Jennifer Williams: "10 Things I Love About the High Level Equestrian World"

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U.S. Grand Prix rider Jennifer Williams responded to Belgian Grand Prix rider Alexa Fairchild's recent social media post which she had titled "10 Things I Hate About the High Level Equestrian World".

The social media reaction to Fairchild's 10 key take-aways of high performance sport was high and many found her statements not palatable. A group held the consensus that her frank and more critical look on the sport was out of place, particularly as she is part of the system herself or not given clear enough messages that she goes by her own credo.

Dressage professional Jennifer Williams, who has competed in North America and Europe at international Grand Prix level, including representing the U.S.A. at numerous FEI Nations Cups, penned a retort.

"10 Things I Love About the High Level Equestrian World"

1) The connection
When it feels like you barely have to do anything and the horse is right there with you.

2) The process
Taking a horse that is unsure or complicated and helping them figure it out and feel good in their job.

3) The long game
Building a partnership over years, not weeks, and really knowing your horse inside and out.

4) The small wins
The moments no one else notices that mean everything.

5) The full circle moments
When someone comes back years later and tells you what that horse meant to them.

6) The feel
Learning to listen better, not just ride better.

7) Helping people
Seeing a rider make one small change and suddenly their horse understands and relaxes.

8) Confidence in the horse
Watching them get stronger, prouder, and more willing without force.

9) The people
The mix of generations, backgrounds, and stories that all end up in the same arena.

10) Passing it on.
Helping the next group coming up, or having those moments where it all comes back around in ways you didn’t expect.