Para Power: Laura Gulliver, Part Two

But my big news is, I’m finally able to start riding Natalia again (yeah!) and the weather was kind to me. I’d actually dreaded having to climb aboard in high winds and rain. I never needed to worry as Natalia after 9 weeks off has decided she rather likes the idea of being a lady of leisure – so no air aerobics.

Despite the few nice days, that drop in temperature means my winter weight breeches are firmly back on and won’t be off again until at least April.

I also had the chance to test my new made to measure petrie boots from Royal Equestrian which fit to perfection and are so comfortable. This is really important for someone like me who has dodgy feet and ankles!! Of course while I was in the shop Natalia could not be left out, so we found her some super Anky technical boots with climatrole technology which transports heat quickly keeping the tendons cool at all times. Mum is also impressed as they have a touch of sparkle, are easy to wipe down, so will stay clean and white.

I attended my BEF Talent Excel squad training without Natalia this time so it was me who was put through my paces. We have lots of support to help us focus on all aspects of our horses and our own lifestyles, including-nutrition for horse and rider, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning and psychology. It is amazing that by making a little adjustment in each area can make a huge difference overall.

I myself have recently been working on my confidence so I was delighted to have the opportunity to test this out when I went for an advanced dressage lesson on a schoolmaster.

I was a little apprehensive, I hadn’t sat on anything so highly tuned for a long time and was worried my legs would be weak and unable to press the correct buttons. But the horse just empowered me to ride with feel and use the skills I have been taught over the years and I was able to confidently answer questions fired at me and show my understanding.