14/05/2025
So what a difference 3 weeks can make!
After the Winter Champs disappointment I spent some time figuring out what went wrong and started working on making it right.
Rocky has always struggled with true connection - thatās why he stayed at Novice level for 3 years - and when we did get a secure connection we flew through the levels to PSG and Inter1. But then he had several months off following surgery last yearā¦.. and I thought, after 5 months rehab, fitness and strength work that we would just crack on from where we left š¤·š»āāļøš How wrong I was!
We had lost that secure connection and I hadnāt even noticed - or perhaps I just didnāt want to ā¦ā¦ but retiring during our test at the Winter champs was actually just the wake up call I needed.
Fast forward 3 weeks and we returned to Addington for the Premier League. 3 days and 5 tests later weāre home and incredibly happy with the improvements made and results from each test.
Just outside the placings - although one judge did have me in 2nd for yesterdayās Inter1 š but I stuck to the plan of focussing on connection - you know, that thing that happens when a horse is truly engaged and on your aids and, well, just listening to you and trusting you - so it didnāt take a downward spiral at the first mistake (and there were mistakes) because I sat up, put my leg on, sent him into the rein and then rewarded him with a softening of my hand and he grew in confidence.
By our final test this morning I even began to feel those imposter monsters shrinking - like maybe we are in the right place and can play with the big boys and girls after all!
As always I cannot thank Justine enough. As a trainer, mentor and bloody good friend always keeping it real and being honest - and yes she told me several months ago Rocky wasnāt connected and engaged enough, I just pretended not to hear it š³
And all of my friends who gentle push me forwards with positive comments and words of encouragement
And of course the team at home who keep the horses happy and healthy and keep the yard running smoothly when Iām away! .equestrian18
Oh and photos by the very talented Justine Sole Photography