Today I formed the group we have been talking about for months. Who are we? well let me introduce you to my girls… 5 of us. We are passionate about, addicted to horses and dedicated to learning everything we can to be the very best riders that we can be in our respective disciplines. As well as having a hoot along the way!

Angie and Tracey stable together and have been riding for many years. Tracey was a 1.20m showjumper and is now a keen eventer. Ang was a 1.40m grand prix showjumper some years ago (before hubby and kids) . Both are bringing on young horses in the 90cm and 1m jumping grades. Then there’s Judy – a top 1.30m rider with 3 horses at different levels. Sascha – a Prix St George dressage rider, and me – Ashleigh. I have brought on my own horses over the years up to 1.40m grand prix showjumping classes. I currently have 2 beautiful (and very different) horses who i have developed up the grades to the 1.25 – 1.30 open classes.

And then about 6 months ago it happened. I had a number of riding accidents in quick succession coupled with a back injury…. and lost my mojo completely. To a point where I would go to some shows, take one look at the track and simply load up my horses and leave. That is how bad the fear and anxiety have been. As you can imagine – this did not feel super. In fact I was on the verge of giving up. And then I came across a quote that made me stop and think again; “When the desire to learn is greater than the desire to win the journey becomes the prize…”. This after all is just another experience, a chance to learn, get better, understand how to handle hardship and to train all parts of myself , both mental and physical, not just my horses. In fact this may be my biggest opportunity?

So the Red Hot Filly’s and I will be out there training together on Friday this week. I’m bringing the coffee and cake. Will keep you posted…