Dirty and loving it
As I write my latest blog, Billy Sparklepants is standing in the paddock nearby happily eating grass and slobbering on the remains of the five carrots I’ve just spoilt him with. He’s enjoying a much needed and very much deserved spell of five weeks. I can’t stand not riding, but I know he’s tired and he needs to rest. Never fear though, I have booked in four lessons over the Christmas break with Lauren Gretgrix so I can maintain my training in Billy’s off season. Our first competition for 2013 is TTT Showing. I’m not normally a fan of showing but I think it will be fun and a nice way to ease Billy back into things.
We've come a long way this year
So, as I watch this beautiful creature, I got to thinking about the past 12 months and was hit with a moment of utter amazement as I realise just how far we’ve come.
Presenting Megan with our own ‘bronze medal’ was a highlight of the year
2012 has been an incredible year for BSP and me. We’ve done some really amazing things. We’ve trained regularly with our wonderful coach Megan. We shared her highs and lows at the Olympics and Burghley and presented her with our own Bronze medal.
We’ve also trained with Amanda Ross and attended another three day camp with Paul Tapner (above) where we gained confidence and won the most improved rider award! I think Paul was impressed with our new found confidence and even had us jumping some Preliminary fences! We placed second in the AM2 speed class at TTT Show Jumping – that was a massive WOW moment for me. (I’ve included our results for the year at the bottom of this blog so you can see how far we’ve come).
I’ve really enjoyed this year. We’ve had our ups and downs but I’ve gained confidence and even more trust in the horse that I love and adore with my heart and soul. I honestly can’t put into words how much I love Billy. I love the downs, because they keep me grounded and I find I am more understanding of Billy and why he does things, as well as recognising my own faults and I have become even more determined.
I’ve made wonderful new friends this year too, who continue to inspire me and always support us at competitions. It’s so nice to see their familiar faces when we’re out and about.
I’ve worked hard on my own mental and physical fitness this year too to enable Billy and I to continue our incredible bond. My riding has improved ten fold with my fitness. Thanks to Nicole from Sports Performance Coaching and Fiona Dearing, my amazing sponsor and my PT Jocelyn, I’ve discovered and implemented the new tools I needed to get me the results I’ve been dreaming about. That elusive blue ribbon is definitely coming in 2013!
My goals for next year are to be confidently riding Grade 3 fences and to continue to compete and train as much as I can. I also plan to be on the Melbourne Eventing Team in 2013.
On a personal level outside of my equestrian life, I’ve kicked some major goals there too! I have been fortunate to be elected as Secretary for my CFA Brigade and I have attended some amazing courses. I also won a $13k scholarship to the Australian Emergency Management Institute where I am studying an Advanced Diploma in Emergency Management (Public Safety).
I have very much enjoyed writing for An Eventful Life and I hope you’re all enjoying our journey. We can’t wait for 2013.
We wish you all a very happy, safe and sparkly Christmas and New Year.
Happy riding and lots of sunshine,
Jenna and Billy Sparklepants. xoxox
Results for Kaiora Eventing Team in 2012
Yarrambat Horse Trials 2012
8th place -Grade 4
TTT SJ 2012
2nd A2 - Grade 4
8th AM7 - Grade 4
9th 2 Phase Grade 4
5th Overall Section 4E
Melton HT Grade 4, 2012 - BRONZE! 3rd Place (This was for our coach, Megan and our BEST placing for the year!)
2nd Place MARC Grade 4 Dressage - 2012
4th place MARC Grade 3 Dressage - 2012
6th Place Trafalgar ARC, Moe Grade 4 CT - 2012
6th Place Top Teams Trophy HT Grade 4 - 2012
8th Place Mansfield HT Grade 4 - 2012
11th Place Top Teams Trophy CT Grade 4 - 2012
14th Place Donvale ARC HT Grade 4 - 2012
