Heat, Hard Work & a Hard-Earned Win – A Weekend Recap

This past weekend's horse show was nothing short of intense — and not just because of the competition. With temperatures soaring above 30°C and heavy humidity hanging in the air, it was a serious challenge to keep both horse and rider cool, focused, and at their best. Managing hydration, energy, and mindset in those conditions took just as much strategy as riding the tests themselves.

Despite the grueling weather, I’m incredibly proud to share that I came away with the title of Champion FEI Junior! It was a tough field, but a strong score in Friday’s team test gave us the edge we needed. That test really set the tone for the weekend, and I couldn’t have asked for a better performance from my partner, Dino.

Dino has truly become the heart of this journey. He’s an incredible teacher — constantly pushing me to ride my best in every single test. He’s quirky, comical, and has a personality that everyone at the barn has come to love. Whether he's making us laugh or helping me grow as a rider, Dino always brings his full self to the ring.

We’re not slowing down anytime soon — we’ll be competing this coming weekend at the London Dressage Association show. It’s another chance to fine-tune our tests and keep building on the momentum.

A huge thank you to my coach, Savannah Rijk, for her unwavering support. She not only keeps me technically sharp, but also helps me stay grounded and resilient. Showing at this level is emotionally demanding, and Savannah is teaching me how to navigate the highs and lows with strength and grace.

Here’s to staying cool under pressure, continuing to learn, and giving it our all again this weekend!

Dino, Charlotte and Savannah- July 202

Weekend FEI Junior Champion