I have been competing since the age of nine, but got the 'bug' when I was on holiday with my parents aged four. I was placed on a donkey called Katie (still remember her to this day and may even have an old pic knocking around) which decided instead of going with the rest of the donkey group, she would take me for a gallop across the beach in the other direction!
Instead of screaming and falling off, I apparently took up the reins and pulled her up whilst laughing and smiling (despite never riding before). The man, after initially apologising to my parents, took my dad to one side and simply said 'you need to get her on a horse' and I was lucky enough that my dad started me up on lessons and very lucky to get my first pony Merlin in 1995. He was sold to us as a bombproof first pony but was the complete opposite, and despite being inexperienced and going through a tough few years with him, I was determined I’d never give up.
Merlin blossomed from a crazy uncontrollable 5 year old to an amazing show jumper who won countless classes for me throughout Northamptonshire but sadly in October 2013 he suddenly passed away from a neurological haemorrhage in a matter of hours. 4 weeks before he died Merlin won two local classes for the third time in a row at a charity show which I now sponsor in his honour. I was devastated but felt the knowledge and experience he has given me has helped me so much with my other horses.
I am from a complete non horsey family (my dad was the only person involved with horses but unfortunately he passed away when I was 13) so looking after and competing my horses can be difficult and expensive at times but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I find the satisfaction of the achievements we gain together far out way the costs and I have developed so much as a rider through riding a variety of horses, and receiving training from a local grand prix rider and natural horseman/BHS instructor that the wealth of experience gained is immeasurable.
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After having a long wait and some lunch at the onsite café, it was time to get ready for the Joan Wolfe Overall Supreme Shetland Pony Championship. I got changed out of my usual showing outfit into black trousers and a maroon top with white spots, as you are expected to be a bit more “bling” in the evening.
We were all set to go for our next outing, and were super excited. That was until I heard the dreaded clunk of a loose shoe! I checked it over, praying it wasn’t too loose, but, nope, it was going to need a refit.
This show almost passed me by as I was unaware of the show organisation. Luckily, the schedule was posted on one of the Shetland pony Facebook groups that I am a member of. The show was being held at Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex, which is where I should have gone to a show a month or so earlier, but was ill and unable to take Diva (Melland Queen of Scots).
Since the show, Bob’s been enjoying a bit of a rest with a few lunge sessions and being lightly ridden, but I’m gearing him up hopefully for a show either this weekend or next. Wish us luck, and the poor arena pole pickers too, as he does like to send some sailing!