The LLRP inbox is starting to dwindle, but we still have many more EN members to meet! This week we would like to introduce you to Bailey and her horse Tanner. If you wish to be featured in an upcoming profile, fill out the Questionnaire and email it to [email protected]. Have a happy weekend!!
FEATURED RIDER:
Name: Bailey
Age: 15
Location: MA
Primary horse’s name: After Hours “Tanner”
Age, breed, pertinent info: Thoroughbred, 22 years young. Was an upper level horse but has been backed down and now I get him on free-lease
Level currently competing: Novice
Short term goals this spring/summer: Qualify for area champs
Year-end goals: Move up to Training. Attend the Novice-Three-Day (yes that does exist!)
Overall goals? Learn to ‘own’ my dressage test
What’s the best thing you’ve learned recently?
If he seems like he is in a bad mood or doesn’t feel like doing ring work, go on a hack! I’ve tried to do ring work when he is clearly not in the mood which just ends badly (he’s very opinionated and doesn’t put up with much). So I’ve learned that if he seems kinda glum when coming up for the paddock or when I’m tacking up it’s best to go for a hack and let the old man enjoy himself. He’s really taught me to listen to him so we can work as a team.
Favorite eventing moment/story?
When I was about 12, I was at one of my first events with my first pony who was some sort of QH cross and he was rotten to the core. We had already had a stop at the first XC fence (mind you we were in the pre-elementary division) but we made it clear around the whole course until we came to the last jump which involved hay bales. My pony noticed this and took the opportunity to stop, grab the hay bale and run away with it (while snacking of course) thankfully it didn’t take me too long to pull him up and he dropped the hay bale and we finished the course, went clear stadium and scraped up 6th place!
