What is GHE about?…

GHE recounts my highs and lows as I compete in the sport of eventing, my quest as a grass roots rider to secure sponsorship, and how I try to effectively promote my sponsors in return.

I launched the site in October 2008 and had no idea what to expect. The reaction to the site, generous offers of sponsorship, and blog readers’ comments have been overwhelming.

Another benefit I didn’t anticipate was the added focus and constant reference point the site has given me, helping me avoid past mistakes, remember the good times, and build on what I have achieved so far.

Like many amateurs I don’t have the budget to buy a ‘ready made’ event horse, so as I live surrounded by race yards I have developed a bit of a habit for re-schooling ex-racers!

Every season whilst training and competing I get to meet some fantastic instructors, pick up invaluable advice, and compete in a variety of other disciplines so my blog reports on all things ‘blog-worthy’ that my horses and I get up to. I wouldn’t be able to pursue my hobby as a competitive rider without the constant help, and support of my friends and family so…Thank you very much peeps. x

My horse power…

Dustry aka ‘Deebers Weebers’

I bought Dustry in October 2009 after his failed racing career (well he did win once but that must have been an off day for everyone else!), and he was initially purchased as a ‘project’. As time has gone on his potential has really become apparent, and with the loss of Soap I now I hope to bring him on to become my next eventer. He has a gorgeous attitude and is a total dude to be around, if a little Diva-esque at times! So keep updated via the blog on our progress as I try to turn him into my next event horse!

Playing Dirty aka ‘Soap’

I bought ‘Soap’ in 2006 from an advert in a local free paper for the bargain price of £1000. I was looking for another project horse to bring on and sell on, but somehow he turned into a permanent fixture! He was ‘rather exciting’ to ride when he arrived as a 6yr old straight off the track, but after a few months of consistent 1 to 1 contact he started to chill out, and turned into possibly the most easy to do tb around. He always tried his hardest for me, and I loved his straight forward (if a little daft) attitude. Sadly after 5 years of a thoroughly enjoyable competitive career together a freak field accident meant he had to be PTS in August 2011. I owe him so much, he really was a horse in a million. He wasn’t a world beater or any major talent but he had a peerless temperament and I loved him very much.

Mr Jack Fry aka ‘Jack’

Jack came to us free after a kick in the field which caused a crack in his near fore. He didn’t enjoy the bandaging or box rest and was a pretty grumpy biting machine for a while, but once he could be turned out again he mellowed out. I had hoped to be able to re-school Jack for a competitive career, but as the years are against him and he doesn’t owe us anything he is just going to live out his days as a happy hacker, and he says that’s fine by him!