FRANCE TRAINING
My decision to journey to France was a rather spontaneous one. The trip was planned 4 weeks before I made the arrangements and I can now say it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Aspiring to be an upper-level jumper and eventually be in the Grand Prix classes, I set out on a solo adventure that would forever alter the trajectory of my equestrian journey.
To be transparent, the moment I arrived I was very nervous as to how it would go. My nerves aside, I was captivated by the beauty and serenity of my surroundings. Though I had arrived in France alone, I soon found myself surrounded by a diverse group of fellow equestrians from around the world. Through our shared passion for horses and drive to improve, we became quick friends. We all also lived in the same house together. Together, we laughed, we learned, and we leaned on each other for support as we navigated the challenges and triumphs that this experience gave us.
One of the highlights of my time in France was the opportunity to ride upper-level jumpers under the guidance of seasoned trainer and rider Joan McLaren. Joan is a very well accomplished equestrian. She rode, competed, trained and worked with many of the top riders in the United States. From learning intricate dressage movements to detailed exercises over fences, each ride was a testament to my level of riding. With each passing day, I felt myself growing stronger and more confident in the saddle, as I pushed the boundaries of my riding abilities and embraced the challenges that lay before me.
Yet, perhaps the greatest gifts of my time in France were the bondsI made with the riders there with me and the training techniques Joan taught us. We worked as a group, as well as one on one when learning about training techniques, and every question we had was always answered with detail and an in person example. We were taught how things were done, and then got to experience it hands on doing it ourselves. From early morning conversations in the barn to our outings to explore the local countryside, each moment spent taught me something different about how the equestrian industry works in different countries. Together, we laughed, we learned, and we leaned on each other for support as we embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
As I look back on my solo trip to France, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences I had. As I look to the future, I do so with a sense of excitement and anticipation, eager to continue my professional career both training and riding.
To all riders, if the opportunity presents itself to travel in order to enhance your training or overall experience, take it. You’ll always learn something beneficial.