From Meg:
Over the last 2 years, I have worked closely with Sinead preparing for this year. Every single event with Tate grew increasingly more stressful and important. All of this buildup led us high and dry on the top of the alternate list with one very fit horse, one very empty bank account, and some seriously deep life questions to ponder.
So what did we do? Went horse shopping, of course. “When in Marlborough,” as they say…. Or some variation on that??
Former British team rider, good friend, and old boss of mine located in North Yorkshire connected us with Madame Butterfly Floating Zinger Beautiful French Queen (aka On Cue aka Q). And a connection of Sinead’s led us to (surprise! Another chestnut!) Hagan (rhymes with Megan…his name is still in question). Both are Training/Preliminary level horses and both very, very exciting new additions to Sinead Halpin Eventing.
And so, we have dragged ourselves out of the Olympic doldrums and landed somewhere between Hartpury and Burghley with Tate, Q, and Hagan.
With Burghley fast approaching, and with our growing herd, we have actually managed to stay quite busy at Maizey Manor. But with all these empty weekends sitting by while everyone else is at home going to This Event and That Three day, we decided to do a last minute entry at a British Event for On Cue.
Only in England can you – in the same day – go eventing, ride two at home, go running up gallops, bleach all your saddle pads, have 6 cups of tea, pull 2 tails, watch a movie, and still be done on the yard at 4… ok, so I only THOUGHT about running up the gallops.
We set off with Q and Alfie, one of Esib Power’s youngsters (we call them the “Rio crew”) for Wellington Horse Trials at 7:00. Our times were scattered throughout the day – but in England – efficiency is the name of the game, and people operate under the “go when you’re ready” clause.
We arrived at 8:15, walked courses, drank coffee. Dressage at 10:15. SJ at 10:45. XC at 11:15.
And were all cleaned, packed, and on the road by 12:00, with some less than desirable, but oh-so-perfect fried food in hand.
I honestly do not remember the last time I had so much fun at an event. Not that I don’t love the Burghleys and Rolexes of the world – but there was not one moment where the blood drained from my face, and I never found myself holding my breath, or talking to myself, or hopping on one leg every time Sinead jumped an obstacle. I didn’t yell at any slow moving spectators to get out of my way, or feel the need to analyze every jump or every movement.
Dressage warm-up was spent watching Burt-o with his fabulous hair on some fancy youngster, and giggling at a kid who nearly entered the dressage ring with his standing bandages still on. Show Jump warm-up consisted of a few verticals and oxers, and watching Tom Mcewan trying to stay on a naughty hunt pony who kept trying to buck him off. During XC I actually went to the middle of the course and watched Sinead ride rather than hiding under the press table with hands in prayer position (true story).
It was really the best way to spend the weekend before Burghley. Sinead and Esib were laughing and smiling all the way around as they navigated the youngsters around what we called “Burghley 100.” I literally had a moment of AHA! – remembering why I love my job. One very rewarding, relaxing, reaffirming weekend before we go tackle the biggest track in the world. (Has anyone seen the press table???? )
