Reflections on two paths to the BD Winters

1. Your first pony?Kim: An amazingly well-behaved little white grey pony, called Paddington Bear.  He had quite the fluffiest ears you’ve ever seen. Lesley: I didn’t get my first pony until I was 11. He was a 14.2hh Arab/Connemara cross called Jester, and a great show jumper.

2. Your first dressage test?Kim: I did my first test on Bear when I was 6 or 7. We scored 8’s and 9’s – I think they must have added cuteness to the scales of training. Lesley: I was a late starter. When I was 15 I had an eventer, so I had to learn to do dressage.  I eased myself in by doing a Prix Caprilli test first.

3. Why dressage?Kim: I evented as a teenager, which was great fun but expensive. Then I started having lessons with Lady Joicey, who was inspirational. She didn’t care if your mount wasn’t flashy, as long as you wanted to learn. Lesley: I find it fascinating, the intellectual demands it makes, the attention to detail that’s needed. I think it appeals to my OCD tendencies!

4. When did you first meet your Winter Nationals horse?

1. What is your favourite thing about him/her?Kim: She is a total worker, always tries for you.  I just need to be careful not to do too much. Lesley: Mine is the same, he has a great work ethic, always giving everything he’s got. And he only needs a short warm-up, then starts working immediately so I never spend long on him.  That will really help his longevity.

2. What does he/she find easiest?Kim: We’re just progressing lateral work and starting changes, and she honestly finds everything easy.
   

Lesley: Again, I’d make a very similar comment. Wex finds everything easy, my only problem is that he can try too hard. He has a lovely walk,  a great foundation to work from.

1. What are your future competition plans?Kim: We’ve already qualified at Novice and Elly for the summer regionals. I’d love to get her qualified in the 6yo classes, and get at least to the semi-finals.  My goal is be competing at medium this Autumn and Advanced Medium next year. Lesley: This is only his fourth PSG, and we’ve already completed his first Inter 1, with 70%.  I’m planning an Inter 2 by the end of the year.

2. When you are not riding this horse….?Kim: I run my own dog grooming business, The Grooming Room, in Dumfries.  I work the hours that suit clients – so that usually leaves me time during the day to ride. Lesley: I’ve a 22-horse livery yard, a mix of eventers, dressage horses, and riding clubbers. I teach at home and for clients – I’m off tomorrow to do two days with the Kings Troop. I’m also a Futurity judge for the BEF, and Young Horse for BD.

3. What is your horse’s favourite treat?Kim: Every 10 days or so we box up and go with a friend for a long hack on quiet lanes and forest tracks.  It totally unwinds her – and me. Lesley: Wex is addicted to carrots, and loves his regular physio and McTimony sessions

4. And your favourite treat?Kim: Prosecco! Lesley: Prosecco!