25/09/2026
Ready for a throwback… 10 years ago!!
I remember this lesson like it was yesterday. Before biomechanics, before any of the ‘Ponies that Produced Me’ and before I really had a clue what on earth I was doing 😂
I was working one of the best jobs I’ve ever had in my life, enjoying every second of every day, on a beautiful yard with some of the most wonderful people…but I did have this underlying nagging feeling every time I rode.
I felt behind
I felt like Lilly wasn’t up to the standard of everyone else’s horses
I felt like I wasn’t going to ‘get there’
Regardless of the fact it was an incredibly supportive yard, and hugely supportive people- having a baby horse that wasn’t doing all the spangly things everyone’s else’s (very established) horses were doing, was getting me down!
I rode more than I ever had, believing that the more I rode the quicker I’d catch up… WRONG
I was trying every trick and tale anyone could give me to fast forward the process… WRONG
I wasn’t really listening to Lil because the noise in my head of ‘being behind’ was always louder… WRONG WRONG WRONG!!!
This lesson, something just clicked, whether I just warmed her up better or she was having a good day. I absolutely OBSESSED over these video stills because she looked ‘on the bit’ 🙄
10 years ago, to my knowledge at the time, I had absolutely cracked the code! Prelim tests here we come and I was going to win 😂
10 years later I still feel like I can’t do a perfect prelim test, but now I have a deeper knowledge and understanding.
10 years later I’m not actually bothered about winning anything, I’m just happy to get the chance to ride!
10 years later my knowledge and understanding of horses and their way of going have hugely increased and continues to every single day.
This is why I’ll never EVER judge anyone in their riding journey, every milestone is an achievement. Every step of learning is progress to a deeper understanding.
Whether that is perfecting your half pass or just keeping a rising trot for 1 whole lap- I will NEVER be that girl that judges. I’m proud of you for making steps, however big or small.
So looking back, 10 year ago me and Lilly, were absolutely crushing it. I was just too focused on what we couldn’t do, and what everyone else around me was doing.
Despite what we were doing, not being as correct as I know it to be now 😂
It’s YOUR journey, focus on YOURSELF, not comparing yourself to everyone else around you!
Much love ❤️
