Improving partnerships
B
liss and I came together by chance, after my great friend and mentor Thay Stephenson took her in and suggested I took her round Royalties on her delivery there to us. I’d never done Endurance riding before and Bliss was just a bit bored of life. That soon changed with great coaching and support from Thay, who has shown me the world of Endurance and introduced me to my forever friend, Bliss. After having a traumatic riding accident on my other horse, Bliss soon became my nanny, as quirky and diva-ish as she can be, she always made me feel safe, and we always have fun. I promised her just that, that we will always have fun. From me nearly bursting a lung on our first 32km GER to attempting a 3-day 170km CER and winning an 80km performance formula and getting awarded Best Condition at Hanslope ride, (clearly helped by some Emerald Green Magic!).
Life
is Bliss
We have been very fortunate to be chosen to be a Brand Ambassador for Emerald Green Feeds. Since having Bliss, we have fed her on their feeds, and her results, condition and attitude speak for themselves. I’m so very grateful to be associated with this brand, and very thankful for Howard Burchnall of Emerald Green Feeds for being such a hands on and supportive sponsor.
pandemic, we have not done a ride since Cannock Chase back in early March, where she stormed round the 64km being the only one in her class and doing 32km completely alone! During this time, we are going to social distanced jumping lessons which she is really excelling at, practising our flatwork and entering online dressage competitions and just enjoying each other’s company, as above all, she is my best friend!
Obviously during the current worldwide
Jade Edwards
Cross training benefits to both horse and rider
I’m a paediatric nurse, so during lockdown my work has been even busier! James has been lucky to be able to continue working full time at home, which has worked very well with the horses. We might be in the minority, but we have enjoyed lockdown, and the added time we’ve been able to have with the horses, without the stress of full training and competitions. Some weeks I have obviously been very busy at work, but the horses’ have provided a great stress relief. Prior to lockdown, we were managing the horses’ full training schedule around two full time jobs, so with James now working from home, things are much easier!
"We have really enjoyed jumping the horses" We immediately lessened the training of the horses, especially the two that were in training for a 160km. But we have continued to ride them all throughout lockdown, to maintain a good base level fitness. Their work has consisted of schooling, jumping, pole work and short training rides. We have especially enjoyed jumping the horses more frequently and have even managed to fit in a X-Country schooling session since restrictions were lifted. We think cross-training the horses has great benefits.
10
young riders
endurance | endurancegb.co.uk
