06/03/2026
A little Friday inspo for you.
Helen Baston – Goals to glory
It goes without saying that major competitions require A LOT of preparation and can be stressful at the best of times, but especially when our preparation isn’t ideal. There are things that happen with horses that we just cannot predict as is the nature of the game. That being said, I write this for you in the hope that I can offer riders reassurance that all is not lost if and when this happens. And this is how the story goes.
I have been working with Helen now for a little over 2 years and I really enjoy collaborating with her and her coach Emma. In the lead up to Willinga just gone, it was touch and go as to whether her beautiful mare Fuji, AKA Tia Fortuna, would be able to compete. Almost right down to the last second. It was truly nail biting. Not only that, she hadn’t able to be ridden in the week leading up to the comp which is every rider’s worst nightmare right? Anyway, the great news is that she got clearance from Helen’s vet, so the choice was made to travel to Willinga where she also passed the trot up. Sighs of relief from every corner of the camp. In an effort to reassure Helen, I shared with her that in my experience, riders who, for whatever reason have had the worst prep usually do well. I genuinely don’t know why, and I don’t dare question it, but that’s how it seems to roll. Thank you universe. I’m sure she thought at this point that I was quite mad.
So the million dollar question, how did they fair you ask? I am pleased to report that they won the CPEDI3 Grand Prix Freestyle Grade IV class with a very credible 70.5%. Now I don’t like to say I told you so… oh who am I kidding, of course I do and I am very happy to announce that they are aiming to qualify for the World Championships in Aachen later this year which is super exciting.
My point to this story is never give up. Just give it your all and be inspired by the people around you. Happy riding.
Photo credit: Beautiful A Photography
