As in everything, all riders have their preferred methods of bringing their horse to the trot-up feeling and looking their absolute best. There were some going out for hacks, some hand grazing, hand walking, and some doing long and low work in the arena.
Stephen Bradley and In The Fog heading back to the barn
Katie Ruppel and Houdini
Michael Pollard heading back to the barn
Emily Beshear worked Here’s to You long and low with lots of bending, in a hackamore with sheepskin, under the watchful eye of her husband, vet Dr Jeff Beshear. She told me it’s because he has extremely sensitive skin so his face gets chafed and rubbed very easily, plus he loves going in the hackamore. Under FEI rules you are no longer allowed to compete with sheepskin padding on the bridle, but Here’s to You looked like he appreciated the break this morning. She also added with a smile that he’s very pampered, which I think he rather deserves!
Off to the trot-up now, more pictures, thanks for checking in and go eventing!
