Just a few weeks ago I found myself standing at the in-gate in my brand-new, never-been-worn, impossibly white pants, trying not to get slobbered on by a pony.
As I evaded his prehensile lips, it washed over me again that minutes earlier I’d just ridden in my first mini-prix. (Woohoo!) I had hopped off Fiona and then hustled over to the short-stirrup ring to coach Boots (our cookie-crazed, mouthy pony) and his child.
Well, it's over. The last Australian horses, Valinski and Fedor, left on Sunday afternoon, after I had to say goodbye. Saturday and Sunday morning were spent washing stable laundry, collecting and turning in Aussie federation equipment and packing trunks.
But then, I was gone, away from the horse I have spent three intense weeks with.
And it was intense. Not in a bad way at all, but in a constantly focused way. I hate making mistakes, and at this level, mistakes rarely happen. I made a few, was mortified, but corrected them quickly and learned and moved on.
Hello everyone,
It’s been an amazing few days down here at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Eventing’s just wrapped up, which Michael Jung simultaneously both predictably and incredibly won—on the same horse he rode last time he won individual Olympic gold. I’d ask my editors if we can run the 2012 story in the magazine so Lindsay and I can get a bit of much-needed rest, but I’m picturing an icy stare.
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