Before you begin, this is a long one – get a cuppa and a supply of mince pies before getting comfy…
One minute we are all sliding around in the mud at Badminton, then suddenly in the blink of an eye its mince pie consuming season already. Huge apologies for the lack of blogs this season – I would say I have just been too busy having fun and maybe you’re enjoyed the piece & quiet. If I am honest (and I lik eto be in these blogging adventures) the main reason for the lack of blogs has been complete burnout. Total exhaustion whilst quietly drowning in an ocean of work.
Sunrising on the stars… A photo I have wished to take for a long time - sunrise at Pau on the training grounds is always special - Here is Philip Dutton & Z, Les 5 Toiles de Pau, October 2023
Freelance life is amazing and I would recommend everyone to try it. But it is also bloody hard. You feel you have to say yes to all the opportunities and you should. Its what you’ve dreamt of to be busy and have plenty of work. You keep busy as that’s what you have dreamt of for so long. But what they don’t tell you is you keep busy whilst juggling client management, on top of the politics of the sport, the peer jealousy and the relentless wheel of the BE season, that has seemed non-stop this season. That said, I have honestly enjoyed an amazing season. So many adventures, sharing in client achievements. First and foremost, it is genuinely a lucky place to be, as I always say, I have dreamy of being in this place. I just didn’t quite envisage so much juggling – and those that know me and my uncoordinated self will know I am useless at juggling. Those clever kids that can juggle all the balls; no I was not that child!
Credit: Claire Rossiter/Digital Equine
Caught capturing the action at Les 5 Toiles de Pau, October 2023
Anyway, procrastination and petty whinges aside, its been an awesome season, so I had better fill you in on all the adventures…
Summing up the season: Wet - Lordships Graffalo, Travis Leigh (groom) and Michelle Saul (Owner) Badminton Horse Trials, May 2023
Part 1 - Mud, heatwaves and thunderstorms;
Suddenly in the blink of an eye, we arrived at the mid-point of the season. The mud of Chatsworth and Badminton was now but a distant memory…
The beloved comfy walking boots didn’t survive the endless attempts to revive them following the mud-bath that was Badminton. The Spring felt like a never-ending treadmill of country house haunts and wading through mud, however they did culminate in a scorching week in beautiful Bicton.
Let’s recap on the adventures so far…
Badminton – well I could sum up this epic week in one word. Mud. The end – well it would save you reading my waffle – lol!
But on a serious note, its always a pleasure and privilege to get the crisp white envelope through the letterbox containing the all-important accreditation pass for the best week in the sport. Off I trundled, waterproofs and raincovers a plenty, down to the mecca that is Gloucestershire.
Wednesday started with blissful sunshine, happy stand sponsors and smiley riders at the first trot-up. That joy lasted for the first 45 minutes, then came the rain. A very heavy downpour, right on top of the poor riders and horses that a particular sponsor had asked me to capture. It was one of those ‘oh my days, these photos are so bad, I cant send them’ moments that you dread as a photographer.
Despite my inner imposter-syndrome having a field-day, I sent the photos and to my amazement the riders and sponsors loved the drama in them and used them over some of my sunnier efforts.
Thursday and Friday bought more showers and with it, the mud-bath began – I have never had so much mud on the inside of my waterproof trousers before! It also bought a monumental migraine – “you look somewhat green?” was said to me a few times on Friday – wow I was sick. A lot. But thankfully unlike my not-finest hour at Burnham, I managed to contain it to the intervals and media toilets. Skills I never knew were needed at a 3-day.
We all have favourites and we all wish them well. Badminton was no different – I have followed the wonderful story of Walter since his five year old debut at Shelford Manor. An unlikely poster boy in his plain bay looks, but despite his weird traits, he is the biggest trier and just quietly gets the job done. Well until now, now everyone seems to have joined in my solo Walter fan club and wants to cheer him on. His victory at Badminton was so so well deserved. Both for his loyal owner Michelle, his world-class rider Ros and the whole team at Hallington for their dedication and hard work.
Winning leap: Ros Canter & Lordships Graffalo, Badminton Horse Trials, May 2023
It didn’t however go well for everyone. With highs, comes lows in this sport. I had a horrid moment on cross country when running over to fence 6, out of breath, ready to capture Kitty and Froggy fly by – I thought I had a few seconds to catch my breath. But when I realised I had been waiting more than a few seconds, the quiet panic sets in – where are they?! IN working with my riders and clients, I get so attached and embedded in the stories, the horses become favourites. Those few seconds when I didn’t know what had happened to them, is a feeling I dread. To know then they had walked away from an uncharacteristic tumble at fence 5 was a relief.
Many of the fancied combinations, one by one, found the rain-drenched ground too much and walked back to the stables.
The poor over-worked hand driers in the media centre toilets were in overdrive, drying all our waterproofs out each day. But at least we had the seemingly endless supply of Mars deliciousness to fuel the late nights of editing. Despite a few late nights, I still managed a few meals with photographer pals to balance the scales.
The final day bought the result I had quietly prayed for all week – winning Walter soaked up the prize giving like it was meant-to-be and we all cheered for him. Until the heavens opened that was. Wet knickers are never pleasant, just saying.
The week ended on a celebratory high, despite everyone taking bets on how quickly I would return to the media centre to ask for a tow, my BMW glided out of the flooded car park with ease to begin the long drive home.
A massive thank you to all the riders, owners and clients who make these week’s possible, who keep me going and the adventures rolling on.
Dried out from Badminton, there was just time, in between day job assignments, to call in to see the Special One on my way down to Bicton for their Media Preview Day. It was so wonderful to see gorgeous Gary again and his wonderful owner Sally-Anne. These two have done so much for my career, I will always be in debt to them both.
Hhhm this trophy looks tasty… Lordships Graffalo goes in a for sneak snack at the Badminton Prize Giving
With Badminton done, the adventures should have rolled on to Rockingham – Haribo stocked up, I was just printing my accreditation pass when the news dropped, like a lead-balloon, that the show wasn’t rolling on after all, it was waterlogged and it was cancelled. Such a shame for all involved.
But as Andrew Fell promises me, the sun always shines at Bicton. And boy did it make up for those wet days. I arrived at Costa del Bicton to be greeted by blue skies and sunshine, gorgeous ponies and devon ice cream.
Laura Collett & London 52 - Winners Bicton International Horse Trials, CCI4*S, May 2023
It is a privilege to be press photographer at Bicton – the team there are so damn helpful, I would say that I hear you cry, but really, that team just don’t know how to say no. Nothing is a problem and every conundrum has a solution. I can be in two places at once with that team, they transport me across the site at speed in a fancy new electric Gator. Thank you Evie & Gemma my superhero chauffeurs for the week.
Part 2 – Conquer came and he conquered
I know, I know; I say it a lot. But I am the luckiest person in the world (I would say girl, but after a big birthday this year, I probably shouldn’t and cant get away with that terminology any longer!)
I have had the absolute pleasure of working with Will and the Rawlin Team for a few years now (how have they put up with me that long?!?). The best part of working with a rider is you become part of the journey. You share the highs, the lows and the dreams. Five star has been on the dream list for a while – Will & Vinnie were in the form of their life when they started the Bicton 5 star in the top 3 after dressage, but alas the dream wasn’t meant to be that weekend.
Top Media Pooch - Borris kept an eye on us all in Luhmuhlen
There had been a quiet ambition this Spring that the most kindest, gentle giant that is The Partner aka Conquer would make the leap into the five star ring this season. The pair flew around the tough Bicton 4* track with ease – those Marlborough hills have done wonders for the strings fitness and riders mind this season.
Tentatively a mega road-trip started to come to life – joined by Jack & Megan of EHOS and met the other side by Ruth (superstar BBC Journalist and freelancer for An Eventful Life) we met up with Wills parents and rented the most idyllic of German apartments near the epic venue that is Luhmuhlen. 28 degrees and not a patch of mud in sight. Heaven.
Jack and Megan had a busy week ahead, with Emily and Valmy, their other 5 star EHOS syndicate horse also coming out to Luhmuhlen, the dream was on. EHOS really is the best, affordable fun - check out more info and how to get involved here)
It was the most perfect week in the Northern German forest – endless sunshine, happy horses, happy riders – with both Will and Emily getting their 5* completions under their belt.
Froggy aka Vendredi Biats put his Badminton hoodoo behind him and London 52 was just awesome. A brit top 3, a British whitewash of the 5* and everyone returned back across the channel with beaming smiles and dreams that had come true.
Aiming high: The Partner & Will Rawlin make sure they clear the meaty corner in the Le Mieux Water, Longines Luhmuhlen Horse Trials, June 2023
There is a horrendous photo in existence of the moment I found Will in the washdown area – yes I cried. A lot. I totally let emotion overtake me (I had almost finished the work for the day) I couldn’t help but be so proud of him and his team for making the dream come true. See hard work does eventually pay off. It was an emotional day – I hugged so many riders and the culmination of a job well done. Then a quick stop by the stables to make sure all my equine heroes were A1 before the mammoth walk back to the media centre and the 12861865 photos that needed editing began.
The team of dreams: Team Rawlin, Luhmuhlen Horse Trials, June 2023
It was the week of dreams – amazing friends sharing the culmination of dreams finally coming true. We ate and drank and celebrated the hard work paying off. I am truly lucky to work with such amazing teams and clients. What a week that was.
The summer rolled on and continued to drench us all - when will the rain stop we all wondered. It even managed to wash-out play at The Festival of British Eventing. Not before somehow my work made it onto the pages of Hello:
Credit: Hello Magazine
Part 3 – Championships and Croissants
All smiles in the Haras sunshine: Ruth Gregory, Hannah Cole, Megan and Jack Pryor (EHOS), August 2023
Just when I thought the season had peaked in Luhmuhlen amidst German pastries, suddenly we rolled on towards Haras du Pin. Another roadtrip beckoned with Ruth and we met up with Jack & Megan again in the most amazing air BNB. (Top marks Jack – not only was it epic, it was perfectly situated enroute to the venue, with an award winning Boulangerie and Patisserie half way)
Caught again! Capturing the action at the FEI European Championships, Haras du Pin, August 2023. Credit: Maxime David - many thanks
It had been a hard fought battle all season for a coveted place on the Team GBR squad – proud to say so many clients and friends made the team.
Ros Canter & Lordships Graffalo take the Euorpean Title and Team Gold, FEI European Championships, Haras du Pin, August 2023
But it wouldn’t be 2023 without a little rain. A biblical storm on Thursday just reminded us we were that far from home.
Kitty King & Vendredi Biats delivered one the fastest clear rounds of the day, to take Individual Silver Medal and Team Gold, FEI European Championships, Haras du Pin, August 2023
The venue was stunning and despite the damp going, the team GB stars bought their A game. Long since had I known the plain bay unassuming gelding called Walter would be a special horse when I saw him as a 5yo at Shelford. He came out and showed the European crowd his brilliance too. Theres only one word that befits his XC round – effortless. He made nothing of a track that had caused a lot of drama throughout the day.
The winning team: Tilly Berendt, Gemma Redrup, Ruth Gregory, Kitty King with her Gold & Silver medals), Hannah Cole, Ros Canter (with her two Gold medals) FEI European Championships, Haras du Min, August 2023
It was a special week – culminating in Team Gold and such a well-deserved individual silver medal for Froggy & Kitty. Dear Froggy has completed 3 consecutive European Championships. This was his time to shine. Alongside Walter, they gleamed in the sunshine that finally joined us in Normandy.
Will Rawlin & Ballycoog Breaker Boy compete in their First Nations Cup in Arville, Belgium, August 2023
As a metaphor for the whole season; no sooner had a landed back at home from Normandy, I was re-packing for Arville.
Team GBR - Nations Cup - Arville Horse Trials, August 2023
Ticking off another bucket-list goal for the season was Will Rawlin getting his senior Team GB cap on the Nations Cup Team in Arville. A stunning venue in Belgium, complete with Castle ruins and an excellent bakery close by.
Will Rawlin & Ballycoog Breaker Boy complete their First Nations Cup in Arville, Belgium, August 2023
It is truly special to be able to capture these memories and I made some amazing new friends and clients in Belgium too. Massive thanks to Andy Rawlin for the trip.
Part 4 – The wrap-up
The season was filled with adventures – Luhmuhlen, Europeans, Arville and finished with the new customary sun-soaked season finale at Pau.
Caught in my favourite place; giving snuggles - Congratulating Ros Canter & Izilot DHI on their Blenheim CCI4*L victory, September 2023. Credit: Maxime David, with thanks.
More croissants, an epic thunderstorm, flooding and sunrises. I met the extremely talented Sophie Cousinie, who created this masterpiece (check out her work here) for me below:
Ros Canter & Izilot DHI Credit: Sophie Cousinie
The dreamt of quieter winter hasn’t quite kicked in yet; yardshoots, product shoots, quick visits to HOYS and London International have kept me busy and rushing about. Here’s hoping for a quiet festive break, a chance to thank all my riders and see who fancies joining the adventures again in 2024.
The season has born witness to so many special moments – it’s been a privilege to capture all the special moments, but these will stand front and centre of the memory this season:
Will Rawlin & The Partner – 5* completion
Will Rawlin & The Partner enter the Longines arena to get their 5* underway - Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials, June 2023
Millie Juleff & Viktor Krum – 3* winners at Wellington – cementing this exciting partnership. Its been a pleasure to work with Millie and Darren this season.
Millie Juleff & Viktor Krum, Wellington International Horse Trials, August 2023
Special things come in three’s:
Oliver Townend & Ballaghmor Class – win their 3rd 5* title at Defender Burghley
Oliver Townend & Ballaghmor Class - winners Defender Burghley Horse Trials - with groom Charlotte Holifield - September 2023
Laura Collett & London 52 – win their 3rd 5* title at Longines Luhmuhlen
Laura Collett & London 52 on their winning lap, Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials, June 2023
Kitty King & Vendredi Biats – complete their 3rd European Championships, taking Individual Silver & Team Gold
Kitty King & Vendredi Biats on their victory lap, FEI European Championships, August 2023
Ros Canter & Lordships Graffalo – taking Badminton title then becoming European Champions
Ros Canter & Lordships Graffalo - FEI European Championships, Haras du Pin, August 2023
Followed by Izilot DHI sealing Ros’s ‘Big Three’ from a stellar season.
Ros Canter & Izilot DHI take the win in Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, October 2023
And who could leave out dear Nugget - its been a proviledge to follow him, Andrew & Jilian this season - who knows what next season will bring.
Nugget at the Palace: Jilian Giesson & Gold Nugget with the team at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, gaining their 4*L qualification
I couldn’t do all this travelling, editing and chasing riders around fields, without the support of the hardworking teams, owners, clients and riders who support me. The friendly faces of the media bunch – I have met some new faces and strengthened friendships this year. A huge thanks to the new teams I was lucky to work with this season and all my teams for supporting me and being amazing and letting me capture the memories this season.
Particular thanks to Maxime for all the support, photos, friendship and encouragement you give.
To Ruth who has been epic in encouraging me on adventures, for the unwavering support we all owe her for pushing Equestrian and Eventing at the BBC and for just being awesome.
To Tilly, Alex and Lucy – for being the inspiration that drives me on, for the support and for the friendship.
Thanks to Nick for the odd kick up the arse that is needed.
But the biggest thanks go to my editors, my clients, my riders owners and supporters who keep me going and push me to explore and enjoy new places and adventures. Its been a great pleasure, thank you.
Hope you all have a restful and merry Christmas break – may you eat too many mince pies (That’s what January is for, working them all off again)
After some social parties to celebrate these highs (any excuse to wear a million sequins), I am off to sit in a dark room in peace and quiet and catch up on all the jobs that I haven’t done and maybe even plan a holiday.
PS Give yourself a championship medal if you got this far! I promise the next won’t be soooo long
Massive thanks to Claire at Digital Equine and Maxime David for the photos of me capturing the action, check these guys out, they are masters of the craft.