With the Eventing season finally done and dusted for another year, I thought it was about time I got back to the blog…
It’s been a minute. A VERY long one at that since the last blog.
Amongst the highest highs of the last 12 months - the cover shots, the client wins, the polished ‘gram of bakery tours, endless adventures and pony cuddles - there’s been a little dark cloud that eventually overshadowed things this season. As I have always said, this blog is the highs AND lows of the adventures, so just felt I needed to explain the long absence and blog silence…
Bicton 2025 - Kitty King & Vendredi Biats in the CCI4*S
On what should have been a fun week spent at Bicton with some of my great friends and equine faces, the cookie finally crumbled.
I suddenly found myself sobbing in the car park; frozen - finding any and every excuse not to go out on cross country and crack on with the insanely busy day of action there was to capture.
A vivid, assorted collection of things had just got too much for my little weary head to compute. Not least the guilt over Georgie’s accident twelve months prior. My little head really felt like I might have been able to do something; anything to change the course of that fateful day. The flashbacks had begun to take over my days and it turns out walking around with my eyes closed isn’t big or clever, you walk into things and you still don’t escape those flashbacks.
Thankfully I have some awesome people in my life - I was found by some not only friendly faces, but faces that recognised I needed a helping hand to get back on the wagon. And I waved the white flag and had the light bulb moment that finally, they were probably right.
For anyone thinking that seeking or accepting any form of outside assistance is somehow odd or uncomfortable, you shall like me, be relieved to know that it is not - it’s enlightening, it’s like taking off that heavy rucksack that we hadn’t realised we’d been carrying around for so long.
Piggy March & Halo - Belsay International Horse Trials, May 2025 - If you haven’t been, get this fab event on the list for next season, fantastic cross country and spectacular scenery, not to be missed!
There is a wide selection of help, in many forms out there - after a quick referral from the awesome guys at BEST and a quick call was scheduled with Sporting Minds. They helped clear the fog to see what help would be best and I was put in touch with a great local councillor who helped me talk out a few things. It’s amazing what getting out of your own way and talking over a cuppa or two can achieve.
I’m eternally thankful for the friendly faces that got this girl back on the road. Jane, Rachel, Heather - my eventing dream team - I am one lucky lady to call these friends. A special mention to Rach, that tea and Mars bar you cycled across the cross country course to bring me, along with the hug, meant more than you will ever know.
And to Mrs Moss for making me feel more comfortable in chatting things through; for all the little chats that helped me get things back in balance.
Golden tale - It has been a privilege to watch this lad teach his new partner the ropes then dazzle in his swan-song with Andrew in the RoR Championship at Cornbury House Horse Trials - looking forward to watching Gold Nugget & Shannon take on next season.
Whether you need someone to talk things through with; some physical therapy to overcome an injury or you’re trying to get back on track after having some time out due to an accident - please, please reach out to the wonderfully friendly faces at British Eventing Support Trust Phone: 0333 335 5604 Email: info@besupporttrust.org.uk Mental Health Helpline 24/7: 07780 008877.
You can also contact the fab guys at Riders Minds, who offer a wealth of practical information and a 24/7 helpline 0800 088 207 or if you prefer to message then text 07480 488 103
Experiencing first hand, what support can achieve, this encouraged me to think about how I can help and give something back - a few people ask every year about my Eventing Calendars that I gift to my clients and riders, so this Christmas, I designed one in conjunction with the British Eventing Support Trust and sold them with proceeds being donated to the charity - I have managed to raise just over £300 so far, thanks to all who have purchased them.
We all have favourites, and this lad is definitely on the favourites list - Izzy Taylor & Bayaanat, NAF Hartpury Horse Trials, August 2025
With my little head much clearer, this thankfully gave me the push to tackle the second half of the season.
This season has taken me to so many special places; new venues, gold-medal adventures and special haunts.
The Double Double - Ros Canter & Lordships Graffalo en route to taking the Defender Burghley 2025 title, for the second time
It would be impossible not to mention the Eventing high’s of 2025 - what a privilege to capture dear Walter and superwoman Ros’ golden season - another set of Badminton and Burghley wins added to the trophy cabinet. An elevated Michelle & Archie. And many Charnley Snog’s captured for the memory books. Poetry in Motion is an often-used phrase in equestrian sport, but watching these two compete as one, the phrase seems solely written with them in mind.
Sarah Ennis & Dourough Ferro Class Act, CHIO Aachen, July 2025
Blenheim - After some hiccups and quite frankly nonsense, Cinderella did get to the ball - thanks to the kind generosity of one of my clients and event sponsors, I was helped to get to the ball - I am so glad it did not miss it. Whilst Team medals evaded us this championships; to soak up the crowd’s cheers and applause when Laura & London 52 took to their lap of honour, will forever stay in my heart. A big thank you to Alex Wakeley who assisted me in getting my final day photos.
European Champions - Laura Collett & London 52 take the Individual Title at the FEI Agria European Championships, Blenheim 2025
As always the dazzling performances from the 8&9yo class always wet the appetite for championships of the future - it was just a shame that competition didn’t shine as bright as it could have for the owners and supporters.
Sophie Callard & The Ferryman, 2nd CCI4*L Ballindenisk 1 International, April 2025
Ballindenisk - That’s how it’s done right. What a welcome on my first eventing adventures to the Emerald Isle. The Fell family are the ultimate hosts. It was a pleasure to cover both internationals there this year and celebrate their 50th year of Eventing on site. Happy competitors, happy owners, happy grooms - make happy photos. A superb venue, all close together, generous Irish warm hospitality and a great cross country challenge delivered two great events and I will definitely be back. How we squeezed 3 ‘togs and all our gear into Nelson the Car I am not quite sure, but thanks to Ben and Lucie for making it a great road trip.
Andrew Downes & Rocquaine Bay, CCI4*S Ballindenisk 1 International, April 2025
This season bought a few new venues and Events to add to my list of adventures - this included finally stepping on the hallowed turf of CHIO Aachen. Yes, the hype is all real.
CHIO Aachen July 2025 - The Ride n Drive
This place is equestrian utopia. European events open your eyes to how, when events respect all parties including media, can play in a successful event; working together pushes both the event and the sport forward. Aachen was not only next-level, it was a different league; everyone working for the same goal. Special.
Calvin Bockmann & Phantom of the Opera, CHIO Aachen July 2025
Boekelo & Pau - I managed to squeeze in a trip to Bonkers Boekelo finally. It is the party capital of the Eventing circuit.
Party time at Military Boekelo - Laura Collett & Count Onyx help Team GB to win the final leg of the FEI Nations Cup
I’ll never complain about a noisy Brit press tent again - multiple head-banging parties got going immediately after XC - that was a mad editing session; my left leg tried to follow the beat of the party on the left of us and my right leg was trying to keep up with the party in the tent on our right - mental.
Izzy Taylor & SBH Big Wall, Military Boekelo, October 2025
Pau thankfully had a few less raindrops than last year. A great week spent with the supremely talented Kirsty Pasto Media - always an inspiration - a great apartment in Pau centre meant lots of nice meals, evening strolls and bakery visits. Super grateful to share the circuit with such a fab group of people.
The Media Dream Team, Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, October 2025
It’s always a special milestone when your teams get to their intended season milestones. It was so special to see some favourites make their 5* debuts including the big carrot that is Cooley Foxtrot - I couldn’t be more prouder of this big ginger and his loyal support crew.
What a Team - Andrew Downes & Cooley Foxtrot, along with Team Downes & Moss celebrate getting to the 5* level with Ricky aka Cooley Foxtrot - Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, October 2025
Plot Twist B finishing second and showing everyone he’s a player at the level, as the team and his adoring owner have always dreamt he’d be.
Plot Twist B & his fav human Chloe Whitelam celebrate his podium finish, Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, October 2025
Always a privilege to enjoy Ballaghmor Class, even if the fairytale ending at this event eluded the team.
Oliver Townend & Ballaghmor Class, Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, October 2025
I’m not usually one for New Year’s Resolutions but I’ll make an exception for the Blog - I promise I’ll be more present and useful and get back to my regular postings. Feel free to suggest topics or request any ‘behind the scenes’ sneak peaks for future blogs.
Why doesn’t every event have white unicorns scattered about?! I did become rather obsessed with getting them in as many photos as possible…
David Doel & Galileo Niewmeod, Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, 2025
If Santa had a little whoopsie and got 9 penalties for a missed flag on the eventing present front; then here are some suggestions of where to spend your Christmas gifted pennies should they still be burning whole in your eventing pockets…
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Caught in the act - with thanks to Maxime David for the photo of me capturing the action at Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, October 2025 - © Copyright Mximd
If you got this far, wow give yourself an oversized brightly coloured rosette and pour a glass of fizz…
Looking ahead to an exciting 2026; lots of plans afoot, adventures to begin and dreams to be achieved…
See you all in the New Year, thank you for your support this year
Wishing you all a very Happy, Healthy and Successful 2026 🥂