DRAWING TO A CLOSE: The Eventing Season is rapidly approaching its conclusion, with only a handful of events left to run…
My batteries are definitely starting run dry but I’m still going to squeeze in one or two more events before calling an end to my 2017 Eventing season!!! And what an extraordinary season it has been!
2017 has been another very busy year, I have covered in excess of 10,000 miles, attended 33 events spanning 84 days plus a couple of days show jumping and XC schooling, not a bad effort for a season that runs for only 34 weeks and on top of a full-time job with the University!!!
I have captured in the region 150,000 photos resulting in multiple advertisements and four front covers, plus I continue to provide Equestrian Life Magazine, with photographic coverage of all of the ‘local’ BE Events, I’ve also continued my association with Swedish Eventing and provided I Spy Horses (a New Zealand based Equine website) with coverage from the UK CCI4* Events.
I have been fortunate enough to have been media accredited at all the major events again this year. A great achievement with the ever growing pool of photographers vying for this privileged access of which there are limited places and I’m honoured to be recognised alongside some of the best Equine Photographers around. The banter amongst the other photographers (many of whom are now good friends) has been on point, we have had a lot of fun, but we also work hard too.
And I’ve had to work bloody hard to achieve what I do and to keep my clients happy and I thank them all for their continued support (in particular Equestrian Life Magazine, Swedish Eventing, Dengie Horse Feeds, Mojo Europe and Baileys Horse Feeds),
But, what really drives me (and the main reason behind why I attend the number of events I do) is the amazing horsemanship which is on display at each and every event. These magnificent creatures, piloted by some of the best jockeys in the world. Professional riders competing toe to toe with Grassroots and Amateur riders on a level playing field, it is simply inspiring, and truly mind blowing at times.
The sport of Eventing is an all-encompassing, emotional roller coaster, but the excitement, the adrenaline, and the risk, are like a drug, and I’m continual drawn back for more…
I want to thank all those that have made this season so memorable, the eventing community is very a welcoming, international community and the lorry pack a huge family.
I have yet again witnessed some amazing performances this year, and have so many memories but a couple that stand out are Andrew Nicholson winning his first Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials at his 37th attempt! Imogen Murray placing 21st and best u25 rider at her’s and IVAR GOODEN’s first Badminton and Gemma Tattersall proving ‘girl power’ rules by securing the ERM 2017 Series with an event in hand.
As for my TEAM, well it’s been a pretty awesome season, and together we’ve all been on an incredible journey. There have been some highs and few lows, we’ve laughed and shed a few tears but most of all we’ve had fun and a lot of it, and boy have they kept me busy!!!
This season I’ve had eight riders active on the circuit, and each of them has made me proud, but the stand out moments for me, were Lici Hawker finishing 3rd in the CCI3*u25 at Bramham International and qualifying for 4* with her debut scheduled for Pau in just a couple of weeks time. Imogen Murray for completing both Badminton and Burghley and earning her first Team GB Senior call up with a place on the Nations Cup at Haras du Pin, FRANCE. Amanda Briedits being selected to represent Sweden at the FEI European Championships for Young Riders at Millstreet, IRELAND, and Holly Woodhead with Team GB Nations Cup Team selections at both Haras du Pin, FRNACE and Military Beokelo – Enschade, NETHERLANDS plus being selected to attend the FEI World Championship For Young Horses at Le Lion d’Angers, FRANCE with Parkfield Breedings FINDESS PFB to contest the FEI Seven Year Old World Championships.
I’m very fortunate to have an amazing circle friends on the circuit and I have received some top quality hospitality, I’ve had my breakfast, dinner, and supper made for me. I’ve shared a few glasses of wine, and the occasional G&T, I’ve enjoyed a cold beer and drunk endless cups of coffee, all provided by the amazing support teams surrounding these riders, so a huge thank you to all of them but particularly to Ann Hawker, Kim Murray, and Jane Rockingham.
But the biggest thank you has to go to my AMAZING team of riders who have let me invade their space and allowed me to bring you a small incite in to their world, capturing their take on this amazing sport, so THANK YOU Imogen Murray, Georgie Rockingham, Holly Woodhead, Amanda Brieditis, Lici Hawker, Yaz Olsson-Sanderson, Arabella Clegg, and Georgie Norton plus the Swedish contingent I have been following in particular Ellen Svennerstål, Ludwig Svennerstal, Sofia Sjoborg and Erika Sjostrom. It has been an absolute pleasure and I hope I haven’t got in the way too much!!!
So, what next…
Well with the arrival of winter, comes the dark nights and the cold, wet weather. For me it gives me the opportunity to go behind the scenes, visiting the riders yards and homes of my team, attending some training sessions (hopefully!), and capturing the hard work that goes in to preparing these elite athletes (animal and human) for the new season. I’m also hoping to squeeze in some portfolio pieces too…
With regard to next season I already have some plans and ideas in the pipeline, and I’m hoping there will be a bigger international flavour to my publication portfolio and possibly my team too.
Plus I will be out capturing some show jumping, and a bit of hunting too, oh, and if that wasn’t enough to keep my occupied there is still the day job to squeeze in, after all I still have to earn the important funds needed to subsidise and allow me to indulge in my ‘hobby’ to the extent that I do.
The New Year will be here very soon and with it the New Season not far behind, and I am already looking forward to getting back out there and doing what I do best.
So all that remains to be said is THANK YOU 2017 you’ve been AWESOME, and who’s going to join me for the next chapter in my adventure, let’s see if we can make 2018 a BIGGER and BETTER year…
But before I forget I need to wish a huge GOOD LUCK to Holly Woodhead with FINDUSS PFB as they to the FEI World Championships next week and Lici Hawker with CHARLES RR as they make their CCI4* debut with a trip Pau at the end of the month.
Tim xx
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