Jane
Deputy Editor of Horse&Rider Jane Gazzard
I may have ridden on and off for most of my life, but it’s only since I came back to riding 10 years ago after a long gap that I’ve experienced some of my greatest horsey challenges.
These challenges are admittedly nothing out of the ordinary, but they’ve certainly left their mark – probably due to the fact that as you get older, things become that much harder to do and ambitions more difficult to achieve. You’re much more aware of the pitfalls, the things that can go wrong – and the fact that you’re not as brave as you used to be!
Anyway, these challenges have resulted in me re-discovering my competitive streak – one that has been buried for longer than I care to remember! But now it’s back with a vengeance – and I’m loving every minute of it! I’m not going to take it so seriously that it becomes obsessive, but I’m glad I have my goals to work towards.
Like most people, I’ve had my share of horsy knocks – broken horses, unsuitable horses – and have been on the point of giving up altogether. And then along came Hendy (aka Carnaval King), the kindest, sweetest horse I’ve ever met…
He’s a 15-year-old British Warmblood who’s probably, in his former life as a Grade A showjumper, been around the world with his ‘job’ more times than I’ve had hot dinners! But despite his awesome credentials, he’s a bit of a baby, cheeky, unassuming and certainly not a show-off. But he is a load fun and together we have formed a close partnership and friendship.
Some people say I’m silly to treat my horses as pets, but that’s the way it is, I’m afraid – and that’s the way it will always be. So after what was obviously a demanding career, Hendy now probably thinks he’s died and gone to heaven! And all he has to do in return for all the cuddles and pampering is to get his mum out on the dressage circuit – something he’s achieved after her long break away from competitive riding.
We’ve spent hours together putting in the groundwork with professional dressage rider Lynn Wickes, who is also an excellent trainer. Lynn makes lessons fun and we talk for ages about everything under the sun, before we get down to the business of hard work. And with her help, we’re now slowly but surely reaping the rewards of that teamwork!
Tags: competitive streak, dressage, dressage competition, re-schooling for dressage, riding, showjumping
