Leah Haworth Equestrian

05/11/2024

Well here it is ... the whole race !
I'm blue and yellow silks with Ensel Du Perche.
I went too wide trying to find a gap and then left it too late to push as he had plenty left being a 3mile chaser but what a fabulous ride he gave me 🦄 I know what to do next time 😉😂
Brilliant riding from everyone and such a good atmosphere 👏 🐎

03/11/2024

WHAT. A. DAY!!!
Still on cloud 9 after the most fabulous day at Wetherby - official pictures and videos to follow so just a quick roundup for now. 🐎

First of all I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone single person who supported me - it really meant so much to me. I've read all your comments, messages, cards etc and I'm so grateful ❤️

My amazing family who put up with all my daft ideas and always support me 100% throughout ❤️ my lovely friends who came to cheer me on on the day - hope you all enjoyed yourselves 😊

The wonderful Beth Betty Ford who looked after my yard at home ( as well as everything else she does in one day!)

Stella and the whole yard at Lancashire Racing Stables who have given their time to teach me, kindly offered me Ensel for the race and an extra thank you to John for leading Ensel, keeping me calm and laughing right up until the last second.
Of course the biggest thank you goes to Ensel Du Perche 🐎🦄 it takes a special horse to look after a firstimer and he brought me home safe and sound despite probably feeling very confused over 1 mile flat when his idea of fun is a 3 mile chase 🤣 3rd at the halfway point and finished 6th 🍾 What a good lad he was 🦄

All your kind donations will go to such a good cause ❤️ the BHS are a huge part of the horsey community and have been supporting horses and riders for over 70 years 🦄 Thank you again to everyone who chipped in - it all adds up and is very much appreciated 👏

The day was over in a flash and I want to do it all over again! 🐎🐎🐎

31/10/2024

🐎 One more sleep until race day! 🐎
Very excited and nervous mixed into one but I'm so looking forward to it!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me and donated. You are all contributing to very good cause 🥰
Racing TV are scheduled to show the race at 11.45 providing everything is on time - if there is a big delay the race will be filmed and shown later.
Donations are still being taken online on my just giving page 🐎

Help Leah Haworth raise money to support The British Horse Society

26/10/2024

With 6 days until the big race - meet my cheeky partner in crime - Ensel Du Perche! 🐎 He's looked after me on the gallops at home like a true gent and I'm so excited to ride him next week. He was a 2x winner for the yard and a lovely boy all round.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of Lancashire Racing Stables and Stella Barclay.
I've had a brilliant time learning all things racing and if you don't already follow them - please do! They have some really exciting horses to follow! 🐎🏆

Donations are still being taken so please click the link and give whatever you can - every little helps and it all goes towards a brilliant cause.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/leah-h-bhsrace1?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fleah-h-bhsrace1&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

20/10/2024

Well I'm glad I went jumping yesterday and not today! 🌧🌪
Another fantastic event run by Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre - even the sun made an appearance ☀️

Walter grew in confidence as he pinged round, there was plenty to look at, lots going on and some fair questions. A clear round and just 0.65 speeding penalties landed us with a 3rd place ♥️🦄

Thank you to KT Equine Photography for my lovely photo 📸

07/10/2024

Another educational outing with Walter yesterday at Bold heath for their arena eventing 🦄
Walter has never been there before and there is alot to look at with loads of fences, turns and then having to leave the arena to jump the water splash before jumping back in again.
He really was such a good boy to jump a fab round. Just a shame he tapped the planks before the water and the joker fence at the end - as it turns out these were the most expensive fences to have at 6pens and 10pens 🤦‍♀️ we also had 5 speeding time faults so we were dropped out of the placings but rosettes don't matter when your pony tries his hardest ❤️
He learnt alot and he was so much calmer having his companion friend Toffee with him 🦄❤️ standing still isn't his forte 🙄 but he stood quietly on the lorry the entire time with Toffee there to babysit so yet again another positive from the day 🦄
Thanks to Lottie Christian Photography for lovely pictures once again ❤️

03/10/2024

All getting a bit real now! 😳👀

Course walk with Andrew Thornton at Wetherby done 💪
Lots of valuable information, tips and tricks for the day 🐎
Hopefully I'll be standing by this winners post 😂 but looking forward to just enjoying the day 🐎

Hospitality ticket link here :
https://tickets.wetherbyracing.co.uk/sales/fixtures/friday-1st-november-2024---the/dining--hospitality/bhs-hospitality-marquee?fbclid=IwY2xjawFanJxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZGlqL4ja2aHlehS-eTG7bMXsxCq1NRbgMz21RKQa61f5F_gyHZsxVYeDg_aem_JR-2XusjWqzV-VPcbkvYyg

30/09/2024

🥳 Jockey fitness test and riding assessment--- PASSED!!!! 🥳
Last Thursday we headed to Doncaster racing college to have our jockey fitness test and riding assessment for the BHS charity race.
I was so unbelievably nervous! Even though I've worked really hard to get fit, there is something about a test that just adds the pressure.
I haven't had the confidence to post any workout videos, but the very incredible Ben at Ainsworth body science has kept a record of my progress during training. I visited Ben 2x a week, plus he gave me homework, plus all my usual day to day work and activities - I've never been so fit! I'm really proud of the progress I've made and from the chart below, you can see I've gone from 1.18 plank to 4 mins! And a 20second press up hold to 75seconds, plus zero leg raisers to 2.15! I've really struggled with pain from scar tissue adhesions after 3x abdominal surgeries so this felt like a huge deal to me and proved to me that you can always do more to help your body.

The fitness test was first and nerves got in the way a little bit, plus I really struggled to focus my breathing. Although I passed, I was initially abit disappointed with myself that I didn't score as highly on some elements as what I had in training - however on Friday I was forced to go to the drs for antibiotics and steroids for a nasty sinus infection - not into excuses but it quite possibly explains why I couldn't breathe!
We then had lunch and carried on the day with our riding. I was allocated the lovely Novel Dancer ( bred by the late Queen!) And we had a very jolly time cantering around.
We then all had some extra training on the simulator- a first for me. The extra tips and pointers from the very knowledgeable Kim Tinkler were a huge help and it's given me alot more confidence in where I should be and what my body should be doing. For anyone who thinks jockeys just sit there - you are so wrong!
The day was gruelling but fun and I've been totally pushed out of my comfort zone and I've learnt so much.
Countdown to race day is ON!! Enjoys these pics of me trying not to give in during the test 💪🤣

Donations page - please keep sharing!! 🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/page/leah-h-bhsrace1?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fleah-h-bhsrace1&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

22/09/2024

Fun morning at Wilmslow riding club for their hunter trials. When Google maps said it was next to Manchester airport- it really wasn't lying 😲
Walter is still learning lots of new things in life but as usual he tried his hardest.
He was very keen and with both hands firmly on my neckstrap we set off to jump a lovely clear - or so I thought ......🤦‍♀️ for the first time ever I missed a jump 😬 and poor Walter had a big fat E next to his name when he really didn't do a thing wrong. Abit annoying but no excuse for not concentrating 🙄
Walter jumped clear in my eyes and learn alot whilst gaining confidence with every stride.
Thank you to all involved, it was a lovely day despite the weather and my elimination 🤣
What a good boy Walter 🦄

19/09/2024

Fabulous time at Craven Country Ride as always. The ground was PERFECT! Walter is barefoot and after his pedal bone fracture I am super fussy about what ground he goes on so believe me when I say it was spot on. Walter was, as usual, just a total superstar and jumped everything. I even let the handbrake off for a quick sprint 🐎

15/09/2024

The smallest on the yard vs the biggest 🤣
Also featuring Lily the cat 🐈 who has to be centre of attention!
My own tiny Toffee ( 13hhs) stood next to Cruise who measures in at a whopping 17.2hhs 🤣
Cruise has been an absolute pleasure to have on the yard and what a bright future he has with his lovely owner 🦄

20/08/2024

✨️✨️WALTER IS A WINNER!!!!! ❤️✨️✨️ My darling boy flew round double clear - his first show this year! I can't believe what a star he is❤️ from failed racehorse, to broken bones and Kissing spines - TO A CHAMPION!!! ❤️ Love you Walter ❤️🦄
Thanks as always to my incredible mum for everything and for believing me when I said to not give up 🦄 thank you to Majestic Photography for the beautiful photos ❤️ what an incredible show and huge thanks to all involved Aintree International Equestrian Centre

RoR National Championships

11/08/2024

An emotional week as we waved goodbye to Evie who found the most perfect home. I truly believe there is the perfect horse and human match available for everyone and Miss Evie has 100% found her person. I learnt so much from her and will always be grateful. Good luck little Miss Evie, big dreams are waiting ❤️

02/08/2024

Game face 😎 It's getting serious now! Trying to perfect my position and tuning into my balance - all the training is paying off and feeling alot stronger 💪
Tickets are live!!! And able to buy through this link ⬇️ ( hopefully- please someone tell me if it doesn't work🤣 ) https://tickets.wetherbyracing.co.uk/sales/fixtures/friday-1st-november-2024---the/dining--hospitality/bhs-hospitality-marquee

29/07/2024

After changing my mind multiple times, I have finally decided that it's unfair for me to keep pushing Evie out of her comfort zone with the bigger courses, when she so clearly loves her showing and smaller fences. A sad sale - she will only go to the best of homes where she will reach her full potential.

Franbella is a stunning 7yr old mare by the stallion Hellvelyn, and out of a mare by Authorized.She retired sound from racing in 2020 and has been carefully and correctly retrained ever since.In a short showing career she has had many wins and champships but some highlights inclu...

08/07/2024

Walter 😍🦄😍
My little comeback king and what a complete star he is...
A while ago I had Walter advertised for sale. For those that don't know, my dad was incredibly poorly - in fact we very nearly lost him on a number of occasions.
With just me and mum working on our full yard, clients horses and my freelance crew we just weren't coping. I decided to ease the pressure and try to sell Walter as he's such a dude and everyone loves him. Well... it turns out that Walter doesn't love everybody back and after a series of unfortunate ( and stressful!) events, Walter managed to self sabotage every single sale 🥴🤦‍♀️I decided the universe wanted me to keep him, so I took him off the market. With the better weather and the absolutely fabulous news that my dad was recovering, life didn't seem so bad and I started to work Walter more.
I then noticed little changes in his behaviour, he had started to be abit grumpy in the stable ( not like him at all) and he was swishing his tail alot and running into his canter transitions.I knew these changes were out of character and something was bothering him. Poor lad had quite a bad case of Kissing spines 😭
I want to make it very clear that Walter displayed NO typical pain or "naughty" behaviour at all. Not one single buck, rear, spook, spin or bolt and not once was he bad to tack up or get on! Horses are great at just putting up with things and I can't believe how much Walter did just put up with. He always came out wanting to work and he never refused anything I asked of him. I feel so lucky that every time I sat on his back, he chose to look after me instead of sending me into the ground which I would have totally deserved!!
Treatment and full rehab later and he is back to his jolly self and jumping even higher than before 🦄❤️ I can't thank Emily at Pocket Nook Equine Vets Ltd. Enough! Her kindness and expertise has been beyond brilliant and Walter has a whole new outlook on life.
Please, please take note of any changes in your horses behaviour, attitude, facial expressions and way of going. By the time horses are displaying typical symptoms of pain, they are usually at the end of their tether and can't go on.
This post isn't to make anyone feel bad - I just honestly think we all need to be more aware of what our horses are trying to tell us - me included!
Walter is staying with me for life now and we'll do all we can to keep him comfortable but for now he is really really loving life ❤️🦄

* I also realise I am in the very fortunate position to help Walter and this post isn't meant to upset anyone*