Coming up to the TRI-sponsored Eventing Ireland Grassroots Championships, I was brimming with excitement and positivity. The anticipation of competing in such a prestigious event had me eager and confident. This event was a significant journey, and I was determined to make the most of it.

The first day started on a high note. We executed a nice dressage test, setting a solid foundation for the competition. The scores were tightly packed, with less than a pole’s difference separating most of the competitors. It was clear that the stakes were high, and every rider was bringing their A-game.

However, disaster struck in the showjumping arena. Over the past few months, I had developed a reliable warm-up plan that had served me well in previous events. Sticking to this plan, I felt confident as I entered the arena. As I cleared fence six, my mind began to drift towards the double combination at fence nine. In that moment, my mind went blank. I missed fence seven entirely and, in a panic, proceeded to jump fence eight. The realisation of my mistake hit me hard, knowing that this error would lead to elimination.

The walk back to the stables felt like an eternity. I needed that time to process what had happened. I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions—embarrassment, frustration, and a deep sense of disappointment. Forgetting my course was unprecedented for me. I’m a firm believer in thoroughly walking the course and observing a few rounds to understand how it rides. The thought that I had let my horse down was the hardest pill to swallow. We had been making significant progress as a team, and this mistake felt like a setback.

Despite the technical elimination, I applied to continue with the cross-country phase, and luckily, we were allowed to proceed. This is where my mindset had evolved over the past few months. Instead of dwelling on my mistake, I chose to refocus and ensure that our cross-country round was a positive experience. Previously, such a mistake would have overshadowed my entire performance, leading to further errors on the course.

But not this time. I took the opportunity to use the cross-country phase as another training day. I reminded myself that every experience, good or bad, is a chance to learn and grow. With renewed determination, I entered the cross-country course with a clear mind and a positive attitude. My horse and I navigated the course smoothly, turning the initial disappointment into a valuable lesson.

In the end, it’s not just about earning victories; it’s about learning from every ride. Horses teach us resilience, patience, and the importance of staying focused in the face of adversity. While the championships didn’t go as planned, the experience reinforced the idea that setbacks are stepping stones to future success. We earn or we learn, and with horses, the learning never stops.

The TRI sponsored Eventing Ireland Grassroots Championship was a fantastic event as it is so much welcome as a fixture in the calendar. If you are thinking about going for the 2025 Championships, you won’t regret the experience.