HOW BIG WILL I JUMP AN UNKNOWN HORSE?

Join me on the third episode of my Vlogmas series, where I'm swapping reins with fellow equestrians. This time, I visited the renowned Strides Equestrian, a family-run professional business established in 2011 by Jay and Paige Buxton.
At Strides Equestrian, the focus is on competing and producing top-quality horses internationally on the showjumping circuit. In this special episode, I had the privilege of riding one of their exceptional horses, immersing myself in the world of showjumping expertise.
Jay's exceptional teaching takes center stage in this special episode, he even had us jumping some pretty decent fences by the end... and with only one circle (sponsored by circles).
Subscribe for more, hit play, and let's go be a showjumper for the day! 🎥🐴✨
Check out the Rower and Rub website here: www.roewer-rueb.com/en
Enter the giveaway here: Instagram @elphick.event.ponies
Vlogmas 2022 playlist:
• I RIDE A KZbinR'S HO...

[@thatdressagedivadownunder]

Within that first 3 mins and Megs introduction of Jay I instantly liked him, he called the grooms “team members” I find that such a huge snippet into what he would be like as a rider, employer & coach before even watching him coach. I would define booking a session with Jay if I still lived in the UK. Great job Meg for choosing such wonderful down to earth riders for this years Vlogmas 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@annjohnson8437]

Jay is awesome! ❤

[@Classy.hxrse.editx1]

anyone else learn so much from megs lessons, its really inspired me and helped me to train my horse. Thanks, i love our videos.

[@moonsmilk333]

Same i'm so grateful

[@elphick.event.ponies]

I'm so glad! ♥️

[@Me_and_ruby]

I am your biggest fan omg I love your videos and I love bear she’s my favourite but I love them all like wine and Dee Dee @@elphick.event.ponies

[@rosealpha2054]

Same I have not ridden in a good amount of time i literally had a bad accident over the summer but this channel always makes me want to keep going and at least get try

[@annjohnson8437]

Yes! The lesson videos are my favorite. I pick up so many tips to help me improve my riding. This video was AMAZING! ❤

[@maggiecamp5369]

I would love to see more lessons with Jay, he makes a great instructor. His philosophy is so straight forward and easily implemented. Superb job Meg and Happy!!!

[@annjohnson8437]

Yes! More lessons with Jay, please!

[@writerspen010]

Loooooved Jay's approach to lessons. He seems kind yet firm and confidence-building enough to get you to push your boundaries within reason. Totally cool teacher. I hope you'll get the chance to do more collabs with him in the future!

[@amelia-ww4uv]

i love how humble and casual he is about his acheivements !!!

[@ihay472]

I just love how Pete has embraced your lifestyle and made it his own. He's inspiring! The jumping was cool too😂 edit: the way you rode that last jump was incredible. Jay and Happy were a perfect combination for you!

[@faykelz1073]

"I'm not going to think about it. Let's just do it!" That was amazing Meg!!! Well done. xx

[@karachikay5759]

Wilma has the same potential as Happy to move in that relaxed, consistent rhythm. I'm so excited to watch you, Winnie and Wilma in the coming year 🎉

[@magicaltrails]

I love this Vlogmas! So much actual content, instead of what most people do (silly costumes with little content). Jay is FABULOUS for you and IMHO you should take yours over there for lessons. He has a good calming effect on you and the fact that he makes you just stay in the rhythm and meet the fence (NO PULLING!) is just what you need! Congrats on some super riding. You are SO FREAKING LUCKY, girl. I know you know this. 🙂

[@margauxnodvin7478]

I agree, he is a great confidence building trainer. I like that he gives “training wheels” during the warm up, starting with canter poles and then moving to a canter placing pole before the jump. This is a great way let the rider feel the correct rhythm with no pressure, and to give a visual aid to focus on. Then moving on to the course, his counting and cadence of instruction make it easy to keep the same rhythm and to help the rider stay relaxed. I love how he breaks things down in a simple way, and gives good tips and corrections. Also good how after the warm up with the training wheels, he is firm about making the rider do jumps and a course which is within the rider’s skill level, but a little bit outside their comfort zone. That’s the best way to build confidence jumping bigger jumps (I personally love it when my trainer puts the jumps up when I’m not looking, so I don’t get fixated on the height. I don’t even look at the height markers on the standard until after my lesson, so then am pleasantly surprised at what I managed to accomplish with my horse.)

[@emk7132]

Except it is not luck at all! Meg has worked really hard to get to this point and that is why she has these opportunities. 😃

[@magicaltrails]

@@emk7132 I mean lucky in the sense of "fortunate." And she is that!

[@user-fe7mg5ot9z]

Well done, Meg! I think you seriously under estimate how well you ride. You really, truly look like you belong on every horse you ride.

[@Squimbelina]

Agreed! She is so much better than she thinks she is.

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Thank you so much, such a lovely comment ♥️

[@AliceCullen151]

​@@elphick.event.ponies and I'm going to say I wish I had you as a teacher when I used to ride. I did some jumping, really small jumps, which I loved, but I lacked confidence and I was always very stressed. Back then, you didn't have vlogs to inspire you, ha! The way you approach riding and people you surround yourself with is exactly what I needed. Do it with kindness. Treat the horse and the rider with kindness. I'm happy 😁 that there are so many fantastic horse people in the world. Thank you for sharing your riding journey! Best wishes from Poland 🎉😊

[@feichannel]

Ahh, that looked like fun!!! 👏😍

[@sturdygirl7772]

Wow! Look at you go!! Well done 👍 I really like Jay's way, his manner and cadence of speech. He really seems considerate of his horses and has great ideas 💡 nice video! 😊

[@TheSeamstress1]

I loved how calming Jay was, very Zen which was perfect i feel to contrast your very bubbly personality Meg. He promotes calm and confidence which i feel made you focus more and look how well it went. Brilliant jumps on this absolute stunning machine of a horse. The whole yard was so peaceful and professional. Loved Jay's attitude, so loving and mindful of the horses. I loved this vlog! Big up Pete or whomever was on the cameras, too! ❤

[@Squimbelina]

That ‘one, two, stay the same’ is a nice soothing mantra to glide around to.

[@TheSeamstress1]

@@Squimbelina I totally agree 👍

[@Ellie0427]

What a lovely horse Happy is. She knows her job so well and works with you to get it done, but still rewards good riding even as she's forgiving of a mistake or two. After years of riding a go-y type of horse, it's so difficult to fight the instinct to hold! Especially when they see the fence and really want to move up to it (or, sometimes, drag you up to it) but Jay's instruction and Happy's rhythm really made for a lovely lesson and a lovely vlog as well. He is such a calm sort of teacher - in a sport where there's often already quite a bit of tension (from the horse, and the rider, already!) sometimes I find that instructors can add more - it's not always bad, especially if riders can rise to the occasion! - but on the other side of it, having instruction from someone who doesn't create added pressure or add more nervous energy to the situation is such a lovely feeling. I really enjoyed this one. Lovely riding, lovely coaching, and a lovely horse. Well done, all.

[@LindsayWoodward-ud1lv]

What a lovely man Jay is, clearly outs the horses first. And Happy was such a cool girl. Well done Meg - and that last jump…how big?!

[@zarawilly09]

the new intro is so iconic

[@izzyr3231]

Wheee!

[@zarawilly09]

⁠@@izzyr3231knew it was Simon as soon as i heard the wheee!

[@april5666]

WOW, Meg. You aced that last jump. This was obviously so good for your confidence. Jay’s approach reminds me of Lucinda’s methods - counting, steady rhythm. You are really producing excellent content with your new style vlogmas :)

[@HollyJordan15]

Wow Meg you were incredible! & it was incredible to watch. What an amazing rider you are; I know you lost your confidence after your fall but my word what progress you’ve made. I hope you’ve been rewarding yourself after all this hard work. Watching you smile & laugh all the way through made me tearful just watching so relaxed & enjoying it. Jay is not just an amazing teacher but you can tell he cares so much his horses by how much thought has gone into his yard but also when he said “The horses teach us, we don’t teach them.” 👏 That is the sign of an incredible equestrian right there. I wish a lot more equestrians & other animal trainers would take a leaf out of his book, because our animals do teach us. He is also incredibly humble & modest, you often find that the most talented & amazing people are like this. I love how the top equestrians like Jay & Lucinda use rhythm as a tool & it’s such a tangible thing to experience but also watch, it makes such a difference. Another thing I’ve noticed (with your mentors/teachers anyway) like Lucinda, Freddie & Jay is that they are incredibly logical.

[@clarejenkins2422]

Not long found your channel and all I can say is what a lovely, kind and genuine equestrian you are. What a privilege to join you on your amazing opportunities during your vlogmas. What a lucky girl you are!!! Love your wit and humor and look forward to seeing more adventures to come ... best wishes from New Zealand 🇳🇿 PS what talented and humble experts you are introducing us to, and I love that they take such pride in their horses, and their well being.

[@kathyclark921]

Meg, you keep your personal feel and yet find a refreshing new approach to each vlog. Love waking up in NZ to find out what you are up to 🎉

[@elphick.event.ponies]

That’s so lovely, thank you ♥️

[@anniecampbell8554]

I think Jay’s focus on the positive language makes a huge difference - stay the same, 1, 2, stay the same etc. So many trainers say don’t speed up or don’t panic - and guess where our minds go!!

[@margauxnodvin7478]

Agree 100%! So much about riding successfully is rooted in psychology. Positive word and thoughts translate to positive rides!

[@janeminwell4395]

Brilliant vlog Meg. Love seeing other yards set-ups. Jay is an amazing Horseman and teacher. You rode SO well, it must have felt amazing! Great idea to take your horses there to have a lesson. 👏🏻

[@ambertoo5536]

My jaw dropped along with yours after that final fence! Beautiful riding Meg, I hope you can feel your confidence coming back because we can all see it ❤

[@jellyghostt]

Happy is a super girl and Jay a lovely teacher, what a combo!

[@jeankilpatrick2438]

I love that mare! And Jay - he's such a calming influence with such wisdom to share. ❤

[@kathrynhunter9629]

The fact you can ride so many different horses shows your talented, well done.

[@annjohnson8437]

Well done Meg! This was an incredible video. Jay is a terrific instructor and Happy is one phenomenal horse. Thank you for sharing this lesson with us all, so we can learn with you! ❤

[@patriciaemms1902]

This is the best thing you could do, riding many different horses and learning the different ways of riding them, people wouldn't trust you on them if they didn't have faith in your ability, so really well done 🎉 xx

[@abracadabra5624]

Jay is amazing for you. I think alot of riders can benefit from his vibe, demeanor, and intelligence. Class act place and instructor!!

[@toffy1952]

Meg you should be so proud of yourself and how far you have come in terms of getting your confidence back. Jay is clearly an excellent teacher, he took on board what you felt is your weakness in looking for a stride and introduced you to a different approach with the wonder Happy's help, you jumped amazingly.

[@nicsxnin6786]

Wow he’s an excellent teacher. She’s such a lovely horse. You are so capable I would ❤ to see you lose your criticism of yourself and fear. Just remember words have power. Tell yourself how competent and skilled you are. Meditate a minute or two before getting up on horse and rest in a feeling of confidence. No need for humility, confidence is needed to move forward. You are awesome, believe it!👏👏👏

[@egeegee7146]

Girl your abilities are huge and you ride so very well. Just time to take back your confidence and ride your girls like Ferrari's because they are! Your tutor was amazing and his horses are incredibly well done. What a superb vlog.

[@taylorwollerson2561]

Fantastic job Meg! Your confidence has definitely blossomed 😊 Love the way Jay taught you as well. Peter got incredible footage as usual!

[@Squimbelina]

So well done Meg! Absolutely nailed that last jump (and all of them, on a horse you’d ridden for twenty minutes). Hope you can bottle that confidence and take it home with you because it’s all there! Will you teach Wilma flying changes? Saw on Tina’s vlog with Cam and Dazzle how he starts all his youngsters off straight into flying changes and it seemed like such a good idea - can keep the same rhythm all the way around.

[@sandracapobianco1983]

So incredibly proud of you, you riding different horses and having all of these tidbits of advice/inspiration with all of these different people when you ride has brought out so much in you that was already there . They brought out the trust within yourself and it’s been incredible to see. So happy for you😊

[@juliestreng7530]

Meg, i hope you watch all these vloggs, you are an amazing rider, you seem to doubt yourself, yet you are doing it! Believe in your ability, you are a great rider, and always thinking of your horses safety first. I so love watching you, cant wait to see more xx

[@plove523]

What a lovely stable! Beautiful horse too, so even tempered with a new rider. Thank you for a sneak peek into the barn and yard. Loved those massive turn out pens.

[@trulygem650]

these videos are absolutely incredible. not only does meg get a lesson, but i feel like these videos give me an amazing lesson as well. i rewatch all of these lesson videos about a million times and they help my riding so so much even when i'm not there. thank you for making these videos for us meg!!

[@livapetermane3652]

I have to say you suited happy sooo well!!! You really looked perfect on her❤ one of the best you've suited a horse! Love her x

[@flyingcolorsponies]

Happy is so happy in her job!! You can tell she is loving it as much as you are. Great job with her!

[@Artedits123]

Good job Meg. I enjoy watching your videos after school.

[@melaniejaynejones6436]

Wow, you rode Happy so well and she is certainly an amazing horse ❤ Absolutely fell in love with her. Jay is a gentleman and has his horses best interest at heart ❤ I as everyone on your channel, would love to watch him give you a lesson on your ponies?

[@oscillatewildly666]

I have to say, I loved seeing your journey over the past years, and seeing that confidence return is beautiful! She got so excited sometimes and it didn't even phase you, legend! x

[@siriusnut36]

Brilliant lady, you are such a good rider with a fine hip/leg/seat and hands, your eye is good, you make the right choices and when you are on these finished horses, that know their work...relax, enjoy your talent and trust it because it is SO REAL, this wasn't just a great horse carrying you around, the only issues you had this whole ride was your belief in yourself and believing you're going to get to that jump and over it just fine. He was 1000% right, you've had a perfect stride every time. You're so brilliant, it hurts my heart hearing you apologize over fences when you've just done so well, a little short a little long...it doesn't matter, you're flying with that horse and it was fine. That was a wonderful ride. What a delightful horse and what a fine experience for you. A joy to watch.

[@4_ponies_and_pixie]

Fantastic riding Meg 🙌👏 your face said it all after the last jump... brilliant 🎉. Happy was incredible 🐴 such a gorgeous horse. Jay was a very calming instructor, what an amazing yard. 💜

[@ceciliavondehn4402]

Enjoyed every moment from Canada, walking through this magnificent stable and following the famo host coach ! What an honor to ride such a steed and you aced it!

[@ellie27]

Jay is brilliant! You definitely have to have a lesson or two on your own horses with him 😉

[@elliepopdragon28]

When I saw him putting up the jump at the end, it looked massive!!! You and Happy did wonderfully!! She's incredibly cool! Fantastic job Meg❣

[@jayreed7015]

Jay's teaching method was a confidence builder. He's so good at keeping everything calm and in a rhythm. Very helpful lesson. 👌

[@megbern2416]

these videos are such blessings, we get to learn and be entertained but i feel like meg gets to experience some fun challenges as well, both of them were rocking it by the end :)

[@georginaspencer6534]

Wow you made that last jump look tiny, such an awesome vlog. Meg it’s so amazing to have seen your confidence grow and grow this year you are amazing ❤

[@naniqueoliver412]

Meg you looked super on her 😍 what a cracking mare!! I think that’s the best I’ve ever seen you jump someone else’s horse you should be so proud of yourself 👏🏼👏🏼 well done xx

[@romillyrocks9558]

Meg such a talented rider. You have inspired me so much you wouldn’t believe in your videos, you teach, so many great things for young riders to learn like me 😊

[@sarahcooper3378]

Love it. Jay is a great teacher......he's a northern I like me.....😅 After watching Lucinda Frederics' teaching and getting her students to count out loud, it really does help to keep in a rhythm. I now expect to hear you counting out loud when working Jammie and Wilma. Great vlog. ❤

[@margauxnodvin7478]

I made the same comment about counting (or singing, as the stunt rider did, which I do myself, and find helpful to keep a steady rhythm and stay relaxed when I jump courses)

[@christinedavies336]

"Watch, learn and enjoy!" - sound advice from Jay there. Great vlog - Happy is a stunning horse - great riding Meg. xOx

[@LeanneWatersAuthor]

This was mega! Please do more vlogs with Jay as this taught me so much - I love that idea of just feeling the stride through rhythm, rather than trying to "see" a stride

[@nataliejarvis1686]

Wow Meg, this was amazing and beautifully ridden, you should be so proud of yourself, you've come a long way this year ❤🎉.

[@joannesmartens9442]

Happy is a very good jumper, and nice to see her jumping with you so easy👍🎄

[@kiaradoesart9682]

Jay seems like such a lovely human! And Happy is such a classy lady 😍

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@issybrinesj]

Absolutely loved this! You rode her so beautifully, especially to that last one! 😍😍 amazing! Xx

[@livapetermane3652]

Well done meg! What a lovely horse that was 😍 i love how he just zooms of after every jump he almost looks sped up😂

[@rebeccarapetti3747]

Such a great vlog!! What a great instructor!!! And you flew over that enormous jump like a pro!!!

[@rhiannonjenkins4494]

Silent viewer but Meg WOW. You’re so epic. You’ve inspired me to get back into the saddle after a break for almost three years. Jumping is also my nemesis so so glad to see your confidence improve. ❤

[@elphick.event.ponies]

That’s amazing to hear, get back out there and enjoy it!!! ♥️

[@lianerogers2665]

What a beautiful mare, so honest, gentle and strong. She's a love.

[@shizam1400]

What a wonderful teacher. Loved him. And Happy, too. You rode brilliantly, Meg. Excellent all round!

[@debbieredmon5063]

Wonderfull Meg! You trusted yourself and your horse and it was perfect.

[@CharlieStClown]

R&R did my stables and arena at home and they just absolutely stunning! You rode so beautifully Meg! This series is so interesting 😊

[@ZNST_EventingROADTO4K]

i loved this! your so inspiring and looking at your videos makes me wanna ride like you!! ❤

[@Stephanie-lm7sp]

Oh man!!! Where was this amazing guy when I was young and transitioning up the ranks? I'd pay to sit and watch him coach! Instead I moved and the best local was a coach who shredded me. I was strong but she ruined me and many young riders. I didn't take another lesson, let alone ride for 6-7 years. From that awful experience where I let someone walk all over me, (she had such an impact on many areas of my life), I decided to take my power back. Aaaaaahhhh angels singing moment. I never looked back. I started up again and rode for me. Bought horses for me. HIRED a coach for ME! No, I never competed again, however I compete against myself. I love watching Meg and her blessed life with these unbelievable trainers....even Rich with his naughty piaffing horse lol 'STOP Piaffing!! Well done Meg!!!!! Keep it up.

[@juliedalgardno3361]

🎉Wow! She is a beauty! You looked Very good on her Meg! ❤ So far this Vlogmas has some wonderful variety. So fun!!!😊

[@Leannex87x]

WOW! What an absolutely stunning, amazing mare!! And you rode her beautifully Meg ❤ loving vlogmas & learning some awesome riding tips xx

[@tmis111]

Loved this video 🫶🏼 what a beautiful yard, approach, team, horses 10/10 & Meg your shiningggg! Xxx

[@JustLookingForLove13]

What an incredible mare!!! Great job Meg!!!

[@tessapurcell8250]

Okay Zacharias is such a dude just poppin along with his hilarious tail. I also love the music and slow mo and drone shots!

[@sea-fieldpony.4556]

Such an amazing vlog!! So educational as well ❤ thank you so much for this vlog meg

[@elphick.event.ponies]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed!!

[@alisonhammond4662]

Awesome vlog Meg, rewatch this, so much to get out of this.. several of your trainers have said this..keep the rythem ..and trust the horse..they want to clear it..really enjoying these ❤❤

[@madeleine_lily_]

Watched this with a big smile on my face! Inspirational 😊

[@juliebasterfield4147]

Once again a brilliant video! You are smashing the Vlogmas videos on KZbin! Well done riding Happy! 👍👍

[@lchap1000]

Unbelievable yard, horse and instructor! My favourite vlog to date. Well done Meg. 👏🏻

[@Bajkowski1]

This video was so fun to watch! Good job Meg!

[@Ilovehorses856]

This experience you shared with us is so cool! ❤

[@francescafaull1253]

That last jump was heeeuge - you and Happy made it look so easy!😄

[@KymShore]

She is an absolute beast and god she loves her job!!!! Well done mate you jumped great x

[@tammykes359]

What a power house mare 😮 Great fun to watch 😊

[@helenwoollven3116]

Loved this, what a fabulous mare, she looked such fun to ride ❤

[@kippen64]

I really appreciate the amount of effort that you have put into Vlogmas.

[@alisontabernor6332]

Well done Meg! I think that was very productive for you and I absolutely love that mare😊

[@bouncereightyone9337]

What a nice girl, and nice movies! Horse riding in the UK is very versatile and professional, as far as i can tell from these nice movies. Nice enthusiastic personality, this girl is authentic and real, super presentation and horsemanship. Very inspiring, to show all this in this way. Thank you so much for making this channel and share the joy and love for horses 🐎❤.

[@esme_._eq]

Awh omg thank you so much for using my idea from last year with the map! It looks really cool! Loving these videos 🎄

[@LukisMaya]

Fantastic job, Meg! 👏🏼. What a sweet and talented horse! ❤

[@freddiebiscuit9703]

This young lady did so well and especially on a horse she didn't know. Brilliant job loved it x

[@crystalwalton3727]

I really wish you'd believe in yourself more Meg, you are an incredible rider! I absolutely loved Jays way of teaching, what a lovely guy. Xx

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

Wow, I was nervous for you and you just jumped so easy and without stress, it seemed. 🤯💗 It looked so easy

[@jennisipila2599]

I love the way he teaches and explains things!

[@clk.eventing]

Love his comment about "seing the stride" because I absolutly think about it the same way and too many people try to force their horses into a distance they see to only make them insecure.

[@susantescione8007]

This should give you so much confidence, Meg. A big horse on big jumps! And you did it!

[@margaretmetcalfe9380]

Well done, what an excellent teacher he is, so calm which seemed to rub off on you. She is beautiful.

[@susangardner6348]

It is so fun to see you the event rider change to you the jumper rider. There is no need to lift the horse over the jump like you need to do cross country. Your release got bett and better. You are so much better than you think. Great job and thank you for sharing.

[@jand3793]

Loved it - straight over to follow Jay at Strides!

[@jessicahigdon3962]

Great video Meg. Great riding. Trust your horse, especially when they know their job. Great video.