Name: Britney Hensman
Age: 23
Location: Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada.
Relationship to Eventing : Novice Rider, hoping to upgrade to Training this year!
Favorite Eventing moment/story?: I never really thrived to go far in eventing until I met Jessica Phoenix. She became my coach about 2 years ago and I haven’t had success with my OTTB like I do now. I lived in Beginner Novice for years. This past year Jessica made it possible to have a horse that actually looks like he knows what he is doing.. and rider.
I have now successfully shown internationally twice, once at Hagyard Team Challenge and this past January at Rocking Horse. The events in the US are definitely of different quality. We don’t have many 2 days at home, so to experience a 2 day, you feel like a real eventer.
My horse Halo and I have had our difficulties together, this year at Rocking Horse definitely proved that we are a team. The past year our cross country has been very sticky (read: I stop riding at fences) and we have had our problems. I would say Rocking Horse showed me that this year is our year!
Day One: Our dressage was not amazing. I almost entered the ring thinking they rang my bell, nerves really play with your mind. We managed to get through the test and I was quite pleased. The rings are VERY bright at Rocking Horse, you need sunglasses. After a small break we went into stadium, like any other rider, I was quite nervous. My mom didn’t fly out for me to not bring something back! Through stadium we were a little excited half way through and had 2 rails, but finished on a good note. I think it is very neat to watch the warm up rings and other riders rounds. If anyone ever has a chance to do that, I highly suggest just sitting there and watching.
Day 2: Cross Country day. I walked the course twice, and felt confident. Our biggest issues are the banks down and water. I head over to warm up to find out I am a little late and there is 1 horse before me. I pop over a few fences and trot on over to the start box. I love the count down, as much as I am shaking I love the excitement and adrenaline! We get counted down and GO! first 3 fences usually let you know your groove and how your horse is feeling. We were on a roll!! Jump 6 was the bank down, w managed the bank down with a little encouragement and off to the water complex, which might I add, we had to enter twice!! Instead of cantering in, Halo decides to LEAP into the water. As I hang on we manage to make it through, jump the cabin and head to the next water. Once again instead of cantering in like any other horse, we LEAP again! After that, smooth sailing to the finish. Over all we placed 7th. Our first event this year, and were feeling pretty good for the next events to come. Sadly in Canada we have to wait until may.. as I look out the window and small snowflakes fall down.
If you had to pick one reason why you love Eventing, what would it be? The atmosphere. Everyone is always willing to help. I love seeing the smiles when coming off of Cross Country, the atmosphere is really great.
Overall Goals in the sport: I would like to go as high as my horse allows us. Probably Prelim, that’s when I start to get scared.
Biggest Role model : I’ve never had a role model in eventing until I met Jessica. She’s a very talented rider, so quiet and very clean with her aids. Being a student I guess I am a little bias, but she has done miracles for my horse and I.
To get a better view on our experience with the water, here is the video from Rocking Horse through the water (excuse the shakey camera, my mom is video taping) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8hwJrDYlVE
