Horse Dad
Horse
Equestrian
Horse Dad
Horse
Equestrian
Hoofprints & Headaches (Chapter 2)
Mr Walker
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Diary of A Horse Dad.
CHAPTER 2 - Vol 1
"Lets go eventing"
So, the world of eventing… what a whirlwind. I used to think my weekends were about leisurely brunches, catching up with mates, watching sport and maybe a bit of DIY. Now? Well, there is a bit of sport but now they’re more about early starts, having to choose the right clothing for a day of all weather seasons in a 24-hour period, all whilst trying to remember if when they mentioned "fetlock" was that a part of the horse you brush or a particularly complex knot you tie. I better check that.
This week marked the start of the eventing season for us and we headed to Oasby Horse Trials. Both Chilly & Roscoe were in action and boy were they smart. Now, I must confess, this isn't my first rodeo, I did attend a few horse trials last year and have been to some of the bigger events so kind of have a rough idea to what is going on – so I take comfort in that… for all of 10 seconds.
One of the things that always gets me when we head to the lorry to see the boys before and after the events is the onset of sudden, perhaps sheer, utter dread that hits me when asked by our professional 5* event rider “can you just hold Roscoe…?” – no backing out, the rope was in my hands before the question had been asked to which I proceeded to whispering sweet nothings into his ear “don't be mean, I'm new to this mate”.
Having said that, given the exceptional quality that Kristina’s head groom Tessa portrays, I am usually relegated (happily may I add) to chief support staff, which, I quickly learned, is a far cry from a spectator.
So how do you get ready for a horse trial?
Well, the alarm went off at an ungodly hour. I fumbled for my phone, squinting at the time: 06:00 AM. Ralph looking at me from the end of the bed suggesting “You're joking right? We're getting up?” Turns out the professionals have been up since 03:30am so Ralph nor I have any place to complain here. Unlike me, apparently, horses don’t care about lie-ins. Whilst there is probably calm and collection at the yard, at Walker Towers I'm stressing trying to find Ralph's harness and having a heart to heart with him about the day and pleading with him not to try and fight every dog that walks past. It usually falls on deaf ears.
Onto the event: Oasby… A Whirlwind of Activity:
Arriving at Oasby or any event is like stepping into a parallel universe. There were horses boxes the size of houses, gaggles of people floating around and the sweet smell of bacon flowing across my nose - will get a bacon sarnie later. All the riders are in pristine white breeches, and of course, there are horses everywhere. Some noticeable horse dads which when you walk past you offer the nod of approval to appreciate we are both surviving at this point. Nevertheless, the atmosphere is always buzzing with anticipation and the sun was out so what a combo.
Whilst the girls disappeared into a serious QA session of tack checks, and warm-ups, leaving me to navigate the event grounds with Ralph owing more to a particularly confusing treasure hunt, the event is about to start for us.
Let's dance, jump and run:
The cross-country phase is incredible yet intense. Watching Roscoe & Chilly gallop and jump everything put in front of them is spectacular to watch. I don't get dressage and I have no idea what is happening but I nod and shout with confidence, “that was good…” at the end which is usually met with “yeah they were good” so that's a start. My biggest worry sometimes is catching the content whilst my hand is sweating profusely and clutching my phone, holding Ralph, dodging dogs, all while desperately trying to capture a decent photo!
What I really do love is watching the bond between horse and rider grow. Seeing them fly over the show jumps, the cross country and dance their way to a flying change… Kristina and the boys have a unique bond special to them. The way they combat the course is a joy to watch and even listening to the remarks of others close by saying “wow that horse has scope” gives you a warm fuzzy feeling!
Lessons I have learned for event days:
Early starts are non-negotiable: if you’re a horse dad, kiss your weekend lie-ins goodbye.
Make sure you waterproof everything.
Horses are powerful and graceful: watching them compete is truly something special.
The horse community is incredibly welcoming: don’t be afraid to ask questions.
I’m still a novice, but I’m learning. Oasby was brilliant. I’m already looking forward to the next event, armed with a better understanding of horse terminology.
Being a horse dad is definitely an adventure but I love it. And while it’s not always glamorous, the sun was out which is a first, even the Equidry stayed in the car. The early starts are definitely worth it. Now, if anyone can tell me what other horse lingo I need to learn, that'd be great.