Wow, this horse thang can be tricky! I’m now two months in and the journey ahead looms enormous – overwhelming and daunting much of the time. For the first time in my life I’ve been forced to be open to admitting I’m feeling vulnerable – hella scared, even – and to ask for help. But I’m hanging onto the moments that feel full of promise and excitement. When it’s all about the journey. It’s so easy to be impatient: to long for the end result, the relationship to be built already, the trust in place, for things to be going right. But none of that will come without embracing the journey. So I’m going all in. I’m ponying up and stepping up. Because it’s a privilege to be in this position. Just having my horse is the culmination of two decades’ worth of dreaming, of getting stuck in to earn the money required, of being brave enough to go for it. And I’m constantly reminding myself to cherish every second.
For those of us in need of a break from the uphill climb, live vicariously through Laura Collett and London 52 (above) with this smooth ride on the gallops, and don’t forget to go eventing!
PS: Today is, I kid you not, National Working Naked Day (yes, really). I won’t divulge whether I’m typing this au naturel, but I do believe this initiative would perhaps be better supported if it fell at a more conducive time of year for stripping off the layers, but we all know eventers are made of tough stuff. If you’re planning on taking part, please don’t tag us in your shares, but definitely do wear a helmet.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Galway Downs 2024 Kickoff H.T. (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Sporting Days Farm February Trials H.T. II (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Three Lakes Winter I H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Friday News and Reading
Some sage advice for riding cross country safely and successfully with Karen O’Connor. Day 2 at the USEA Eventing Coaches Program Symposium was cross country day, and US Olympian and all-around eventing legend Karen O’Connor was on course bestowing the benefit of her experience and expertise on the participants. From bridging the reins and where your foot should rest in the stirrup to taking a green horse cross country, as well a detailed description of the four positions riders need to adopt during a round and what they communicate to your horse, there’s lots here for us all to be working on.
Farewell to Fair Expression who has sadly passed away aged 26. Found as a “starving” two-year-old, the lovely gelding known affectionately as ‘Percy’ went on to become an eventer for long-time owner of 22 years Sue Ringrose, who competed him up to Intermediate level before Ros Canter took up the ride in 2006, progressing to 3*. Sue’s daughter had her turn with Percy doing Pony Club and Juniors, and then he went on to become a schoolmaster for other aspiring eventers. He was a family horse who will be much missed by all those who knew him.
You may or may not have noticed the negativity on social media recently regarding the Amsterdam leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup. Whilst it’s obviously A-OK to have a voice and use it, these situations do make me worry about the future of equestrian sports. Eternal horsegirl, international dressage rider and trainer, and no stranger to the eventing dressage commentary box, Pammy Hutton weighs in with her opinion on whether such public outrage is contributing to dressage’s downfall.
Just when you thought you couldn’t love Tamie Smith any more… Behold the generosity, tenacity, and downright awesomeness of the Kentucky champ as she shares her ‘Lexus’ story.
From one eventing superstar to another – Ros Canter chats to Nicole Brown about her World Champion Allstar B. Listen in as Ros talks about her relationship with this very special horse, right from the first time they met, through the high highs at the very top of the sport, to the very low lows. Albie truly was a ‘horse of a lifetime’.
And finally, some thoughts on horsey parenting. It’s a tough spot to be in, there’s no doubt. Being the parent of an aspiring equestrian takes guts. It’s a physical, mental and emotional job over and above the physical, mental and emotional job that parenting a non-horsey child already is. Trainer Rob Jacobs has some sound advice for how best to support your kids’ equestrian journey.
Sponsor Corner
Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.
The 2024 Eventing Academy Calendar has been updated with open and close dates! Which ones are you signing up for this year? Looking Ahead to the 2024 Eventing Academy.
Video Break
From the gallops to the forest – if you’re in need of another trip with a top horse, here you go. Ride along with dressage superstars Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB in today’s Video Break.
