30/07/2022
I think it’s safe to say that this week has demonstrated to me the highs and lows of competitive sport.
I have been lucky enough to be part of the first ever GB Junior team to win a medal at a Dressage European Championships🇬🇧. I am so grateful for this opportunity and honoured to have been part of such a fantastic team of strong combinations which enabled us to achieve the bronze medal together🥉. This really was a dream come true and exceeded any expectations I had prior to the competition, I couldn’t have hoped for any better.
However, it just wasn’t meant to be for Eddie and I in the individual test on Friday. Despite a promising start to the test, just before the canter work, Eddie unfortunately spooked and reared. Understandably, this lead to elimination due to safely concerns from the head judge. Off course this was utterly gut wrenching as we had worked so hard to reach this far and had hoped to qualify to ride in the freestyle.
It is a moment I’ll never forget and I’d never wish on anyone as I can honestly say that it was the most difficult experience of my dressage career so far. It is important to remember that at the end of the day horses are unpredictable and not machines which inevitably means things don’t always go to plan.
However, I am still so proud of what we have achieved this week and have decided to focus on what an incredible experience this has been. Now onwards and upwards as we move up to young riders this year❤️.
