DALI'S 8 YEAR JOURNEY FROM FOAL TO GRAND PRIX

[@fleetskipper1810]

Really appreciate the way you put this together chronologically. Horses that are hard to ride really challenge us and make us become better riders. Sometimes it’s very painful for us, but, in the end, we have to thank them for contributing to you. Your trip to Europe last year proved to be a turning point for both of you. I have to say that your spending six months in Australia each year has increased the challenge for you, but as you say, khas benefited him. I really credit you for getting your mental and physical ride back together once every six months. That is not easy to do. I would not be surprised if you get offers to buy him, if you have not already. Especially from male riders with long legs. They’d love to get such a well-bred eight-year-old that has been properly developed and not overused.

[@bobmatthews8389]

Amazing! Loved your self reflection and insight into your process with him. So inspirational! Congrats on your huge success with him! A home bred Wow! you should feel so very proud!

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Thank you so much!!

[@Vardau-Ollie]

How is Dali 8 already! Time flies! Feels like yesterday when he was born / gotten ridden for the first time

[@JV-pj7dz]

Hi Holly! I love the way you put this "Journey" video together. It's wonderful to witness Dali's development -- and your narration was great. I'm 74 years old now, but rode a hunter in my youth. Something I just recalled is that -- at one point -- an instructor told me I needed a different saddle. I did get the one he recommended -- and it made a huge (positive) difference in the security of my legs. It actually had much less padding than the one I had been using, but the mineral oil preparation that instructor insisted upon for the new leather created a surface that made it so much easier for my legs to stay in the position they needed to be. You mentioned something about your legs and getting stronger -- and it is obvious you're really putting in a lot of work -- so I simply wanted to share my own memory -- in the chance it might help in some small way. You, of course, have much (much, much, much) more experience and skill than I ever had -- but I figured -- what's the harm in sharing? Have a wonderful Holiday! Looking forward to your return to Ireland in February. One more thing -- I hope you'll be getting lots and lots of footage of your newest little guy (so far) -- Zephyr -- so in the future, we can see his "Journey," too. I adore his spunk and spirit -- and he's gorgeous! Happy New Year to you and your family! JV

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Thank you for your kind comment ♥️ I agree, different saddles can definitely put you into different positions. I’ll keep it in mind! Merry Christmas ☺️

[@Geeoorrggiiaa45]

My favourite of yours, can’t believe he’s 8 ! ❤

[@rosiebrooks7885]

Thank you, such a lovely horse such a sweet temperament and he tries for such a large horse x

[@rebekahnewman3876]

Great video! It’s incredible to see how your time in France really changed things for the both of you. 2020-2022 seemed like a period where you kept trying to use repetition of what you were comfortable with, which didn’t yield much of any results. Going to France you went out of your comfort zone with the gymnastics which seemed to really teach him how to use his muscles to jump, rather than just throw himself around the ring and hope he’d clear it. And seeing you train the pole/cavaletti courses with him completely calm, you completely strong and upright, I think that was a major lightbulb too. It all translated immediately to your courses. Amazing work!! And don’t forget to go back to those exercises! It reminds me of ballet training as I am a dancer - the pros never stop with plie, tendu, the basics… every single day practicing dance starts with the most basic movements. If you neglect the basics you will weaken that technical foundation.

[@astrosociology]

those tail swishes to me are absolutely a personality quirk, and such a cute one too (seems like showing the high energy/excitment i see it in other horses too)

[@Just_hollie12]

I think you’ve done an amazing job with him, a very educational journey and never rushed! I think you have a great partnership ❤

[@Katy.Lou.K]

Beautiful work with Dali, Holly! I can’t believe he’s 8 now😢😍 Keep putting in your time and energy…. It is definitely paying off! Merry Christmas and Love from California⛰️🎄🌧️🐴🩵

[@joannemitchell5078]

I wish my riding was good enough to match your average - great video!

[@Phillip-p1e]

Tbh your riding, can't be any worse than this....

[@andreawallace7724]

Amazing to see the journey. Thank you for sharing it can’t be easy show all of the journey, but it is inspiring.😊

[@jessicaruhl7314]

You’ve developed Dali so well, loved seeing the change!

[@janeminwell4395]

Great vlog, very interesting to see his progress. Best Wishes for the New Year Holly.

[@christinemartindale8715]

Nice to see you back Holly, Dali is beautiful big and bold you have done a fantastic job with him. Hope you all had a fun Christmas 🤶 tfs.🤗🏇🤗

[@jeniferrinehart1107]

What an awesome recap! Good boy! ❤❤❤

[@Sienna_andmegs42]

These are my favourite videos of yours 🎉

[@kudapooda9993]

Thank you for sharing Dali's journey , Happy christmas to you and your family. Good luck for 2025 .😊😊👍👍👍👍❤❤❤🐶

[@Cheyenne.P]

Great video 🤍. I love watching Dali’s journey. It reminds me so much of my horse. He is also an 18-hand Warmblood, and we are making our way through this show jumping life by ourselves here in Australia. I can’t believe how far he has come along in a short time. And I hope he has as much success as Dali in the next few years. I can also feel your pain from riding a huge horse. 😂 So Much Work! But it's such a nice feeling!

[@alisonwilks302]

Happy Christmas holly and mum and dad ! Of all the equestrian KZbinrs you are my favourite - I can hear the smile in your voice - great job with that rather large pony 😳😳😳😍😍😍🤣🤣🤣🤣😳💕💕💕💕💕xxxxxx

[@lizgarland2241]

Fab vlog. What a journey ☘️☘️☘️🐎🐎🐎☘️☘️☘️💚🇮🇪

[@HelenIrwin-po2ri]

Happy Xmas and good luck for the new year to you your family and the horses

[@schulamar3324]

You really do a good Job! I already saw the process last year and you kept going. Hugh compliment to you and Dali. Been following you since he was born. 👏🏽❤️🍀

[@mariwhitmer5377]

Great review! I appreciate how you manage all your horses but especially the thought of what is best in their progression. I am excited to see you and Dali in 2025. I love Rocky too 😊

[@Patti-1962]

Dali has a big heart, to go along with his large body!! It's easy to ride a push button horse, but look at all you have learned and how much your riding has improved from dealing with Dali's issues. It's a win/win in my book!!

[@cleo.brooksffion7354]

Wow holly he really has come so far and he is looking really good. I am inspired and wish to be able to ride like you do one day :))

[@trefnis9234]

Thank you for this progress video of Dali, such a big difference, you did awesome job! Also your voice is so calming 😌 and I can hear in the way you speak of your horses, not only in this video, that you just love them to the moon and back. Wishing all the horses could have an owner with such a heart full of them 💚 You are such an inspiring person, thanks for this Christmas kick of power ✨️ Also Merry Xmas everyone 🎄

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Ah thank you so much, that’s very kind. Merry Christmas!

[@jennydembovsky57]

Thank you for putting this together Holly. I thoroughly enjoyed it…. You & Dali have come a long way ☺️. I’d love to know where Khal is & how he’s doing. Did you sell him? 💕

[@debrabish1494]

super!!!

[@melaniegoodman7961]

Such a big, beautiful horse ❤ Is there a Cal update coming soon? I’ve missed seeing him on your channel. Love your vlogs x

[@rachelmusgrove4299]

Oh wow 🤩

[@ToriPhillips-u6g]

I love him too ❤️

[@annepettit3855]

Oh Dali 😍🥰💕

[@word20]

Amazing journey. What do you say about taking him to diferernt eventing like British Eventing 80, 90 or 100 with cross country? It seems like he has a big canter and would have no problem with this.

[@ArtsyFarm]

So after watching this, I think his tail is ether his propeller or hid Pegasus wings lol ❤

[@LawsonLyons-j9b]

So what happened to your other horse cal where did he go

[@TheBulle]

I wish she’d tell us. 😢 So much mystery around his whereabouts.

[@rebekahnewman3876]

She did talk about selling him in previous videos, maybe the sale is pending/a buyer is trying him out. She will tell her audience what’s up when she’s able to do so publicly I would imagine.

[@oldageisdumb]

He has sold. She’s waiting to make sure everything is settled, I believe

[@BarryBobbins]

@@oldageisdumbHow do you know?

[@BarryBobbins]

It’s spelt ‘Khal.’

[@JulieVDK01396]

looooooooooooooove

[@Life.on.the.wrong.leg2020]

Why wouldn't you do the loose jumping again with a 2 year old?

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Because it feels too young

[@LawsonLyons-j9b]

I heard her say that somebody was trying him I never heard her say that he was sold

[@Fwa2000]

One thing I noticed is that you're seesawing, so try to keep your hands still, it's just a tip, no hate!!

[@oma1657]

Maybe he needs the height ti jump his best. the lower height wasn't interesting to him He is a beautiful horse.

[@LawsonLyons-j9b]

My bad I'm not perfect like you