“Jenna and BSP, welcome to the team!”
I’ve gone to numerous clinics, had countless lessons and have competed with at first fear and now excitement. I’ve worked with my fabulous sports psychologist, Nicole Stewart who’s kept me focused and my thoughts positive when things haven’t gone my way. I’ve written down my goals, I’ve spoken them out loud and I’ve visualised them. I believe I’ve manifested them and made them a reality. But wait, there’s more! Oh yes, there’s plenty more on the list.
I literally had to pinch myself when I was told the news. Was I dreaming? I mean this is something I’ve dreamt about and worked so hard towards for over 12 months. In fact, I have to admit, I cried with utter happiness when Bec told me I am now officially on the Melbourne Eventing Team! Wahoo!!
I have had more lessons with Deb Pace and we’ve continued on from our initial lesson and have been building on feel and more balance. I am enjoying going back to basics and working on the finer details. I also have my first dressage lesson on BSP this Saturday with Dave my team manager at MET which I am very excited about. It’s become clear to me that my strengths are jumping and I really do need to now focus on my dressage to obtain that elusive win and it will happen this year!
I also entered TTT CT this year at Wandin and went on a composite team. I was placed with the delightful girls from the Bunyip Equestrian Club and our name was “The Pink Bunyips.” I had been studying on campus at AEMI in Mt Macedon all week before the comp and hadn’t been able to ride Billy. The plan, albeit not a particularly good one, was just to wing it and see where we’re at for the start of the competition year. I trust Billy so much and I knew he would do his best for me.
I got the judges attention with my blingy bridle!
I arrived nice and early, before it got too hot and prepared for the day ahead. Billy was very relaxed and happily munching his hay as I plaited him. Once I had completed that I then went and walked the show jumping course. I find it quite surprising that I am beginning to now look at the fences and find myself thinking, “Gosh, they’re quite small.” Now that in itself is a massive indication to me of how far I have come. When I was first graded on Billy and had to jump the maximum grade 4 height, I literally had to sit on the ground for ten minutes afterwards because I thought I was going to be sick!
The course was really interesting with some challenging lines and I was excited about riding it. I was happy with my course walk so went back to Billy and completed our preparation. Around 45 minutes before we were due in the dressage arena, I tacked up and began to warm up. Billy felt tense at first but I met another girl who was competing for the first time and we spent a good ten minutes just walking around together and talking and supporting each other. I love TTT events, there’s no sheep stations and everyone is so helpful and kind. I wish all sports were like this.
Smiling through my test
I remembered what Deb had been teaching me in our flat lessons and especially in my canter transitions so I made sure I kept my knees and elbows relaxed and took a breath in and released it as I asked for the canter and bang, off Billy went, smooth as silk. I was thrilled. I headed in to the dressage area and as the judge was still writing I remembered Megan’s advice and rode a lap of the arena first to put Billy at ease in case there was anything spooky around. We then presented to the judge who greeted us with a big smile and said, “Wow, that’s a blingy bridle! I am going to need my sunglasses. Good luck.”
I rode back to the top of the arena and circled to the side of A so I could ride my straight entry line and the horn tooted and off we went. Billy did everything that I asked and to me, felt great. He was relaxed and obedient. I made a small error in my test and quickly corrected it when I realised, but I lost two marks, which was disappointing. However, this time it was Paul Tapner that popped into my head and said, “Don’t’ dwell on it. Let it go and move forward” and that’s what I did. I love how all of my coaches pop in when I need them with little reminders. It’s all coming together like a jigsaw puzzle!
At the end of the test I gave Billy a big cuddle and pat and then returned to the float and sponged him down and refilled his hay net and chilled out until my show jumping was on. I went and collected my test and it was average. I was awarded mostly 6s and the comments at the end were that we needed to be more forward and that BSP was making me work too hard. For our transitions the comments on all were obedient but we were only given 6s. I guess some judges do mark harder than others but it all gives me something to work towards.
Looking for the next fence - photo: Derek O'Leary
I prepared for my show jumping and warmed up in the arena by the administration block where there were less riders. Again, Billy was responsive and felt great. I jumped the fences a number of times and then, as it was hot, headed over to the arena. The stewards were letting riders in as they were ready so I said let’s go! As I was waiting, I was thrilled to be surrounded by my team mates from Bunyip who all wished me luck and patted Billy. We headed in and presented to the judge and off we went. Billy was loving it and I couldn’t stop smiling. He flew around the course, but unfortunately, I got a bit too excited and we knocked the top dazzle board. Other than that we went clear and had the fastest show jumping time in our section! Wahoo! I was really pleased and knew the error was my fault. Billy had performed brilliantly. My team mates clapped and cheered and that absolutely made my day! It was so lovely of them to make us feel so welcome and supported.
Up and over - photo: Derek O'Leary
Our team placed 37th over all and I placed 12th individually. I was thrilled! So now I am working on my dressage and the only way is up!
I recently entered Wandin training grade 4 and also Woady Yalloak training grade 4. I am very excited about this year and can’t wait to share it with you!
Until then, sparkle on and happy riding!
Jenna and Billy Sparklepants xox
