Dressage Triumph

Last weekend, Jess, one of our visually impaired volunteers took part in an In-hand show and dressage competition at her local riding school.  This is her story.

Sunday the 15 July was show day and it started with me arriving at Sunshine Riding school at around 9:15 in the morning (I’m not a naturally early riser) with a big bag of kit. Boots, riding hat, white gloves, jodhpurs, shirt, tea and blazer. Then there is the stuff for the horse, shampoo, styling moose, plaiting bands and combs.
I started with a good brush all over Tuscany’s body, which took about 10 minutes as I know her so well and know where she will be dirtiest. Next was to wash and shampoo all the white bits, 3 of her feet and her stripe down her face. Then I scrubbed the hooves and picked out the dirt from underneath. Then, onto the combing and plaiting of the mane. I even cleaned out her ears and nostrils! 10:20 and I put on her bridal then went and got myself dressed.
10:30 and out to the arena we go for the In-hand show. 12 horses a nd ponies with their handlers paraded around and then individually looked over and judged on how well groomed they were. After all were seen, the results were calculated and then the results were called. I got second place!

40 minutes later and it was my turn to perform my dressage test. On with the saddle, 5 minute warm up and I was called to the arena. It was a test I had not done before with movements I’d been practising for the last 7/8 weeks. I’d memorised the test and counted paces and orientated myself in the arena. Now I just had to ride it the best I could.
After the test I put Tuscany back in her stable to rest and I watched the competitors who followed me. Then was the wait to see where we all placed. So much tension! And there it was, another blue rosette, another second place! I was over the moon and so were my family who came to watch.

I am quite competitive and I want to do well but I really didn’t expect to place so high. I’ve been visually impaired all my life and have, as an adult, always pushed myself to do the things I see others doing. I was the only VI to compete and that was never in my mind as I think my sight shouldn’t affect my riding. And it doesn’t.

For more information about the Sunshine Riding School, check out their website https://www.sunshineriding.co.uk/