Convention reflections

I’ve had a few days to reflect and recover from what was a brilliant, thought provoking Monday to start the week. It was the annual BHS Coaches’ Convention, this year held at Wellington Riding in Hampshire.

It felt like a really important one this year. For me personally I’ve been wavering, wondering what the future holds for horses in sport and leisure. Having listened to some wise voices belonging to a selection of Fellows, I feel more positive about the equestrian industry and our horse human connection. The wise ones have spoken. It was so needed.

Wellington is such a good venue, everywhere I looked there were signs of vitality, I noticed professional conversations in the coffee shop and tiny school childeren in high viz taking a wander with their carers through the surroundings asking to “see the ponies”.

From a disco dressage POV, what a brilliant opportunity for me to share my idea with the people who could take it forward (the APCs), all in one place on one day. I was delighted to speak to those who came to my table and I am still buzzing from the positive feedback. Positive feedback is what fuelled my continuation after the first experimental event I held back in 2020. At that point, disco dressage was an idea, unproven but dreamt. And now, it’s out there being taken on by others to share the joy as far and wide as we can go. My dream is beginning to come true.

Since I’ve been home, ideas keep coming. It’s a bit overwhelming but I’m leaning into it as much as I can. A creative period is underway and I’m here for it.

Tim Downes FBHS and his panel of esteemed colleagues, helping us to think about our privilege of working with horses, how to keep things simple, how to handle ambitious parents and the language we use. Personally, I drove away from Wellington renewed, reenergised and feeling more confident to move forward with purpose.