Introduction
Hey there! It’s me, Ruby, a 16-year-old eventer, and I’m here to share my exciting journey in the world of eventing now that I have finally finished school. As I navigate through the highs and lows of this thrilling sport, I want to take you along on this exciting ride. So, grab a cup of tea and get ready to delve into my diary filled with dreams, challenges, and unforgettable moments.
The Beginning of My Equestrian Adventure
Since I was a little girl, horses have held a special place in my heart. I have been riding ever since I could sit up when my mum would lead me around on my little Shetland. With unwavering determination, I embarked on this equestrian adventure, and little did I know the incredible experiences that awaited me.
Setting My Sights on Eventing Excellence
As my skills grew, I have gravitated towards eventing. From competing at my first showjumping event as a 5-year-old to now competing in the intermediate and open levels which at such a young age has been both a privilege and a testament to my dedication, but I’m determined to prove that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing my dreams, showcase my abilities, and pursue my dreams in the eventing arena.
Challenges of Higher Levels
Competing at intermediate and open levels brings a whole new level of thrill and intensity. The courses become more technical, the jumps higher and wider, and the competition fiercer. It’s a test of my abilities, both as a rider and as a young individual striving for excellence. But with each challenge, I grow stronger and more determined to leave my mark in the eventing world.
A Trusty String of Four
I am incredibly fortunate to have four exceptional horses to ride. Together, we have formed an unbreakable bond built on trust, communication, and what seems to be a shared love of competing! They have carried me through countless trials, victories, and moments of pure joy. Each horse brings their own unique set of talents and characteristics to the table, challenging me to grow as a rider and teaching me invaluable lessons along the way.
Triumphs That Fuel My Ambition
Reflecting on my eventing career so far, there have been several notable triumphs that have fuelled my ambition to reach greater heights. I proudly earned the title of Scottish Grassroots BE100 Champion, triumphed as a BE90 Area Festival Qualifier, and secured a remarkable 1st place finish at the Belsay Novice BE110. Moreover, my journey led me to achieve a well-deserved 1st place at the Kelsall Hill CCI2* event, and I had the privilege of being a finalist at the esteemed Badminton competitions in both 2022 and 2023, furthermore my achievements this year enabled me to be qualified to compete in the British Junior Championships where I finished 15th.
The Thrill of the Journey
Eventing is a rollercoaster of emotions, demanding resilience, courage, and a fierce competitive spirit. Nerves often take hold the night before a competition, filling me with a mix of excitement and anticipation. But as soon as I’m in the saddle, a sense of calm washes over me, and I embrace the thrill that comes from pushing boundaries and achieving the impossible.
Dreams Take Flight
My dreams stretch far beyond my current accomplishments. Representing my country on the international stage is a burning desire within me. I aspire to compete in renowned events, test my skills against the best, and make a lasting impact in the eventing world. With every competition, every stride, and every jump, I’m one step closer to transforming those dreams into reality and proving that age is not a barrier to success, for example a key aspiration of mine for the coming season is to compete at the Junior European championships next year!
Inspiring the Next Generation
As a 16-year-old eventer, I feel a responsibility to inspire and mentor the next generation of riders. Through sharing my experiences, offering guidance, and promoting the values of hard work, determination, and respect for the horses, I hope to ignite the same passion in others. Together, we can create a community of young eventers who are driven to achieve greatness.
Growing my career
As I have now finished education, I am beginning to start a business in the world of eventing, my aim is to help people with their horses and gain rides to help pursue my career. I hope to grow my business to have a big yard of competition horses, to be able to cater for all the horses’ different needs and abilities.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—the diary of a 16-year-old eventer striving for excellence in the thrilling world of eventing. It’s a journey filled with hard work, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams. As I continue to grow, learn, and push my boundaries, I’m grateful for the incredible horses, the support of my family, friends and sponsors, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Stay tuned!
FAQ
Balancing education and eventing require careful planning and prioritisation. I ensure that I stay organised, manage my time efficiently, and that I sought support from my school to accommodate my training and competition schedule when I was in full time education. I have just completed my GCSE’s this summer, whilst still competing, I made sure I balanced both riding and schoolwork by doing revision on the way to shows that way I didn’t have to think about doing it whilst I was there and just did it on the journey enabling me to be more relaxed when competing.
Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up on your dreams. Surround yourself with a supportive team, learn from every experience, and stay dedicated to improving your skills. Remember, every step counts, and setbacks are just opportunities for comebacks.
The eventing world can be demanding, but I embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth. I have a strong support system, including my family, trainers, and sponsors, who provide encouragement and guidance. Taking care of my physical and mental well-being is also crucial to cope with the pressures of the sport. I love the challenges this sport brings because I believe it makes you a better and stronger person and more resilient to situations in the future!
My long-term goals include representing my country at international competitions, competing in prestigious events, and continuously improving my skills as an eventer. I aspire to leave a lasting impact on the sport and inspire future generations of eventers.
British Horse Feeds are proud to have Ruby on board as a Brand Ambassador and are excited to follow her journey throughout her eventing career. Learn more about British Horse Feeds range of fibre feeds:
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