QUESTIONABLE RIDING AT SAPEY HORSE TRIALS 

You need to TRUST WHAT YOU KNOW!!! TRUST JAM!! Keep listening to Lucinda in your head!!! You know what you need to do, and you need to trust Jam more. She will take you farther than you think you can go Meg, but you have to trust yourself more and BELIEVE IN YOURSELF that you can DO IT. I know you can. I believe in you. Love from an FEI Level Coach and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn. 💖 🇨🇦 🇬🇧

I'm at 19 mins and you're breaking my heart Megan. You are so harsh on yourself. It's fine to criticise yourself,obviously, but you are really going to town. You are a great rider,Jam has been wonderfully schooled and ridden. She looks fantastic. And did I hear right that you scored 26 in dressage? My God! That's bloody marvellous. Well done both of you. I going to watch the rest of the vid now. 😎😎😎

Great vlog. Reminded me of something my trainer used to tell me all the time. “Every time you feel like your horse is pulling you need to stop and look at your own riding. Because 4 times out of 5 you are actually the one pulling them not the other way around.”

You can't underestimate how much the lack of preparation before an event affects you as the rider as well as the horse. You say having ten days off shouldn't affect your riding but of course it does. And your horse will always pick up on your own lack of confidence. It is unsurprising to me that Jam reacted by being spooky in the SJ and strong in the XC. I'm glad you recognised how your riding was affecting Jam's way of going in the voice over. I personally don't think a stronger bit is ever the answer. Maybe it could be worthwhile to take some time to work on your connection with Jam and rebuild her trust in you. That sort of thing gets hard when you have so many to ride but I think it's important.

She is a very talented and scopy horse. I know you know what to do. Try this, do a cc school and try to let her go, stop pulling so much and get the feel for it. Let her make a few mistakes on her own. You'll get more confident so when you are at a competition you'll sail right through.

Dear Meg, please remember you and Jam came 3rd at Badminton and stop running yourselves down. Your self-talk is your greatest challenge in terms of confidence. You are good at this.

The bickering with Pete over the scores made me chuckle so much not sure how funny you intended to be but I really needed a laugh thank you 😂❤️ And don’t put too much pressure on yourself Meg- don’t forget, not very round or ride can be perfect! Try and pick out some more good points too and look how far you’ve come in a very very short amount of time!

Awww it’s awful when we feel out of sync with our ponies! Most of it is in your head Meg, you can do it, you’ve done it before, just believe in your riding

Hobbit has the perfect "bed time story" voice - so soothing and calming ,😴 Xx

You hadn't prepared which is always going to affect you and you were tired. That would already put you in the wrong place mentally. But you carried on and tried. It was interesting that in the video you were saying "she did this"..."she did that" but upon reflection and watching it back you realised that it was you affecting her. Kudos to you for being able to admit that, lots of people wouldn't. At least you are willing to learn from it all. We are all allowed a bad day Meg. Chalk it up to experience and leave it behind you. It's what you take forward from it that matters. Look how amazingly you rode at Badminton this year. Awesome job there! 🙂👏

Agreed. Lesson learned - when you get worried your default is (psychological effect) is to gain back control...but you must do this through the legs and seat - not the hands (the hands are the guiders not the breaks). Applaud your (but mainly Jams) efforts but back to the drawing board to make sure nothing more dangerous happens 🤨 just a reminder that a new tool (bit) wont fix rider issues...a horse is always the mirror/reflector of you so bear that in mind 😊

Have you considered talking to a sports psychologist? Pippa Funnell said "I used to get very nervous at big three-day events like Badminton and Burghley, as I would only have one or two horses to ride and would have too much time to think. “After speaking to a sports psychologist, I found ways to combat those nerves, such as implementing a system whereby I would deal with the course when I walked it and wouldn’t allow myself to stew on it when I was in bed at night."

One the one hand I really love that you are being honest and are not blaming the issues on Jam, who did a fab job in getting you home safe in the XC. On the other hand I'm slightly concerned that your solution seems to be to bit up on Jam when you conceded yourself that the issues stem from the way you rode her. I don't think bitting up is the right solution here, it may just mask the issues in the future. I do usually like the way you work with your ponies, so I will keep watching with interest to see how you work through this :) I hope you're not too hard on yourself though - at the end of the day you and Jam got home safe, and that is the main thing. And you were able to reflect and take things to work on from this event.

Pete's sarnie looked lovely. Don't be too hard on yourself, you have just come back from holiday, and you still did what you wanted to do.

Great video Meg. Remember what you learned from Lucinda, and in your cross country lesson before Badminton? Flat feet, your feet were pushed way forward with the breaks on all the time. Out of the saddle, you were way sat back. I think Jam just wanted you to be steady. I don't mean to tell you anything. You're such a great rider. Great video Meg.

She is such a good girl! You will back to being confident and forward!!!

I love listening to your voiceover of your dressage and then hearing your score. You're way too hard on yourself. I think you just had an off day being tired, don't beat yourself up. Anyway, will watch the rest of the video now lol.

It's really good in helping awareness of your body and to cope with stiffness. Catherine McCrum in London works with a lot of riders.

Don’t be too hard on yourself! You have turned jam around and you don’t give yourself near enough credit for the schooling you have done. With the week that it’s been in the equestrian world, it’s just great to see you both home safe and sound Xx

If i was you i would of let her go a lot more and not worry about speeding towards the jumps. She is such a talented rider and horse! Well done i would never of gotten to that level!

😳 The drive home is a little spicy. Naps needed for all not just the toddler 🤣

Your stock pin was upside down, all the luck fell out of the horse shoe 😢 In all seriousness you did amazing all things considered, and Calming Cookies could help with the spooking. They are a god send this time of year from my OTTB.

I love Jam she's so smooth. Look s like a small Lipazan!👌🐴👍🌼🙋🏼‍♀️💜

I think your mum is a beauty, I bet she thinking now now children don’t fall out over 7.9 Megan I think your a 10/10 all day long with that beautiful smile that you shows us all!!!!! :0)

Even though this wasn’t the prettiest or most perfect round, thank you for sharing and letting us be a part of your learning! And also WELL DONE FOR QUALIFYING REGARDLESS!

Best Pete’s Eats yet😂🤣

You and Pete going at each other was classic pmsl. You rode great and Jam was fab stop pulling yourself down woman! Great vlog.tfs😎🏇😎

I have the exact same problem with pulling and “riding backwards”. When I get nervous or unsure about a distance, my default is to start pulling back and “picking”. I’ve been trying to break this habit for years. Idk why slowing down, adding in extra strides, and getting too close to the jump makes me feel safer; it actually makes MUCH more sense to keep up a good pace so my horse has enough impulsion to clear the fence! What I do, taking away from the impulsion and then asking my horse to jump from a deep spot is actually MUCH more dangerous than if I could make myself keep riding forward! My brain KNOWS this, but can’t always make my body respond. The only way I get over this is just to keep practicing over low fences and honing my eye for distances with lots of pole and cavaletti work as well. Then my confidence returns, and I’m able to let my horse actually move forward. But when I take too much time off from riding (or if I have a fall), I end up back to my default pulling. It’s frustrating, but just something I know I have to keep working on. I’m sure it will be the same for you. It helps me to practice going more forward over courses of jumps that I consider tiny and not intimidating. Even if I do mess up a distance, the jumps are low enough that my horse can easily fix it for me. After I do that for awhile and my brain realizes that I’m not going to die jumping a course on a more forward pace, my confidence starts coming back and I can slowly start raising the jump heights. Just a little tip of what works for me. But I totally understand what you’re going through! Btw, your rides may have felt bad to you, but they actually LOOKED quite nice! I find that is often the case. I feel like I had an AWFUL ride, then watch the video and realize it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought is was!

Hiya, my mum is the caterer there at Sapey, I am gutted that I missed you. Thankyou so much for being absolutely hilarious. 😂😂

You always ride well Meg. You are out there doing it for starters . You have an upside down horseshoe on your stock pin. Change the dynamic and put it in the other way up 😂

Jam could eat a novice course for breakfast and probably an intermediate for lunch. It's easy to say as an observer that you're too much in your head but I think it's true. As you say yourself, if you ride her more forward over the course she'll fly it for you (with some brakes, of course!).

I love that pete films and gets involved what a dream team and poor hobbit still driving you around...

even though universals don't have much leverage, i'd honestly advise you against it. if you pull when you get nervous, a harsher bit is not going to help that at all and only cause more harm. instead, i'd work on your confidence and comfort over fences, but more importantly jam's because ultimately she's the one in more pain with a larger bit and extreme pulling - she's "panic running" because of the stress she feels from you, the event, the gear, etc. just something to think about!

You just have to have more faith in yourself and more confident ❤️ because you are truly amazing ! but I know how hard it is to get out of your head and not doubt yourself 💙

Super knowledgeable. Great that you can talk it through to thoughtfully 🙂

I understand the problem of being way too hard on yourself. I burnt out at the weekend, and instead of completely saying no, I accepted 6 hours of work and now I'm sick as a dog. I love my work, but I'm constantly striving to do my best and it makes me burn out super quick 😫

“OB” on a dressage test means “overbent.” (Longtime dressage scribe here . . .)

Your videos are so informative! I really appreciate your observation and critique of your own work.....without being over harsh on yourself or your pony.

I love your videos and your honesty. I struggle with riding forward too and just knowing I am not the only one helps so much. 😁

Jam is very easily a novice and badders pony and I don't agree with the people being soft with you in the comments saying your riding is amazing (in this specific video meg youre an incredible rider) bc it'll get you in danger but you're a novice rider easily and I think you need to be confident and really put your heart and soul into the jumps and you'll easily stop holding yourself and jam back and be soaring

Agree with you and Hobbit re Pete’s Eats! Maybe imagine you are Jonelle Price going Xcountry. Let it flow, and trust her. Mares have so much self-preservation, and she doesn’t seem to ever leave a leg. That’s easier said than done,I know, especially if you’re a bit ring-rusty. Great vlog Meg.

I do the exact same thing....pull...I think its a safety mechanism for our brain as it makes us feel safe.

so excited to watch, i’m sure it will be amazing as always 💗

You are a great partnership - you and Jam as well as the humans… Have faith in yourself and all the training you put into your ponies. That said, fully enjoy your reviews as a learning opportunity for those of us a ‘few’ levels behind you!

You rode so well and the way you talk to jam is so cute 🥰 love your videos xx

wow the horse is beautiful and lots of beautiful, cool👍

Well done! We all have days where we're not at 100% but that's because you're human and probably very tired from your busy schedule! Jam had her ears pricked the whole time so she is clearly still confident regardless of a hand break round. Agree re the stronger bit, it'll probably mean you feel more confident to let her go knowing that there is more adjustment available when you need it. Thanks for sharing even when it's not perfect x

It’s good to watch videos of your rounds so you can see what’s happening because you’re right when you’re out there riding it feels completely different! And of course being off and not riding for 10 days would mean things feel different when you’re back. It’s all good!

Hi. Guess you need to see Lucinda. So long as you both stay safe and well.

I want to watch this new show, Hacking Out With Hobbit 😉

This was a very thoughtful and candid vlog, really, but I'm just having to pause and double over laughing at "flaming yon" 🤣 I think that's going to make me laugh randomly for the rest of my life, thanks ❤️

Well done! Yay for Bicton! Ride forward! 😜. And don’t give Pete the Mickey….he has his methodology, leave him to it. 🤣. Said with love! ❤️❤️❤️

Honestly, even if you think your riding was bad that dressage was really, really nice compared to when I started following you. Good job Meg!

Something that I learnt from my instructor to get more calm is just before I do something stressful I roll my shoulders back and I take a deep breath, it calms me down completely, it makes my pony calm and less tense. You can try it, you might have already but that is just a tip I picked up💗💗 also love your vids and you did absolutely amazing, and remember not to doubt yourself🥰

Hey, I do love your evening vlogs. Always please yo watch. Well done for qualifying 💪💪💪

I default to the opposite! I found my horse struggling so much for a short but leaping for a long stride easily. After 2 weeks trying to fix the problem, yesterday I realised that I was leaning forward to early so I was leaning forward and pulling! After finally sitting up, he got it immediately. Just trying to give you an example. One day it will click and jam and you can go amazing cross country!! Well done still. Love you and your vids!🥰🥰☺️

You got this girl. Congrats on your MER! PS: Watch the Lucinda video for your jumping to give you the confidence. Pete needs to judge like if 5 chiefs make the sandwich who would be the great one. in taste, presentation-(for horse trails food), Color. Just an idea, or something like that.🥰🏇

Early club, also I do that to, i some times ride a very fiery horse and when she pulls me along I pull and then we are fighting each other as well as the course and it so scary when the take off with you, but I need to learn if the horse takes of completely, they often come back to you in a bit!

Honestly the best Equine youtube channel

Tell Pete we have Michigan Pasties here which I’d put up against any UK version…Cornish or not. Lol. And good job Meg and Jam!

Hi Meg, That was truly a lovely Cross Country go, Jam looked great and took you around the course like a real champion. I also liked her dressage test, I know that she was a tiny bit tense but all the different elements came together beautifully I thought. Congratulations Meg it was a jolly good event. Jane 😎👍🐎🐴🧑🏻‍🦰

I love how honest you are with how your feeling your ride went. We can always count on you to give us an honest review. Sometimes it’s hard to understand how jam feels by just watching. Go Pete’s eats 🤣 we know that’s the only reason we watch.. how dare you growl at our favourite Pete 🤣🤣🤣 great effort girls given your prep

It’s obviously amazing when you come away feeling great with your score. But you need to think of that as a bonus! Go out and enjoy yourself out of everything with your ponies and don’t put so much pressure on yourself to be perfect as no ride can be. You and Jam done great and that’s all that matters🤍

So excited to watch!! You are my favourite youtuber ❤️

Meg I love your videos so so much and I miss bear , bring her back into jumping 😂 love ya

Love jam , well done getting to bicton

Is easy to see Jam likes to be forward going. Getting on with the job. I think Meg you need to trust her a bit more. It is not easy when you doubt yourself. ( been there so I know the feeling ) We all have bad days so don't be hard on yourself. At least you are out there giving it a go.

Pete seems really nice but I think it is impossible to get men in general to see things the same way as women do. Pete rates the food on whether it was nice enough or not and not more descriptive terminology but I think we all get the gist of what he thinks of the food so it is still good. If horse events are similar to dog shows in terms of catering I doubt there will ever be a score of 10, not really worthy of such a high score in reality. It would be interesting to see Pete's eats at Michelin star restaurants lol.

Can't wait to watch your video meg bet its going to be epic as always!! ❤

The great food debate was funny 😂 Great vlog Meg 💜

I agree with you Meg on the argument about scores!!!!!

Well done Meg and Jam 🙂

Meg, I honestly just think you were really tired! So you did revert back a bit as well as Jammy being spicy too. You'll be ok. I just think you had too much going on in the run up and not enough sleep 💖 Well done on the dressage! That's amazing ✨

Great vlog Meg! Those were some BIIIG fences 😅! Jammy is such a star she’s got so much scope. You’re so harsh on yourself riding wise, you’ve done amazing this year. Xx

Try not to get wound up in your mistakes. Focus on when you get it right.

Hello from Australia 🇦🇺 First of all, you’re too harsh on yourself! Second, you are an amazing rider honestly and you are kicking goals, no rider is perfect, we all make mistakes. You will get to where you want to be, allow for those mistakes because you can only better yourself from them. Love your videos!

Put some spices, tasty sauce etc. I've had some lovely burgers/steak sandwiches, but there is something missing in the taste department. I agree with you Pete. There is just something not quite right and I live in South Australia.

OB in us means over bent

YOU ARE ALWAYS CRUSHING IT DREAM TEAM ❤️❤️❤️🤩🤩🔥🔥🔥🔥

So excited to watch!!!! love your vids. literally can't wait for swipe up kick on series 2!!!! Eek so excited!!!! 😄😄💗💗💖💖

Forgot to add. Apart from seeing Lucinda, you should add Mike Winter for your cross country tutorial.

Flaming minions and whimsical baps 😂 bit of everything in this vlog hahaha Congrats on your amazing dressage score!

You are the best you motivate so much and I think I will be able to ride soon

come to America - our food is so full of flavor & so good… thus why so many of us are fat! lol 😂 i used to work for an English company, therefore many English worked here for a year, couple years, many decided to stay they liked it here so much 😊 the main thing they loved was the food - so you & Pete must holiday in America next time ❤🇺🇸

This is gonna be an amazing video I can already tell!

Meg cut yourself some slack, you done amazing. And the ponies are very lucky to be taken round them courses by you🥰🥰

Good practice show! You'll get there!! Maybe when you jump at home set up an oxer by your gate then a one stride in the middle of the arena parallel to the "gate jump" then set up a jump on the far end of the arena. So its like an S! That could help you with your turns and also push Jammie forward and hopefully not backwards! Love your videos ❤️

Meg comparing food to "a Connemara in a dressage test"🤣 thank you for your videos they always brighten my day and make me laugh! Best of luck with Jam and can't wait to see Bicton vlog!

Nice to go eventing again hoping for a Greek Eats turn your stock pin up the other way all your luck is running out xx

I was having a really, mm let's say, not so good day, for pg reasons 😂 but this really lighten it up for me! Thank you

Can’t wait to see the voog

My ponies have gone really spooky as well I think it’s the change in the weather it’s not just Jambam

I was just watching one of your shorts when the notafecation popped up lol

gOoD mOrNiNg eVeRyOnE!!

I’m not fully sure if I agree with the changing bit scenario. We are humans. I think the show jumping probably spooked you a little. They are big fences and you are only human. You really need to stop being so hard on yourself. I recognise Sally from all stars vids!Hello Sally, I had my video shared by H&C also! 💚💚💚💚💚

Olá eu falo da Fortaleza Ceará quero lhe dizer gosto muito do seu trabalho eu não entendo inglês mas vejo que você é uma pessoa muito maravilhosa .parabéns pelo seu trabalho , que Deus lhe abençoe sempre

Love Pete xxxx

Omg you and Pete are so funny #relationshipgoals I ❤️ u guys you made my day and Meg you rode amazing don't be so hard on yourself if I rode a 1/4 as good as you I'd be stoked xx

You did amazing Meg

Laughing so much at the lorry chat on the way home 😂