Loki at the Summer Championships
2021 has arrived and it feels strange to think how much should have happened by now. With the postponement of the Olympics and Paralympics to this year it feels a bit like déjà vu having planned our diaries again and seeing the countdowns to the Games reappear. Many have labelled it ‘2020-again’ but I think we’d all agree that’s one year that we’d rather not re-live!
Once I was able to return to riding and with the confirmation of Tokyo being postponed it was refreshing to be able to enjoy the summer months without the pressure of selection trials and an upcoming championship to contend or prepare for, which we usually have at that time of the year. It’s rare to have such a long period where you can teach the horses new things without the fear of them making mistakes that will come out in competition.
Pimms in training at Solihull
Mixed in with intermittent lockdown periods we did in fact manage to get the horses out to compete, with the revised Summer Championships at Solihull at the end of August where LJT Diamond Crusador (Loki) took wins in both classes and Dior (Pimms) came along for a training outing and did some brilliant work in the arenas. We then had the Keysoe International where just before I got on for the team test Pimms managed to snap her shoe in half. I’ve heard the phrase “I’ve never seen that before” quite a lot throughout my career and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down… Ever the professional, despite the mild pre-test panic, Pimms trotted out to complete a solid team test finishing just behind Loki, who went on to complete three consistent tests throughout the show, adding to his growing International experience.
When allowed, I’ve managed to continue with some coaching and I also partnered up with the BD Central Region for my first coaching day with them, which saw some lovely combinations come forwards. With only December left to qualify for the Winter Regionals and my goal to ‘enjoy the competitions’ I decided to take on a new challenge and do my first able bodied competition with Loki. I’ve never done a Christmas themed freestyle before but with both shows in December I thought there wouldn’t be a better chance, so I put together a combination of Mariah Carey, Deck the Halls and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and off we went! I was over the moon to win both my classes on scores of over 77% gaining our ticket to Regionals. Having previously focussed fully on Para classes, it’s been a number of years since I’ve attended so I was quite looking forward to competing and being able to put myself under a different kind of pressure. With the gaol of getting him in another arena with (hopefully) a busy atmosphere, fingers crossed BD are able to work their magic and reschedule them so that they can take place.
I love my horsebox - thank you John Oates Horseboxes!
Finally, we had a very special delivery of my lovely new horsebox by John Oates Horseboxes. They’ve managed to create a stunning and spacious design that fits all of my needs within a 7- tonne lorry, combining the pro’s of both a small and larger horsebox into one! I’m so thrilled to be working with such a fantastic and forward-thinking company, so do take a look at their site if you’re looking for your next lorry.
This lockdown I’ve moved to Lincoln to be able to continue riding and as the January weather brings rain, snow and more rain I’ve set up my trampette in Soph’s garage as I might not be able to avoid getting wet when I ride but I can at least stay dry for my work out! I feel grateful to have been able to continue working and riding throughout these crazy times but all we can do is continue to adapt and take each day as it comes.