Hello, fellow equestrian enthusiasts! It’s Kendal Lehari here, and I’m thrilled to share my incredible European equestrian eventing campaign with you all. Over the past few months, I’ve been living my dream alongside my two amazing horses, Junior and Mitchell. So, grab a cup of tea or coffee and settle in as I take you on a journey through the highlights of our adventure so far.
Training Camp in Belgium: In mid-August, my horses and I landed in beautiful Belgium to kick off our European journey. Our first stop? A training camp with Team Canada to prepare for the Nations Cup in Arville. The training camp was intense but invaluable. It allowed us to fine-tune our skills, adapt to the European terrain, and build a sense of camaraderie with fellow Canadian riders. The bond that forms among teammates during these training camps is truly special and fuels our determination to perform at our best.
Arville: A Remarkable Start: The highlight of our campaign so far, Arville, marked a significant milestone for young Mitchell. It was his debut in a 4* event, and boy, did he shine! Mitchell’s exceptional performance left me in awe. He tackled the challenging course with confidence and poise, proving that he was more than ready to take on the best in the world. We may not have secured the top spot, but our journey with Mitchell was just beginning.
Learning from Junior’s Miss: As for my trusty partner, Junior, Arville brought both triumph and a valuable lesson. While we had some brilliant moments in the dressage and cross-country phases, we encountered an unfortunate mishap on one jump. The decision to dismount gracefully was tough but necessary. It’s moments like these that remind us of the unpredictable nature of eventing and the importance of our horses’ well-being above all else.
The UK: Home to World-Class Equestrian Excellence: After Arville, we made our way to the United Kingdom. Here, we’re staying at Rebecca Howard’s farm, our Team Canada Coach, and training with some of the best eventers in the world. The UK is renowned for its rich equestrian heritage, and the opportunity to train and compete here is a dream come true. Every day, I’m surrounded by riders who push me to reach new heights, hone my skills, and learn from their experiences.
What’s Next? Our journey is far from over! As I write this, I’m gearing up for more rigorous training and exciting competitions in the UK. Our sights are set on continued growth, more unforgettable experiences, and representing Canada with pride on the international stage.
Stay Tuned for More Updates: I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share our European equestrian eventing adventure with you all. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates as we navigate the thrilling world of eventing, learn from our experiences, and strive for excellence with Junior and Mitchell by my side. Until next time, happy riding!