I learned a lot from each and every one of my adventures, but I don’t think many of those lessons hit home until I was behind the camera… It’s easy for me to look through my lens now and see the greatness that is the horse.
Athletux
“There’s a lot of pressure in this sport to win,” Emily reflects. “But sometimes the goal is just to do the thing — to finish, to show up, to keep going with the hard horses.”
Your horse isn’t the only athlete in the arena — you are, too. Rider fitness isn’t just about staying in the tack or getting through a tough ride; it’s also about partnership.
You know them, you love them… and if you don’t, you are them. Here’s an unofficial and completely correct guide to the various types of Barn Rats you’ll find at the barn.
The key to confidence in the dressage ring starts at home and months before the competition. The beauty of dressage: they tell you exactly what they want to see, in order and in detail.
We all hear about and are inspired by stories of professional equestrians — the people whose lives revolve entirely around the sport of eventing — but for many riders in Area VI, the path to the start box looks very different.
With his trademark calm and thoughtful approach, James Alliston heads into Kentucky with confidence, experience, and a clear sense of what matters most: the journey, the partnership, and giving each horse the best shot to shine on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
“I am very fortunate to work with such an exceptional team and incredible horses,” says Andrea. “It’s the hard work, bond with the horses, and support of the team that makes this job so fulfilling.”
Galway Downs always does a fantastic job of offering great hospitality to their riders and spectators. The community within Area VI is like no other, and I am so thankful for it, especially in circumstances like this one.
Building a barn is tough — probably one of the toughest things I’ve had to do thus far! Here are a few things that I’ve learned throughout the process that I’d love to share with others.