Classic Eventing Nation

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Last time I talked about my new horse I’d had him three days and shared three things I’d learned. I’ve now had him four weeks and my learning has accumulated at a rate of minute markers, but the big takeaway I’ve had this week is the value of video.

I finally got on my new guy for the first time at the weekend, after a part-intentional, part-circumstantial delay. Honestly, it was a game of two halves, with everything descending downhill from around the mid-point onwards. I walked away disheartened and quietly concerned.

Luckily, I’d recruited my non-horsey husband and his phone. I’d asked for photos and video and yes, he was daunted having seen Tilly’s awesomeness, but I explained I just wanted to see what I looked like, not necessarily become the subject of a Photo of the Year award. (I definitely wanted my bridle to stay firmly attached to my horse!)

And that’s how I learned the value of watching yourself ride.

I’d come home thinking the flavor I’d been left with was a reflection of the whole session, but seeing how things actually played out, rather than just my interpretation of them, I realized I was wrong. My ‘grumpy, evasive’ pony was actually working really very nicely for me at first, and I could see in his body language that he was trying hard to do as he was being asked. My brain did a great job of glossing over the good stuff to focus on the not so good.

And then came lesson No. 2. Immediately I went to trying to fix the problem. Change the bit, get a new noseband, buy all the stuff… And then I took a breath and watched the video back again, coming to the conclusion that, before making drastic changes, perhaps I should start with keeping things simple. My horse had worked hard (I knew that for a fact because I’d seen it); he was most likely tired after having been out of work for a while – sure beats assuming he’s a bad’un and/or spending a fortune trying to fix a problem that may/may not be there.

Obviously, we can learn from analyzing our performance in the saddle via watching ourselves – the pros for sure do this – but videos shared online can also be a great resource for those of us who are keen to continue developing, like the snippet of a schooling session from World No. 3 Boyd Martin above. I mean, we are seriously lucky that these top riders share their experience and expertise so that mortals like us can attempt to be better for our horses.

Speaking of Boyd, he’s spreading his own unique brand of Christmas cheer this year with his (infamous) bespoke video messages. Find out how to give your loved ones the gift of Boyd here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

It’s that time of year – nothing to add here.

Wednesday News and Reading

Don’t miss out on nominating your #supergroom as The One #Supergroom to Rule Them All. We’ve got swag and cash on offer – and ultimate bragging rights – for The One who’s gone above and beyond. It’s easy to make your nomination, just do it in the next week! (Nominations close December 27th.) [The One #Supergroom to Rule Them All Nominations]

Call out for equestrians who are experiencing the menopause to help with research. The survey is open to both past and present riders and will look at the impact of peri- through to post-menopause on riding, competing and coaching. [Pitch In]

Find out everything you need to know about the 2024 Mustang Classic. I’ve been keeping up with 5* eventer Elisa Wallace’s journey as she prepares for the competition next year. It’s such a fascinating process and a really important way to showcase the potential of these cool little equines. There’s still a way to go before the mustangs take to Kentucky Horse Park next September, but it’s never too early to start getting excited about a horse show. [Mustang Magic]

All the scoop on seasonal poop. Anyone who has horses (and other animals) spends a fair bit of time around s**t. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have Googled varying descriptions of the stuff with very mixed results. Well, here’s what a vet has to say about seasonal changes in the manure stakes. [In the Poop]

And now for some light relief, ever wondered what your zodiac sign says about the breed of horse you should have? Now’s your chance to find out. Yes, really. My Virgo birthday suggests an Irish Draught, and my rising sign of Pisces plumps for Unicorn. To be fair, should these two ‘breeds’, well, breed, the resulting offspring would most likely be the horse I actually have – a pure white Gypsy Cob. Spooky! [Written in the Stars?]

Every equestrian needs (at least) one of these on their tree. With just five days to go, chances are your tree is either trimmed to bursting or stylishly matchy-matchy and chic – whatever your jam, make sure you get crafting because no equestrian’s tree can possibly be complete without a homemade horsey or three. [Festive Equines]

Sponsor Corner

Equestrians often stand divided. Western vs English. Thoroughbreds vs Warmbloods. Dressage queen vs Eventers. But in one special circumstance, equestrians united to protect the one thing we all have in common: a love of horses. Read more about the Horse Farms Forever initiative: Horse Farms Forever: Equestrians Unite to Save Ocala Horse Farms.

Video Break

Last week I shared the story of Emma Webb, a mom who pulled a life-size model of a horse 160 miles from Chepstow in Wales to London International Horse Show in memory of her sixteen-year-old daughter, Brodie. Emma was fundraising for Riders Minds, which supports the mental health and wellbeing of equestrians, and Papyrus, which works for the prevention of young suicide. Here’s a look at her achieving her goal. You can catch up with Emma’s journey by following Doitforbrodie, and if you’d like to donate, you’ll find the JustGiving page here.

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