my time here at Williams’s yard, the horses are all of top quality and the people are extremely kind and knowledgeable. I feel privileged to have this amazing work opportunity this year, it is already exceeding my expectations in terms of learning. William is extremely helpful, giving constructive criticism when I’mon his horses as well as my own. I am eager to soak up every ounce of knowledge and technique to be able to grow as an elite competitor in the sport.
Subs has settled in well and seems to be loving life in England also. So far I have run him at two events, both just local Intermediates. Our first outing was quite exciting in the dressage which is what I expected since he hadn’t competed since Galway Downs three star last November. Sub was his usual self in the jumping phases although he thought I was being quite tedious as I made him gallop slowly around the track. I am entered to compete at Weston Park horse trials next weekend where we will run the Advanced. After that I will be crossing my fingers and knocking on wood hoping to move up the waitlist for Badminton, I will keep you all posted and look forward to the next time sharing with you from the UK.
-Liv and Subs
