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 have made this 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 points, and build on what I am trying to achieve.
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..
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Playing Dirty aka 'Soap'
I was looking for another project horse to bring on and sell on, but that was 3 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'
My Mother has helped me from lead rein to Pony Club, School and Riding Club teams through to affiliated eventing, and we have shared the good and the bad times along the way. Despite her self-diagnosed 'technophobia' she will always pick up a camera and do her best to capture something of my performance! As well as towing, picnic making, brushing, polishing, early morning starts, and walking miles of XC courses with me she also makes time to enjoy dressage on her warmblood, and runs a successful livery yard.
Transport Logistics aka Dad
Since I got my first pony my Dad has always maintained our trailer and 4x4 to make sure we are fit for the road, and he's brilliant at odd jobs around the yard
Paparazzi and Groupies!
Despite being allergic to hay and horses my boyfriend Alex will often stock up on antihistamines to take some fab shots, it's great to have your own 'personal paparazzi' I also have to mention the lovely ladies from the livery yard who will often come along to competitions as 'GHE groupies' if they have the spare time, and are a great help as extra camera men, navigators and grooms - Thank you