“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” is one of my favourite phrases. So often in competition, especially when things go wrong, we talk about what you can buy – the best horse with the most potential, the expensive clothing, the sessions with the best coach / instructor / sports psychologist. However it is the existenceContinueContinue reading “When Opportunity Met Preparation”
Author Archives: equestrianreality
Riding Club Festival – Survival Tips
It is almost time for the annual riding clubs festival. Times have been issued, weather apps are being consulted, child of prague statues are being plonked out on doorsteps, plans are being made and lists are being written. You can check out what I learned at last year’s festival here. In the meantime, considering IContinueContinue reading “Riding Club Festival – Survival Tips”
Stunning Sights at Stag And Stallion
Last night a group of us headed into the Doorway Gallery on South Frederick Street in Dublin for the opening night of ‘Stag and Stallion’. ‘Stag and Stallion’ is an exhibition by Irish artist Tony O’Connor. As a fan of O’Connor’s work and a frequent visitor to his Facebook page where he regularly updatesContinueContinue reading “Stunning Sights at Stag And Stallion”
The Reality of Being A Hobbit Height Rider / Groom
Having to teach yourself to mount up using a block / fence / gate / anything available as there is little hope of you making it from the ground. People thinking your horse is way bigger than it is. “Oh my god she must be 18 hands!”. Eh, no, I’m just really short.ContinueContinue reading “The Reality of Being A Hobbit Height Rider / Groom”
The Balmoral of The Story
So this week the giant orange and I went to Balmoral to ride side saddle. I entered the show during an emotional month and after a few drinks about 10 weeks ago. It seemed like a great idea at a the time and seemed like a terrifying and ambitious idea on the day. I learnedContinueContinue reading “The Balmoral of The Story”
Enjoying Cross Country and Home Cooked Cuisine at Crossogue
Ever thought ‘no one ever wins those competitions on Facebook’? I used to think that too. I was wrong. People win – I won! Most recently I won a fantastic prize of a two day trip to Crossogue Equestrian near Thurles in Co. Tipperary in Ireland. My trip included two nights stay, meals and fourContinueContinue reading “Enjoying Cross Country and Home Cooked Cuisine at Crossogue”
Things That Always Fascinated Me About The Saddle Club Books
Crazy Lady Mrs Reg This old lady seemed to live out her days waiting for students to wander into the tack room. She was especially attracted to those wrestling with their conscience, going through an emotional time or struggling to make a decision. Rather than just getting to the point or giving adviceContinueContinue reading “Things That Always Fascinated Me About The Saddle Club Books”
Flashback Friday – My Little Pony The Movie
As pathetic as it sounds, one of my prized possessions is my collection of retro 80’s VHS tapes. One of the best has got to be My Little Pony the movie. I still have the first ever pony I got. My mum brought her home from me when she came home from workContinueContinue reading “Flashback Friday – My Little Pony The Movie”
People You Are Likely To Meet In A Stable Yard
The Fictional Show Jumper “I can jump 1.20”. Sure you can……at home…..badly….over a single fence. The miraculous feats achieved by the fictional show jumper will often happen when there is no one around to see, video or photograph it. Likewise, none of these skills have yet been displayed at a competition where theContinueContinue reading “People You Are Likely To Meet In A Stable Yard”
Paddys Day At Abbeyfield
It was Paddys Day, it was not p*ssing rain, I was off work. There was only one thing for it, road trip time. Given the proximity of Abbeyfield Farm to the yard it was the perfect place to go for some cross country schooling. I’d been at the yard before but only while hunting soContinueContinue reading “Paddys Day At Abbeyfield”
Equestrian Reality 