Scotts of Thrapston

I am told I will “go through” 4 horses on my way to super stardom

Posted on 16. Aug, 2010 by Julia Berrie in James Scott, Rider Development Programme

My introduction to eventing….

My first task was to gain an understanding of the kit I require:

Helmet! or skull cap as they call it…

Jodhpur boots…. and chaps…not the cowboy ones, much to my disappointment, but small ones for the calf area.

In the long term proper riding boots, the proper fitted boots rather than the Mickey mouse straight cut boot!

Body protector… whilst I learn I understand I will not be needing the all singing and all dancing air vest as I am told that I will not fall off… watch this space!!

Vicky Laing has very kindly offered me her old ex Burghley and Badminton soooper doooper Joli Figaro…but only to do Carlton on, as the horse is a bit too good for me to learn on.

I am told I  will ‘go through’ 4 horses on my way to super stardom.  Joli Figaro is a Schoolmaster type horse, which I understand will jump the jumps and do the dressage on auto pilot… very pleasing!

I am also told it’s dressage first up. Over the winter months my skills will be honed here first….can’t wait!

And, finally the horse that Tim and Antonia Brown are kindly lending me is a skewbald 16.2hh horse.  His mother was  a thoroughbred and the father was called Mars and owned by the Queen!

My first lesson is later this week ~ so tune in again next week to find out how I fared!

Tags: Joli Figaro, Tim and Antonia Brown, Vicky Laing