The sense of achievement and of course the all important results are one of the main reason why owners buy event horses and pay for professionals to ride them. Qualifying for championship competitions is a very important part of the process which can be an awful lot of fun for everyone involved.  Owners love to see their horses progressing up the grades especially if the horse in question was relatively inexperienced when purchased and a real sense of achievement is one of the biggest rewards.

For many owners following the progression of their horse with a friendly team with whom they share values and enjoyment is a great experience. Owners often find themselves going to support their chosen rider at events even when their particular horse is not competing. Being on the ‘inside track’ means that owners know all the details and particulars of the rider and therefore really become crucial members of the team. Very close and long lasting friendships can be formed through the ownership of an event horse as so many ups and downs are shared due to the very nature of the sport.
Eventing is a sport of partnership between horse and rider and many owners enjoy the aspect of a relationship forming between their horse and chosen rider. It takes years for a really good relationship to be formed and as the horse goes up the grades it is vital that this relationship is solid for consistent results to be achieved.

Many people enjoy the aspect of spending a whole day out with friends, watching and socialising and seeing horses perform to their best ability. Eventing is a very sociable sport and many people make friends with other owners as usually they have an awful lot in common.

Owners get to participate by coming ‘backstage’ and becoming part of the team which keeps the whole show on the road.

Eventing is a fantastic spectators sport as owners are usually out for a whole day and can see their horse compete in all three disciplines in some truly fantastic venues. Many owners gain a immense amount of pleasure from watching their horse compete.

Most events take place at wonderful country homes or stately houses which, in themselves, make an excellent day out. Access to these places is a great benefit of becoming involved with eventing.

Colina worked for an international professional event rider (Bill Levett) for 5 years  before setting up her own yard and in this time she was able to gain experience riding a huge variety of horses and was given constant tuition along the way. She competed horses of differing ability up to advanced level and was given the rare opportunity to compete some of the best young horses in the country at the time.  Having ridden so many different horses she is now in a position of experience to ride all types/sizes/ temperaments of horses as well as being able to produce horses for other people. She can deliver the results clients are looking for as she has the relevant experience to take a horse and bring out the best in it.

Colina also has the wealth of experience necessary to manage an event yard successfully. She knows every aspect of the care side, giving owners the trust necessary for them to leave their horse in her care for long periods of the year. All her horses are treated as individuals and are given care to the highest of standards. Good preparation and planning is vital to prevent problems occurring and therefore compromising the trust of the client.

Whilst obtaining her apprenticeship, Colina rode for clients as well as herself. She spent hours talking to owners, discussing problems and identifying what makes a good event rider and what owners really want from an event rider. As a result she has an excellent understanding of what owners’ needs, desires and wants are. It is not only the results that matter. A large part of the enjoyment for the owner is the relationship they have with the rider and the trust they have in letting them compete their horse. Colina has the communication skills that are necessary to build lasting relationships with owners. Good communication is essential as it shows professional approach and builds trust between the client and the rider.

Colina has excellent skills for ensuring owners feel they have a large involvement with all the decisions that are made throughout the year. Good planning is essential to implement the level of involvement an owner has. The more you plan ahead the more you can involve the owner with the decisions that are made, such as where the horse should run, when it should move up a level, how often it should run, when it should have a break etc. The service Colina offers is tailored to the level of involvement the owner wants and communication modes are also tailored to the individual. Some people like email, others through post/text/phoning and some like to visit in person each week. Colina is open to and users all forms of communication.

Colina prides herself on her high standards which are evident when you visit her yard. It is recognised that high standards show a professional approach as it highlights to owners that Colina cares about the sport that she is competing in.

With a small yard all horses are given consistent care and routine which enables them to be more settled in their work and therefore perform to their optimum.  Attention to detail is first rate on Colina’s yard, with years of experience on a large competition yard behind her she is able to ensure that standards are kept high and constant. Colina looks after and trains her horses with a great deal of care. The smallest of things can make a huge difference, for example keeping a horse’s programme regular.

Colina is determined to reach her goals and loves the process of forming, maintaining and building relationships with people who want to share the passion of eventing with her. She is extremely dedicated to both the horses, the people and the sport.

Many riders do not have time to talk to their owners when at competitions – for Colina this is a crucial part of the mix. Eventing is unique in that competitors can mix with anyone throughout the competition process, i.e. in between dressage, show jumping and cross country. It is also a great way to get owners together who may not know each other and again makes the day a really pleasurable experience for everyone.

In order for owners needs to be met good communication is paramount. It not only shows that the rider is organised but it allows the owner to plan in advance where they would like to see their horse run.

One of the benefits about having your horse on a small yard is that it not only gets a high standard of attention but it is treated as an individual and not a number. As a result each horse gets more time spent on its training. With a small yard, greater input and supervision can be given to yard staff thus ensuring that high standards are maintained at all times whether Colina is present or not.Owners’ horses are treated like kings. On a small yard their horse is top dog whereas large yards cannot give the one to one attention. Knowing that your horse is the top of the yard and has contributed to the rider’s success is very satisfying.

Colina has built up an excellent reputation in the area with those that are following her career, those she teaches and with her existing owners.