21/10/2023
Finally time to sit still and reflect on the last 7 weeks!
At the start of September, Sergi and I headed off to Victoria for 6 weeks of boot camp and competitions, with the goal of competing at the Stable Ground Australian Dressage Championships 2023. Sergi was very lucky to be able to stay at CJ Park with Chris, Jason and Travis providing amazing care. I have been so fortunate to have the support of my wonderful coach Charlotte Pedersen and her family Rob, Minnie, Oscar and Ginger, along with my bestie Penny and Grant when down on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
The 6 weeks was extremely inspiring to be around so many professional horse people, being able to attend 5 competitions, ride at 3 of them, watch clinics with Peter Storr and Spencer Wilton, have Charlotte ride Sergi when I returned home for work and to have many back to back lessons. I met so many lovely people and learned so much.
After only 3 competitions in the past 18 months, it was an excellent opportunity to try new things, play with our competition warm ups, and get our focus back on the small details. I can’t believe how many of those little things I felt so out of practice with. Our two warm up competitions there was lots of trial and error, little mistakes and big learning curves.
The Australian Dressage Championships at Boneo Park nearly everything came together. Sergi was super. He looked and felt wonderful. We got to compete in the PSG on Thursday in the indoor and completed an energetic, mistake-free test. Certainly room for improvement, but I was very happy. We equaled our personal best score for 4th place 🎉🏆On Friday, we had the Inter 1, and our warm up felt incredible, Sergi was on fire and really listening to me. Unfortunately during the test, my lungs decided to let me down and I started having an asthma attack. This causes me to lose my coordination and balance. I really must have confused poor Serg, and in hindsight, I should have retired. That final halt down the centreline couldn’t come quick enough for me. We still managed a respectable score and 6th place, but was far from the test I was hoping to ride only minutes earlier. I could not be more proud of my beautiful pony though 🥰
It was awesome to see such a super group of talented quality ponies and riders coming through the FEI classes. It was the loveliest bunch of ladies to compete with. So positive and friendly. Fabulous to meet some of the riders I’ve been following for ages and catch up with old friends. I’m looking forward to next time!
As soon as our tests were over, Sergi and I were back on the boat to come home. An awfully rough crossing, but Sergi has travelled so well and is enjoying a well deserved week off.
There’s been so many highlights, many non-horse related! New friendships made, spending time with old friends, seeing Moulin Rouge on stage, Izzy coming over for 5 days - she even came to a competition with me 😱 I haven’t quite managed to get her to touch the horses yet 🤣 but she was very helpful! Catching up with my sister Nicki, Artvo, Chadstone, and exploring so many beautiful new areas. A big part of me could easily live in Victoria!
After so many months of planning for this trip, it’s a strange feeling now that it’s all over. Time to refocus on the next step. But also reflect on what has been an amazing experience that I couldn’t have done without so many people.
Charlotte, I couldnt have done this without you! Huge congratulations on your performances with Dan too 😍
CJ Park for caring for Sergi like one of your own.
Denise for always supporting everything Sergi and I dream about doing!
Amy for keeping me focused and inspired throughout the short winter days!
Penny for looking after Sergi and I on our trips to the peninsula.
Sergi’s team of Roderick, Steph, Anushka and Alistair who have helped him to look and feel so fabulous.
And of course biggest thanks to my super supportive family who are always encouraging to chase my dreams, even when it means I’m away so much xx
