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 sort of reception to expect. The reaction to the site, generous offers of sponsorship, and blog readers’ comments have been overwhelming and made 2009 my best season yet! 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.

I am currently competing at BE90/BE100 on my retrained ex-racehorse ‘Soap’. He is consistently improving on the flat gaining scores placing us in the top 10-15 horses after the dressage, and is bold, brave, and honest XC. Like many eventers though SJing is our bogey phase, but I am determined to crack it so that we can find ourselves in the ribbons someday soon! I hope to take ‘Soap’ to Novice within the next couple of seasons, and will be bringing on my other horse ‘Jack’ through the lower levels. Jack really is a ‘gift horse’ as he was given to us after he had broken his leg. My plans for Jack are longer term, I hope to rehabilitate him, retrain him and event him, but there is a lot of work ahead with Jack as he has had a previous career as a point 2 pointer. I think Jack has the scope and attitude to adapt, and as he’s such an endearing character he’s worth the effort, so watch this space..

Whilst training and competing I have met some fantastic instructors, picked up some invaluable advice, and hopefully progressed as a rider, but none of this would have been possible without the help, and support of my friends and family so…Thank you. x

My horse power…

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 that was 4 years ago and he’s still here! 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 is now possibly the most easy to do tb around. He always tries his hardest for me, and I love his straight forward (if a little daft) attitude.

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 hope to re-school Jack to event as he has fantastic paces, and with a previous career in point 2 pointing I’m confident the XC won’t be an issue for him, I just hope he has the temperament to cope with competition stress as he can be a worry wart at times, but I am hopeful he will take to eventing.

Dustry aka ‘Dusty Bin’

I bought Dustry in October 2009 after his failed racing career, and he is my current ‘project horse’. He will be 4yrs old in March 2010 and I aim to begin then re-schooling him on the flat, and start some initial jumping education which should set him in good stead for a his future career with a new owner by the summer. So far he is proving a real sweetie, but as I don’t want to jinx things I’ll leave it at that!