First of all, let’s talk about Nina in general briefly, and then today specifically.
Nina is riding all her horses extremely well. She is unbelievably mature and poised, and a pleasure to be around. I’ve only met her a few times but every instance have come away extremely impressed by how professional and friendly she is. Nina is aware of how hard her team works around her, and credits them often, but Nina works every single bit as hard, as far as I can tell. Here she is discussing her horses at Poplar, while she keeps an eye on Paddy in his cold-water boots.
All of her horses couldn’t be more different or couldn’t come from more different riders, and although she’s adapted slightly to ride each one of them, she gave them all a sympathetic but accurate and positive ride today, in both phases. Listen to her talk about them and you know she loves them, and knows them. I see her around the barn just as much as anyone.
Nina’s mother and dressage coach watch intently
I can’t begin to imagine trying to function under the kind of pressure that Nina is used to dealing with every day, but she handles it with immense grace and quiet humour.
Yes, she’s incredibly lucky, but she’s also working hard, chasing her dreams, and living her life just like anyone else. Go Nina, Go Team Thailand, and go eventing!
