Finally taking my new horse eventing!!

Welcome to Wilma's first eventing vlog! Join us as we head to the Cotswold Cup 80cm event at Hazleton Manor. It was my first time at this venue, and I was really impressed with the course and ground conditions.
Taking Wilma out eventing for the first time since purchasing her in November was such an exciting experience. She's shown so much promise and potential, making me incredibly excited for her future in the eventing world.
While the day may not have been perfect on paper, it turned out to be a remarkably positive and enjoyable experience. There's something incredibly special about taking baby horses like Wilma to their first events and witnessing them learn and grow with each challenge they face.
Join us and witness Wilma's confidence blossom throughout the day. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to follow her progress and join us on future adventures!
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Instagrams: @elphick.event.ponies @adventures.of.hobbit
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[@jae.m]

I like the way you handle babies, encouraging and teaching while making it a pleasant experience for the horse- no wonder Jam and Dee love it so much and make it obvious. Your approach results in better horses in the end than those who over-face and rush youngsters. Wilma is going to be such an amazing competitor, she's such a lovely personality

[@elphick.event.ponies]

You are so kind, thank you!

[@1daySomeday]

@@elphick.event.ponies we all love what you do!! kudos :) i am curious , did Wilma spook as much when you first rode her at the Equine site you discovered her in or did this issue of spooking creep up on you and Wilma recently? thanks!

[@kezzen3930]

Wilma’s perfect for you, you’re so busy giving her confidence that you forget to worry about yours.

[@kellyloomes7136]

Hobbs you're never too old! Take it from me 46 and just about to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Equine Science, Management, and Training xx

[@annejarvis7002]

Wow - congratulations🥳. Very best wishes for your future 🎉

[@sturdygirl7772]

Taking it back old school with just Hobs and Meg 😊 ❤ and now with Rockstar Wilma! 😊❤

[@debbieredmon5063]

Wilma is so honest! Her heart is so big! Mistakes?,A few, but nothing to be upset about. She did the 80 so easily! Great job Wilma and Meg! Well done Hobbs!!

[@Bently2849]

You do such a wonderful job with the "babies", Meg!! Wilma is going to be an absolute legend when she has a bit more experience. She really is just looking and figuring out that she can totally trust you and the partnership. Time to continue her going out and having more fun competing and getting used to going out eventing.

[@ElizabethMoon-n8m]

She's so much developed, compared to your test rides in Ireland. Neck, hindquarters, and how she's using her back, tracking up more, etc. She looks more grown up. More hunter than eventer so far, but definite improvement all around. I love that you're tolerant of her being inexperienced and not pushing for instant perfect performance. Wilma's lucky that you've produced so many ponies before...you have a real feel for how much they can do as they progress. Given halfway decent conditions for her next event, I'd bet she'll have progressed a LOT.

[@dioneburt-douglas4942]

Wilma is just so lovely

[@cosmicgoatlady6957]

Training with cars, box trailers, and white boards. Babies! Duplicating the wall jumps in the practice arena to get her used to a wall. Wilma is smart, she'll get it.

[@jenniferlehman326]

Great training session for Wilma!! She did really well, all things considered. You have to be chuffed with how well she actually did. All she needs now is more time out doing the 80 cms like you said. Getting that experience. And in the end, Meg, the score doesn't matter a whit!! What matters is that it was a good experience for Wilma. She will get better. You can see the love she has for jumping, and the flat work will improve as well as she gets more time at competitions. Love, your friend, the Retired Paramedic and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn 💖 🇨🇦

[@annjohnson8437]

Well done, Meg and Wilma! You and Hobbit are the OGs! I love how you both are extremely positive with all your horses! Wilma may be green, but you can tell she is going to be a superstar down the road a bit. ❤

[@jessicaruhl7314]

Such a positive and confident ride you gave Wilma, she grew up right before our eyes. Such a smart girl, bright bright future!!! 🤩

[@jodie911]

Never fails to put a smile on my face you have helped me build my confidence again in riding ❤

[@xisell0304]

My god I love Wilma's dressage!! The way her tail sort of floats as she's trotting is just beautiful! Don't worry meg you are doing awesome with her. Some of us just takes a longer time to really "click". xx

[@r_u_s_t_y__h_o_r_s_e_s-hg4fe]

Wilma has so much potential! Such a fantastic horse ❤❤❤

[@april5666]

Wilma is wonderful; what a gorgeous girl. She is a diamond in the rough, for sure. For her first round of events, with a lot of atmosphere, she did so well. She will rise quickly with more exposure. Really nice, supportive riding, Meg. You are a great team already :) and PS we do love to see and hear from Hobbit too.

[@ponyparty28]

Wilma is seriously photogenic (mins 17.30ish) 😍

[@Egan_Equestrian]

Wilma woo has a bright future ahead of her!!

[@janl8683]

Aww bless her, trying so hard, but in her head it was 'what the heck!!!!' Great vlog and we do love seeing Hobs xxx

[@plove523]

I see lots of weekend unaffiliated events for Wilma this summer. Glad to see Hobbs out commenting, I missed that.

[@SerinaLowell-g2g]

She looks so good

[@Julie-bu3jw]

I love the way you rode Wilma. Well done. You are going to get some beautiful tests from her in the future. She is very scoot. You are going to have great fun and success with her. She is absolutely gorgeous.

[@joannesmartens9442]

Yes finally, i was thinking you don't love her.😅 It's important she learn much because she's still very young. She did very well for her first eventing.🥰

[@biggothepiggo]

I almost think you should be happy about the bobbles. She really demonstrated a great deal of intelligence, maturity and trainability. I think she showed a ton of potential and I think in a short time she will be the perfect combo of bold, athletic and smart. Wilma is so pretty and sweet too. What a wonderful horse. You handled it all beautifully; great day for you both. And... what a fun old school video of just you and Hobs! Loved it!

[@ginnyferguson3772]

I love this horse!! Fantastic result for you both, well done 👏

[@karachikay5759]

Wilma is so pretty and such an elegant mover she will eventually get some really cracking dressage scores ❤

[@LindaBell-eo6io]

I love this mare so much, she is so honest and lovely. She just needs miles and exposure and that just comes with time. Well done both of you ❤

[@patbroekema6721]

You and Wilma are perfectly suited for each other. You give her the confidence to try and she’s calm and not racing around, which kept you calm and happy!!!

[@Justanotherhorselover]

Actually sooo blimming exited

[@elinaparkkonen517]

You are the sweetest horsey mum, dear Meg😊❤!! The way you always try to (to the best of your ability) look at things from Wilma's perspectiveand respect her "babiness". It is admirable 👣💖🐎😚! Always remember these first rounds with your youngster, it is a very very important and also so lovely part of journey together W&M. All my love to you U2 from Finland 🇫🇮➡️🇬🇧.

[@jbritton6033]

You look so smart on Wilma! Hobbs did a great job! Cheers!

[@ShaneGilbert-cx4th]

Hi meg ,so good to see you OUT with your mum, taking Wilma eventing is a BIG learning curve. 😊😊👍👍 ALL the best with your plans. Take care and all the best, for badminton grass roots with jam and your team . I spotted you and Han on Tina's last EVENT vlog . 😃😃😃👍👍👍💟💖

[@evaburgess3648]

Love that you show how much work goes into producing a horse. Excellent

[@moorahpark]

As someone who has a pony who started the whole tongue out thing it certainly is something that needs to be stopped quickly - causes can be linked to a tightness in the back and stifle area and hanging on to the rein to firmly especially the outside rein a grackle will stop the crossing of the jaw but putting on a flash will not stop the tongue coming out they will find a way - try your massage pad before riding and stretching the hind leg will definitely help - she’s actually looking really good well done

[@maryhluch659]

Meg, you be nice to your mom. She is a gem and you pick on her way too much. Love you Hobbs (from the mom of two daughters)

[@susangardner6348]

Wilma is so stinkin cute. I love how she looks at everything and you help to give her such support.

[@malloryalford9808]

Wilma is such a sweet soul. One of these days you should reward her by taking her hunting. 😂 Well ridden, Meg! Babies are so much fun to bring up!

[@kellygalvin7775]

You should be so proud you got round the whole course with the rain and wind , she’s going to be so good with more exposure

[@lafemmefatal]

this is nothing to do with anything but its so nice to come here and just watch some ponies, esp ponies you know are treated well and loved, and just chill out. like there's a lot of crap going on in the world and i lost my mare to colic a few weeks ago and its nice to just watch a cute pony video and not think about that stuff for a bit. thank you

[@elphick.event.ponies]

So sorry to hear about your mare ❤️

[@lafemmefatal]

@@elphick.event.ponies thanks hun, it was devastating. She was only 14 so pretty shocking. Just give all yours an extra little hug from me

[@lemmebeawinnerequestrian7555]

What a great experience for Wilma. Meg you do such a wonderful job with all your horses. I'm excited for you and Wilma's future. She is a doll! ❤

[@Whizzywelsh_Eventing]

Meg she was mega!!!! Bless her little cotton socks. She settled into it really nicely after the stop. Welldone gal xxx

[@eleni.alexopoulos]

An elphick event ponies video posted on my birthday is amazing , legit so happy

[@sarahcooper3378]

That was a very good day, despite the score board. Wilma looks fantastic, her actual jumping is great, she didn't touch a pole in the SJ and cleared all the XC with ease.......she just needs lots of outings now and different experiences to give her the confidence in herself and you, and then job expectations will all fit into place. Lovely watch. Well done.

[@jessicahigdon3962]

Great video Meg. Just keep taking her out and keep jumping her. You have to start somewhere. Great video Meg.

[@jeniferrinehart1107]

What a great day out for Wilma Woo! Lots to see and experience, and you know just how to support and encourage her. Glad Hobbs was there to help too. 😁. Nicely done! ❤❤❤

[@gailst55]

I love Wilma!!! Look forward to watching her grow in confidence - I don't think it'll take her long. Well done for a lovely experience all round.

[@cordisomerfield6447]

Love this video well done Wilma

[@1daySomeday]

also one more thing our beloved precious treasured Meg .... please please Meg, do what you know is best but you are like 5 star rider in the making and in my humble opinion i believe you would get far better results without worrying about us till AFTER your competition is over with and have some one do all the recording without you having to worry about it , and you can talk to us afterwards or as you get it edited you can talk to us in the editting process , i just want to see you win and perform at the level we all seen you do and are!!!

[@eilidhr_]

Oh Wilma, she's so funny going "ooh i dont know about this" and then "oh actually its fine lets go" after the first cross country fence. You're so good at riding the babies Meg :)

[@brookestanford738]

She's so sweet! I can't wait ro see the progress from now to the end of the season. I know she will show a ton of improvement. Good job Meg! It's nice to see you enjoying eventing, as you should ! 💙

[@fleetskipper1810]

She’s never been schooled cross-country, which makes this all the more fabulous. I loved to see her process this whole experience. The mental gears were turning, that’s for sure. You did a great job riding her and showing her the ropes. She’s so lovely. You’re so lovely. Can’t wait for the future. But I had a lot of fun riding along with you today.

[@crystalvibes2122]

Good first event with Wilma! So many positives, Wilma just needs more experience to gain confidence,

[@abbebladon]

Well done Meg & Wilma. A tough day at the office weather wise and a few scary bits for a young horse but I tell you what, she is something special. She has such a lovely soul ❤ also, I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again, I flipping love a bit of Hobs commentary! It’s like the old days to an OG like me!❤❤❤❤

[@Track2HackStandardbreds]

Gee I could get used to seeing you on a big athletic bay 😜🤩 Poor wee Wilma inherited more than the athleticism from her thoroughbred side, she be seeing demons in them there fences 😂 She looks a lot like my 6yo cob, a big sensitive mare who loves her jumping but needs the reassurance 100% of the way until she lands on her feet at enough events! The sensitive sookies are the ones that are the most satisfying to see blossom in their careers, once you gain their trust at the start of the journey they’ll jump the moon for you without question ❤️

[@anniecampbell8554]

It’s funny that on the cross country the jumps she focused on the most (and spooked at) were some of the ones that seem most like a hunting obstacle. Lovely to see you both having fun and rising to the challenges positively!! Looking forward to your development thru the season….

[@janegoldstein8110]

I love to see Hobbit, She is absolutely the best Mum and cheerer on that you could possibly have. I love seeing her help with your horses and film for you, what a spectacular Mum you have, you are such a lucky girl. Good Luck Meg, Try hard and do well. Your fan Jane ❤️🧑🏻‍🦰❤️🐴

[@TheJumpingGymnast]

Wilma did so beautifully! Well done Meggy

[@kdris12hihi]

I've never brought a baby horse to a show, but I am really, genuinely surprised at how much Wilma refused and spooked. She's still a wonderful horse.

[@siggelurtherocker4145]

Omg yess!! Been waiting for this! ❤❤

[@magicaltrails]

You did a good job helping her through that. 🙂 If I were you, I'd hold off on competitions for a bit and get her out for more schooling opportunities in different arenas and a lot more Xcty schooling. It's a less expensive and less stressful (on you both!) way to get miles and see enough different things that she isn't shocked whenever something is different. That way she would be really ready for her next event. 🙂

[@margauxnodvin7478]

I agree with you! I can’t imagine taking a horse that I haven’t even schooled cross country to an actual competition! The prep work before you start trying to compete is SO important!

[@deborahfisher6331]

Yeah I’m sure Meg will do what’s right for her and Wilma, it’s so important to get them to low level competitions too so they get used to the experience and hopefully come away with a positive and something to work on! 👍

[@sticksupnose]

@@margauxnodvin7478 Try telling the British weather that! All the xc schooling venues have been closed because it's rained every day for months and ruined the going.

[@magicaltrails]

@@sticksupnose I get that. But she was very spooky in SJ--just going to lots of different arenas would help. Small SJ classes, etc. She needs to see more weird stuff IMO.

[@debbiewhite8981]

Good job Meg.Wilma is a great horse

[@bethany6148]

Was nice to see her confidence grow as she went round the XC. This time next year I think she'll be a completely different mare; I do think she really wants to please she's just sometimes not quite sure what the question is. Will be interesting to watch your journey together. Xx

[@gabriellalyte606]

I actually love the original meg and mum videos! Absolutely cracking team meg and Wilma! Xxx

[@JanetThorpe-uv2ev]

WilmAa is SO flippin' sweet, I can hardly cope with it LOL 💕

[@alisontabernor6332]

Well done Megan and gorgeous Wilma! She was green but did really well and will do even better next time with her good experience 😊

[@Golden1989-days]

Oh my word. Her warm up was stunning. Such promise for the future. Just wanna say, your Mum looks great. Has she been in the gym?😃

[@margauxnodvin7478]

You did a great job with Wilma, and she had some very good parts. But I was dumbfounded when you said you’d never taken her cross country schooling! Also that she’d never seen white boards. I know you do a great job producing ponies, but I would have done a LOT more prep work with Wilma before your first official competition. I agree with another poster who suggested taking her out to do a LOT more cross country schooling, book time at venues with show jump courses so she can be exposed to more kinds of “spooky” SJ fences. I would also buy some cheap white boards to set up in your ring at home. I know you have a small “school” at your barn, but even having the white boards just in the inside of the fence would get Wilma more used to it. Or maybe even set them up in some kind of exercise. To me, I like to get my horses as solidly prepared for any kind of obstacle (and situation, when possible) which they will encounter at the competition. I then take them out to low level competitions only AFTER I know that my horse is being totally solid during the prep work. Only then do I start doing small unaffiliated competitions to give them even more practice in a competition environment. I would have done lots of unaffiliated competitions and booked more arena time with arenas full of show jump fences, as well as hiring time at venues with lots of different heights and types of XC fences to get Wilma used to those fence types (I’m sure she never had to jump a corner or an arrowhead while out hunting!). But those are just my two cents…. On the positives of the competition, I think you both looked great, and had some good learning experiences. You are obviously a phenomenal rider, and Wilma certainly has the talent to become a fantastic eventing horse with more training and competition exposure. I can’t wait to see how you both progress together! Wilma seems so lovely and willing; with more practice and miles, she will be a super star! ⭐️

[@sticksupnose]

Sadly the weather here has been a nightmare for months, gale force winds, so much rain, literally every day. Ruining the ground and making conditions unsafe. Schooling venues have been closed and many competitions cancelled. Meg and Wilma won't have been the only team not to have seen much of anything this year.

[@carolthorson7854]

My best horse in his early days was eliminated in the SJ because he had never seen a crowd and refused to go near the jump next to the crowd. Jumped everything else beautifully. Wilma does remind me of him at times. Funnily, mine was scared of everything unless it had red and white flags, then nothing would stop him jumping them. (Even if they weren't his, or facing him. Lol)

[@annejarvis7002]

A lot of positives to take away from this first Wilma cross-country event🎉 It's so encouraging to see an equestrian put the horse first & not the result. Wilma does seem to soak it all in & quickly pick up what's being asked of her. You make a fantastic team. Take care of yourself & your foot Meg - alternate hot & cold compresses & use Arnica Cream - it may help (a ballet physio recommended that). Great to see Hobs - shout out to Team Elphick ❤

[@Pinecrescent]

Wilma after XC fence 1: WE’RE HUNTING?! 😂 She steamed away from that with such enthusiasm haha. She’s going to make a fabulous Eventer with some time, just green moments! She’s got such a natural talent for all phases, I bet she’ll already be much more confident the next time you take her out now that she understands it all a little better. You’re doing a great job with her, keep at it!

[@issybrinesj]

So proud of her and you rode so beautifully! You are giving her the very best start to a very exciting career ahead 🥹 well done girls! 🥹❤️❤️❤️

[@issybrinesj]

P.s lolling at my good girls. 🤣❤️

[@christinemartindale8715]

Bless Wilma she tried so well been a baby etc Meg well done both of you and bless your mum she’s so sweet. Tfs🤗🏇🤗

[@equineevie123]

SECOND! I love your videos soooo much!

[@cheekianne1595]

She’s so honest and sweet xx

[@donnasteinberg1398]

Nice job on Wilma! She is a smart little sweetie!

[@humphreymurphy2833]

The buttons on that jacket are SO smart. ❤

[@piroshka2]

I love the vlogs with you and your mum, reminds me of my mum going out with me - a long time ago...

[@bennyryan5991]

So cute!! 🥰

[@GTD16]

She loved the good irish type fences😊 the brushes and wall style

[@egeegee7146]

Being slightly behind the movement on a youngster is the better place to be. You can drive from seat and leg as well as softening the hand and allowing them full use of head and neck. Plus you can be shoving as soon as you feel those brakes go on with the OMG whats that moments. The more you open the hand with this horse the better I think she will be. She is very genuine.

[@Siobhan_Shivaun]

Aw bless, she did get in a bit of a panic at the first XC fence, but there was no spite in what she was doing, it was all "I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M DOING!!!" type stuff. Will be fun following her journey! (also, hello Hobbit!!)

[@aislinnmeehan]

Loved this as someone who is about to go to there first ever competition doing a round of 80 show jumping to see the height of the fences 😂 after 14 years of riding I finally got my first horse and we are taking on the show jumping world hoping to start eventing as I love cross county and so does my horse loving rewatching the vlogs of your eventing to sike myself up!!

[@pixie706]

A pony of that age especially if it's been hunting should have confidence

[@lilacmoonshadow]

If Pete’s not there to do Pete’s Eats, you could do Hobs Noms instead

[@carolreising3463]

Course walk is giving me a serious case of butterflies!

[@hopefullyeventing]

Lovely to see how you dealt with her baby moments. I feel I may have plenty of those coming up with my ex racer who will hopefully be getting out soon. Exciting to watch her journey

[@Golden1989-days]

Well done. Her spookiness was a little unpredictable wasn’t it. But great round. She looked so funny cantering around on stilted legs. ❤

[@sianbennett-rodgers]

I foresee a trip to Norfolk for some bloodhounding come the season

[@Grace_and_Tino]

21:56 Hobbit sounded so similar to u Meg when she said “ayyyy we’ve got zoom… I think”

[@susantescione8007]

For a very long time it was just you and Hobbs. Jumping in a real show is a great deal different than schooling. For her first event, Wilma did well.

[@amandabarlow3255]

It makes me remember just how good Jam was to do so well at her first event with hardley any prep,

[@loridorii]

"She really wants to go, she really wants to jump, but then she sort of has these moments where she kind of doubts herself, like a little bit of a lack of self-confidence" Meg, she sounds like you

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Hahaha I did think that when I was saying it 😂

[@Stephanie-lm7sp]

Why are there constant people walking across the course....and with a dog?? Well done Meg and Wilma. Not too shabby.

[@Adanya_eq]

I love your content keep it up!

[@diannemusson7988]

Loved it

[@livyhorses3267]

Love your videos so much!❤

[@alalesahuffman-bms4094]

I could definitely pick you and Hobs out of a line up just from looking at your bums! lol

[@Maggieroselee]

BE BRAVE ❤

[@jenniferquinn5010]

To be fair how did she know that you do not need to jump the judge’s car, it was a bit of a surprise. But such a sweet heart as I have seen and experienced worse reactions 😅

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

Going back, old school!!!