Filming with Horse & Country TV
Cool Ridings member Tianna takes part in Horse and Country’s Back to Basics: Eventing with Voltaire Design
How did you feel about filming with H&C?
The team were amazing and super friendly, they instantly made me feel comfortable which made the whole filming process much easier, and wouldn’t hesitate at the opportunity to do it again.
What was your favourite part about filming?
I absolutely loved doing all the promotional shots and videos, as they really showed Dougal’s personality and character. It was great to be on set with some well-known faces and having the opportunity to chat with them was surreal.
How was your horse Dougal around all the cameras?
Dougal was a superstar and very well behaved, he certainly isn’t camera shy and had his ears forward posing for the cameras at every given opportunity. And wouldn’t be Dougal, without a signature poked out tongue every now and then.
What was 1 top tip that you took away from coach David Doel?
Dougal can get very excited when going XC and one thing that stood out for me was just to control the rhythm of the canter and keep it consistent, so he isn’t bundling up all his energy and then firing himself towards the fences.
What are your thoughts on Chiltern XC in Oxfordshire?
The new jumps at Chiltern were fantastic and the ground was perfect! With such a variety of fences to train over, makes it a fab venue for training or just for a little fun.
What would you say to anyone reading this and wanting to take their riding to the next level?
Just make a start! Every small step counts towards the goal you have at the end, and have trust in yourself that you can do it. Your hard work will show in your end result, so don’t pressure yourself, take the time you need to prepare so you can be set up for success!
If you could talk to 10 y/o you, what would you say?
Keep being you! Don’t try to be someone else and achieve their goals, chase your own dreams, and see where they take you, you may be surprised. Don’t be afraid to go for it!
What are your eventing goals for the future?
As an amateur rider eventing was always just for fun, but plan to be more competitive and progress up the levels. Having recently been to Badminton, I would love to compete in the Badminton Grassroots Championships with my young horse who I’m training.
What other experiences have you enjoyed in connection with Cool Ridings?
I had a wonderful time at the Cool Ridings meet up in January at the British Show Jumping National Training Centre, for the Howden Way training with British Eventing. I got to benefit from great tuition, with great facilities, and broaden my knowledge in my horse’s nutrition and body condition with a talk from a Bailey’s Horse Feed nutritionist. The day allowed me to chat with other members, and share our thoughts and experiences, while making lasting memories.
How have opportunities from Cool Ridings helped you as a rider/person?
I will always look back on when I first met Lydia and the members of Cool Ridings, and it really changed my mind set on my riding and why I ride. Its very easy to criticise ourselves and our ability, and forget why we fell in love with this sport in the first place. The relaxed environment and support from everyone was such a lovely feeling, which has helped me grow in confidence and having this supportive network, I will always be grateful for.
