Andrea Leatherman’s Jersey Win and Beyond

As with most horse people, I seem to either have so much to say I do not know where to begin, or absolutely nothing to say (at least nothing I want to say!)    Luckily for me the past 8 weeks have given me a lot I would love to share, from a 5^th place finish on Suzan Johnston’s Mystic My in her first 2 star, to my win on Mensa at Jersey Fresh CCI***.  I am sure over the next few months there will be times I am not so lucky.  But for now, good news.

The win at Jersey Fresh CCI*** gave me the opportunity to compete in the Bit of Britain Challenge, where the winner of both Jersey Fresh CCI*** and Fair Hill CCI*** wins $20,000.  At the beginning of this season my trainer and boyfriend, Buck Davidson, and I were discussing plans for this season.  Being qualified for Rolex but having had an entire fall season off last year due to personal injury, we had a lot to decide.   Was I ready? Will I be ready? Is a 4 star the best step or are more 3 stars? After a bumpy start to the season followed by a few good runs, Buck, and later convincing a stubborn me, thought it best to run at least another CCI*** and “go and win”…hence the entering  of Jersey Fresh CCI***.  Mensa felt great all season, even given the little missteps on the way.  I knew I was sitting on a fitter, happier, more trained horse than I ever have, and  Mensa  also had a smarter, better rider on his back.  Knowing this, the idea of “winning a 3 star” seemed possible, but still a tough task.  After I moved up to advanced a few years ago I realized I needed to become more correct in my technique and accuracy than I was able to get away with at Intermediate.  To practice getting better as a rider and not just getting some lucky top finishes, I allowed myself to, for a lack of better words, reduce my competitive nature in order to create a better trained horse and rider.  I have been gradually becoming more consistent the past few seasons, and I knew I was ready to be mentally and physically more competitive than I have ever  been.   We were up for the task. 

As the weekend commenced at Jersey, I was happy with Mensa in the dressage.  I did feel, however, that I personally sacrificed several points in the rhythm and in places that could have been more accurate.   Although there are always areas that need improving, x-country was as good as I could have asked for.  Knowing I was sitting aboard a horse perfectly capable of making time, I knew 0 time faults was my 2^nd task to going clear.  Mensa is a fantastic show jumper and if I could give him a decent ride I knew he could jump clear.  Having never been in a first place position going into show jumping at an FEI competition, I was not sure how intense my nerves were going to be.  Of course I was nervous.  I did know, however, that at that point it was all mental. We had practiced and schooled creating plenty of tools to produce a good, clear round. If I could stay relaxed and control my nerves, I knew Mensa would respond great.  All I could do was the best I knew how.  After imagining my clear round at the Fork and how I rode that round, I was thrilled with the fact that I was able, under pressure, to simulate the same experience and produce a clear round (a little faster would have been nice, however I know he is a fast horse and that just requires more awareness on my part).  For me, proving I could conquer the mental challenge was a huge accomplishment in itself.

As of now, Mensa has his back shoes pulled and is in a large grass field with Ballynoecastle RM, another horse on a well deserved break.  Now that we are back from Bromont it’s time to leg Mensa up to get ready for the Fall season.  Although I am uncertain of my exact plans, it will be an Intermediate, followed by a few Advanced/CIC***, and then Fair Hill CCI***. Perhaps I will be fortunate enough to compete at Rebecca Farms in Montana later this summer, but that is yet to be decided. 

Winning one 3 star is hard work, good timing, and luck.  Winning a 2^nd  three star in a row is more hard work, more good timing, and more good luck.  With the help of Buck, we are up for the challenge!  I cannot thank him enough for all the time and effort he has put into making me a better rider and competitor and my horses better horses. 

As always, I am so thankful to my parents for their continual time and effort in supporting me.  To Omega Alpha whose supplements have helped in making my horses perform great, and to Suzan Johnston who gave me the opportunity to ride Mystic My, a fantastic mare who just finished Bromont and for whom I have high hopes.