Nothing could have set up my day at Rocking Horse better than bumping into Samantha St Jacques first thing this morning on the way back from her dressage- if only I’d arrived a tiny bit earlier in time to see it. I’m glad to say EN karma must be working as Samantha is currently the overnight leader after dressage and show-jumping in the Open Intermediate division, but I’m far happier to say I met her absolutely gorgeous son Sterling.
Samantha, like all eventing mothers, is a superwoman, and I’m collecting data on buggies and assorted paraphernalia that mothers can’t do without at events if you want to weigh in via the comments section below. Samantha’s husband, Pierre, is equally lovely – you could hardly hope to meet a nicer couple. I’m going to admit another embarrassing story that when I first got to know Pierre via the 2010 Radio Show I told him that his horse Lucky Tiger, who he was aiming for the World Equestrian Games, on the dressage team, reminded me SOOOO much of my own OTTB ( a 5 year old at the time who had never broken his maiden and was perhaps going training, but to me very beautiful of course, I did honestly mean it as a compliment!) and I even emailed him pictures (I’m cringing as I write this!). Most dressage riders, indeed normal people, would have been insulted, disgusted and never spoken to me again, but he was so kind and sweet, and I’m very happy to say he indulged my insanity, and we’ve all been friends ever since!
Belated congratulations to Pierre and Samantha on such a beautiful, smiling son and wishing them both the very best of luck this year! Go Lucky Tiger, Go Grand Prix Dressage, Go OTTB’s and Go Eventing (mothers!)
