I have to admit I couldn’t watch any more dressage this afternoon, so Leo and I took ourselves off to walk the course. We were hoping to join the Karen and David O’Connor course walk…
…but unluckily arrived just too late.
Luckily, Alison Springer let me tag along while she walked the intermediate with Emily and Caitlin. I’d seen Alison coaching an advanced rider earlier but perhaps because she’s been grabbing all the headlines this spring by dint of winning everything, I didn’t know if she did much teaching. Let me tell you now, I feel so ready to ride round that course after taking in her advice on the way round I may have to go and steal one of Matt Flynn’s horses and buy a pair of breeches! Everything she said made sense and was to the point. She spent enough time at each jump, but didn’t labour over any of them, she talks from experience obviously, but with humour and isn’t in the least bit patronising. She wants us (we, the riders! yes, I can dream!) to be confident, but not complacent. She stressed balance all the way round. She had great tips at the skinnies, the corners and the big tables, I’m really full of admiration, and grateful to her for letting me join in. Wishing Alison and her students great rides tomorrow.
I met someone else this afternoon who I’m full of admiration for – Bronwyn. Bronwyn combines two of the hardest jobs in the world – groom and nanny, and she’s still smiling! It’s a miracle my two children are as wonderful as they are (or even alive, I think sometimes!). I used to think horses were hard work and they are, but children…! Yet Bronwyn looks after baby twins AND a toddler and still seems relaxed and like a normal person! She very kindly agreed to speak to me, and I must apologise for having her facing the sun and squinting, completely my bad.
Please, somebody give Bronwyn a medal! And a drink! Thanks again for talking to us, Bronwyn, we’ll catch up at Rolex. Thanks for reading, it’s a busy day tomorrow, so Leo and I are back to the Hampton Inn, and no we don’t get any kind of discount for mentioning it; in fact rather the opposite, I’m convinced that they’re longing for an excuse to get rid of us! We’ll be back tomorrow to Go Eventing!
