The Lower Level Event Rider Profile has been a big hit since its introduction on Eventing Nation. Today we meet Drew K. and her horse Demi, from Lexington, KY. Want to be featured on LLERP? Fill out the Questionnaire and send it to [email protected]! Reminder: we must have permission from the photographer to use any photos.
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Name: Drew K.
Age: 20
Location: Lexington, KY
Primary horse’s name: Nancy Drew or “Demi” for short.
Age, breed, pertinent info: Age 10, 15.1 hh Thoroughbred mare
Age, breed, pertinent info: Age 10, 15.1 hh Thoroughbred mare
Level currently competing: Training
Short term goals this spring/summer: Demi and I completed our first training at Jumpstart Horse Trials last September. It was the most thrilling (and frightening) thing I had ever experienced! I would love to be able to compete at that level again as well as build on the tremendous amount of confidence Demi and I have gained in each other. We have come very far from the pair who couldn’t trot over a pole a year ago!
Short term goals this spring/summer: Demi and I completed our first training at Jumpstart Horse Trials last September. It was the most thrilling (and frightening) thing I had ever experienced! I would love to be able to compete at that level again as well as build on the tremendous amount of confidence Demi and I have gained in each other. We have come very far from the pair who couldn’t trot over a pole a year ago!
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Year-end goals: Our year-end goal is to have a (almost) full season at training since this level is new to both of us. Completing is all I will ask for!
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Overall goals? A Training 3-Day is the ultimate goal for Demi. This is the highest she and I both want to go. Since I know that this is our peak, I want to get the most out of it as possible! Seeing my little 15.1hh mare cruising around steeplechase would be a dream come true.
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What’s the best thing you’ve learned recently? Dressage has always been our least favorite. Due to Demi’s naturally downhill frame, the marks have always been mediocre at best. Recently, my trainer Lindsey Oaks re-taught the importance of straightness. It seems simple, but wow did it make a difference! Demi and I are waiting to tear up the 2013 season with our new and improved straightness. Lindsey has also taught me the magic of not messing with Demi’s mouth. I don’t know why, but this was never something I truly realized before. As an amateur rider, it’s the little things that make the difference. Demi is a much happier horse now that we have Lindsey in our lives!
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Favorite eventing moment/story? Honestly, my favorite moment in my eventing history was realizing that I don’t NEED to be an upper level rider to have fun. The moment I took the pressure off of myself and my horse was the biggest “ah ha!” moment I had ever had! This moment happened to take place when Demi and I were on our first Training cross country course this past fall. About half way through the course (sometimes the moments of clarity happen at strange times I suppose!) I had the moment of, “Don’t worry about the final score or where you will be with this horse next year. This is fun. Your horse is amazing. RELAX.” We then went on to complete our course!
