Petplan Equine
Sponsored Rider - Lili

March and April Update

Hello, my name is Lili Brooksby. I am the proud owner of my own online dressage shop, as well as six horses, three cats, one sausage dog, two rabbits, two chickens and one fiancé. The horses you will hear the most about are Paddy, the 14.3hh Connie and Fons, the 17hh KWPN. I compete at British Dressage, trained by Richard Davison, Charlotte Dujardin, Jane Peberdy and I regularly attend other clinics too.

I was truly overwhelmed to gain sponsorship from Petplan Equine. A friend tagged me in their Facebook post, and I said to her at the time “Not a snowballs hope in hell but wouldn’t it be awesome”. I could not believe it when I made the next stage. I was still in denial when they came to watch me ride (though that might have something to do with the fact that I was knocked out two days prior) – it was like Christmas, such a secret to keep and I was bursting with excitement about it. I am thrilled to be part of their team.

So what has happened since this new announcement? Lots! Lots of exciting phone calls, a photo shoot, plans and new clothing to proudly wear. The horses are going great guns. Paddy has been back in work this year, since a bit of wear and tear for his age. A quieter life is in order, but he is feeling tip top. I haven’t taken him to any training as I want the fitness to develop and he owes me nothing. That said, his tempi changes feel great, his half passes better than before and he of course loves lots of hacking and turn out.

Fons- he has since been gelded this year. I wish I knew the difference it would make to his wellbeing, sooner. He is a happier, more relaxed and focused horse, most of the time! We headed out for our first show of the year primed, prepped, ready, rehearsed - everything in place. Except of course if you are a hot spirited rising five year old. He did some good public shaming despite having made numerous visits to the venue, Fons’ brain fell out of his ears. We warmed up well, with Verity Saul on hand. I looked in the mirror and he looked amazing with all the potential in the world. We then proceeded to enter the arena to ride a novice test, of which he is more than capable. Fons went into total “fear” mode, spooking, spinning, stopping dead. Sadly I knew this wasn’t the day to show the judge my lovely dressage horse. I coaxed him through the test- stopped thinking about the marks and thought I would use my arena time as positively as I could. I stuck my hand up to retire before the end, and had a trot round, but he was still wired to the moon.

Many would see this as a negative day. But I feel a little wiser from my outings. I just now need to get the mileage under his belt. He’s incredibly young and so talented. I love the journey, I love learning and I want him to be a top GP horse and this is all part and parcel of it so I will take all the time in the world that he needs.

One of my friends, who happens to be an amazing dressage rider and trainer, wrote to me, “I have had to retire many horses, who turned out to be international horses in the future”. You have to see the good even in the most awfully demoralising situations.

I have been training with Charlotte, who gives me masses of confidence. Her brilliance in the arena needs no introductions from me, but she is as ‘real’ as anyone I have ever met. She really gets behind me and helps me. Richard is amazing too, he always makes me laugh and he is very supportive of me, and helped me a lot with the spooky behaviour and how to move on from it. Lots more training, shows and competitions planned as well as hopefully enjoying the sunshine and all the fun that usually brings.