Hey everyone! It’s me again, but now I’m a year older and bursting with even more excitement for the eventing season ahead. As a 17-year-old eventer, I’m excited to share with you my latest updates, goals, and adventures in the world of eventing. So, let’s dive right in and catch up on what’s been happening over winter in my eventing journey!
Setting Goals for 2024
As I embark on this new year, I’ve set my sights on some ambitious goals for myself and my horses. My main focus for 2024 revolves around progressing up the levels with Millie and Tango, aiming to reach CCI3* level by mid-season and establish consistency at the higher levels of eventing. Additionally, I’m excited to take both Millie and Tango to the British Junior Championships at Belsay in June. Last year, Millie finished inside the top 15, but this year, I’m determined to improve upon that performance with the ultimate goal of being selected to compete at the Junior Europeans in August. As for Candy, my fairly new addition to the team, I plan to kickstart her BE career and work towards consistency at BE100 level, with the possibility of attempting a CCI1* at the end of the season. However, as a typical chestnut mare, Candy certainly keeps me on my toes!
Embracing The Howden Way Talent Academy
At the beginning of 2024, I was thrilled to be selected to train on The Howden Way Talent Academy. This incredible opportunity has already brought me numerous benefits, including access to specialised training camps throughout the winter to prepare for the upcoming season. These camps have been immensely beneficial, allowing me to focus on specific areas of improvement and refine my skills ahead of the eventing season. The Academy also provides training camps before important competitions such as Belsay, enabling me to make any necessary adjustments before the big day. I’ve had the privilege of learning from some truly incredible coaches who have helped me grow and develop as a rider.
Prioritising Fitness for Success
As the start of the eventing season draws near, I’ve made adjustments to my horses’ workload routines to prioritise their fitness. For example, Tango now engages in dedicated fitness work sessions 1-2 times a week, interspersed with schooling and hacking sessions. I firmly believe that a fit horse is a happy horse, and maintaining their energy and stamina is essential for peak performance, even in the winter months!
Introducing My Latest Project: Red
Throughout the winter months, I’ve been busy breaking in Red, a rising 4-year-old Welsh Section D gelding. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience to watch him progress under my guidance, and I’m excited to start taking him out to small competitions in the spring. Red happens to be the nephew of Batty, the horse with whom I proudly clinched the title of Scottish Grassroots BE100 Champion in 2023. Working with young horses like Red is both challenging and fulfilling, knowing that I’m playing a significant role in their development and growth.
Fine-Tuning Diets for Peak Performance
With the eventing season on the horizon and the horses’ workload increasing, it’s essential to ensure their diets are optimised for peak performance. Throughout the winter, the horses’ feed intake is adjusted to reflect their lower workload. However, as we ramp up training in preparation for the season, it’s crucial to support their increased energy needs with the right diet. I’ve made adjustments to include more Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet in their diets to keep them hydrated and maintain efficient digestion. These fibre feeds provide slow-release energy without causing excessive weight gain, ensuring the horses remain in top condition for competition.
As I turn another year older and continue to pursue my passion for eventing, I’m filled with excitement and determination for the journey ahead. With new goals, exciting ventures, and a dedicated team by my side, I’m ready to tackle whatever challenges come my way and strive for success in the eventing arena. Thank you for joining me on this exhilarating ride, and I can’t wait to share more updates with you soon!
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