Photo by Una Schade Photography
Day One Journal:
Our first day in Wellington started off with a bang! We began at Betsy Juliano’s beautiful Havensafe Farm, watching Jen Baumert ride her horse, Opus, with the help of Scott Hassler. Scott’s teaching really spoke to me, as he is very big on honoring the horse and their own individual way of going. Since I ride more inexperienced horses that are coming up the levels, his tips about using the lateral work to break up inconsistencies and tension were especially valuable to me. Overall, my favorite thing he said to us was that “You shouldn’t underestimate the power of a good work ethic” in a horse. I think it is easy to get caught up in the “wow” factor of a horse, so hearing something like that was especially validating as a young rider.
Betsy had a discussion with us about sponsorships and how they operate in the professional world. It was really fascinating to hear about what she looks for in riders that makes her want to get to know them better and perhaps support them on their journey.
With Betsy Juliano at Havensafe Farm
Beth Baumert provided Jen with “ground assistance,” as she called it, while Jen rode a horse named Catalyst. It was very educational. We ended our time at Havensafe by talking to Canadian Olympian Jacquie Brooks, which was also a highlight of the day for me. She emphasized that she thinks the future of our sport is in us rediscovering balance and cleaning up international definitions.
We then spent some time learning from Charlotte Bredahl and meeting Christine Traurig and Michel Assouline while watching the jog at Global. I had never seen a jog before, so that was a super cool experience! We ended the night watching the Dressage Infusion Masterclass, which was nothing short of inspiring. I love watching the instructors’ different ways of working through difficult moments and improving the individual horse they have under them. This was the perfect opportunity for that. All in all, today I soaked in so much knowledge that I can’t wait to bring home!
Day Two:
My second day in Wellington was even better than the first in a lot of ways. I felt more comfortable with the atmosphere today, and less disoriented by the grandeur of it all. We started the morning at Roseview South Farm, watching Molly Maloney get a lesson from David Marcus. This was one of my favorite parts of the day, as David explained he started in the sport by riding a lot of Thoroughbreds! Obviously, this is one of my favorite topics, as my main horse is my “Baby Shamu,” who is an eight-year-old OTTB. David gave me some great insight about developing better quality in his trot, which is what we have been working on for this off-season back at home.
We then got to watch Jennifer Williams ride, and talk to her and Ava Dingley, which was very insightful. It was super interesting to see the “behind the scenes” of showing in Wellington. The idea that you can just pull in, show, and leave and go on with your day is so fascinating!
A chat with Jennifer Williams and Ava Dingley
We talked to Allison Brock and Sarah Tubman, and both were so incredibly kind. I loved getting to watch the Para Dressage in the afternoon. Para Equestrian will always have a special place in my heart, as my younger brother, Alex, has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and loves to ride his horse at home.
Of course, the shining jewel of the day was watching both the CDI FEI 3* Grand Prix and the CDI FEI 5* Grand Prix! I am someone who really enjoys watching the riding in real time -- competition riding almost more than anything else. To see the way the riders really use their corners to their advantage in different circumstances and manage their horses through “challenge” moments right in front of you is so beyond educational. I got to watch Marcus Orlob ride Jane right in front of me, which was one of those dream moments!
Overall, today was another amazing day, and I am sitting in bed feeling so grateful that I get to have this experience.
Day Three: Coming Soon!
Day Four: Coming Soon!
Day Five: Coming Soon!
