09/10/2021
Absolutely love it when we receive news like this ❤️❤️
Well I woke up this morning expecting it all to have just been a nice dream, but instead I got to feel the excitement all over again that Dids and I really are National Champions!
I can maybe try and find some words today…
We have, like so many others, worked so incredibly hard in all weathers for months and years to reach this point.
Success doesn’t come easy to anyone, regardless of whether you’ve spent a lot or very little on horse/tack/transport/training.
The fact we have managed to reach this point without big finances doesn’t make us better than anyone else. However, I hope it does show any of you reading this who are in the same situation, some hope and belief in yourselves that it could happen for you too.
Managing to reach this point in our competitive career has come with a huge amount of hard work and commitment, but it could not have been in any way possible without our amazing support team.
Firstly, my amazing mum who has supported me through thick and thin and never doubted our ability for one second. She has ploughed all her spare money for many years to help me achieve our dreams and I haven’t ever met a more selfless and supportive parent, she is just the most amazing person. Hopefully one day soon I will manage to earn enough to let you retire mum 😂
My boyfriend Matthew too, who is the most supportive partner and never ever complains at all the time I spend with the horses. I reckon he thinks I’m totally mad but he never doubts me and regularly gives me a kick up the bum when I doubt myself.
Can’t forget my dad either, he’s not at events with me like mum is but he’s always rooting for me at home and has begrudgingly started to quite like the horses I think..(secretly though, he still whinges about them plenty in true Farmer fashion).
Secondly, I’d like to thank all the coaches and trainers who have helped me over the years. It’s been a huge learning curve and I have taken so much from lots of different amazing people. Ian Woodhead, Paul Langford, Angela Niemeyer Eastwood and Abi Lyle Dressage have been some key people in my journey in the recent years and I am so grateful to have had the chances to train with such incredible people.
Thirdly, I would love to give some serious credit for our success towards the people who keep Dids feeling his best. North East Animal Massage for keeping Dids feeling good in his body, he’s not got perfect conformation and can get quite sore and tight with all his hard work. Even just on Wednesday this week Aimee was out working her magic for over two hours in her evening to make sure we could get to champs with Dids feeling good.
Milburn Equine for incredible farriery and dentistry. Josh again was a key part of our success, not just for his hard work over the years ensuring Dids’ feet and teeth are kept at their best but also for saving the day when he picked up a very early abscess on Monday, if he hadn’t been so diligent we mightn’t have even been able to compete.
Premier Performance CZ for their GastroPremier supplement, keeping Dids’ stomach from being sore and sensitive.
And, Seven Mile Equine for their incredible work with Dids on the water treadmill, we have just started there with them this summer and it’s made a huge difference to his strength and power.
Finally, I’d like to say a huge thankyou to all of you followers and friends who support me. All your lovely comments mean SO much to me and I feel so grateful to only ever experience the kind and supportive side of the Equestrian industry.