How Olivia Towers managed to fulfil her Grand Prix dream | Guest Vlog

[@feichannel]

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[@vickilowe2419]

FEI she’s amazing

[@kichipoppi140]

My dream is to become a show jumper. There are a few things that I think may hold me back. For example, I have 2 titanium rods and 16 screws in my spine. And I didn’t grow up with horses because I live in a town so getting riding lessons hasn’t been easy. But I’m not letting that stop me. I’m gonna keep going to lessons and keep gunning for my dream because you only live once and, if things don’t go that way, at least I’ll grow old happy knowing that I tried my hardest 😊

[@DianeLee999]

Kichi Poppi Bravo, Kichi. I have 17 fusions and rods also in my back. There are issues keeping me from riding right now, so you’re doing it for me too! Do what you love and you will have no regrets. Be well.💜🦋

[@miabusby4320]

I went into showjumping and got to a fairly decent level, I jumped at international shows and produced my own horses, unfortunately last year I ended giving up to go to university and it’s my biggest regret ever. If there’s one piece of advice I could give anyone, no matter what stands in your way or how hard it gets, never give up. Listen to your passion and don’t stop, whether it’s actually riding or watching horses or whatever you can do, you can still be working harder than everyone else. I think I’ll spend the rest of my life wishing I’d listened to my heart and kept my horses, if you can dream it you can do it.😊

[@madelinebarry9955]

@@miabusby4320 Mia I gave up riding 3 years ago and thought it was all good until I got the itch again. Bought myself a 5 year old 2 years later. It's not forever. If you want it you can make it happen, maybe not next year but when the time is right x

[@skyequestrian]

Wow! I dream of becoming a show jumper too. I've had the same dream for 10 years. I don't have screws and rods in my spine, but I have a completely non-horsey family and a complicated horse situation. But I will never stop until I reach my goal and you shouldn't either! Good luck my friend!!

[@TheoThompson]

Olivia and I really enjoyed creating this one. We have been working together since the very beginning of Olivias vlogging journey. Iv seen her develop personally and professionally as a Young Women, professional rider and vlogger. This is the beginning of her new chapter and one step closer to smashing her dreams. Proud of you Olivia! 💙🎬🥂

[@OliviaTowersDressage]

CUTE!

[@edwinahicks5010]

What an articulate young lady you are. Brilliant video. My equestrian dreams are long behind me but I remember when I started competing in dressage I just wanted to get to affiliated competitions and start winning points. Lots of hard work over many years and I managed to fulfil my small dreams on a limited budget. All my prizes are up in the loft now but I always used to say those are the most expensive rosettes you could ever have. Through your videos I remember the old days when my late mum and I used to spend every weekend at competitions. Thank you for sharing.

[@OliviaTowersDressage]

So special

[@equinemindsdecoded]

Lovely video Olivia, thank you to the FEI for making this video possible. Thank you for Inspiring us and being real at the same time. You are so right in saying that your place in the equestrian world is to show up and be real and show the reality of achieving your dream and getting to the top. This industry needs more of that. I also hope to one day reach a Grand Prix level in Dressage in South Africa. The journey will long as I'm starting from the beginning again and self-funding it, but I'm determined and have good KZbin mentors such as yourself to lead the way. Thank you again!!

[@katherinegerraty2846]

Such a beautiful and inspiring video! My main equestrian goal is get up to competing advanced dressage, I think it will take me anywhere from 5-7 years as I'm still in high school and my family aren't horsey at all, let alone have the funding to get me there. Hopefully after some hard work, intense saving and multiple rewatches of this video I'll get there!

[@peteryahunathanakesson6389]

I love what you said: “I have to change my mindset to help him”. It is so true. Very inspiring video. And as you said : “it is So Important to have a trainer who believes in You.” That’s the only way..Otherwise, impossible.

[@annabursell8372]

I just really wanna be a talented rider! The kind of rider that can ride a lot of different horses. And a rider that people will look up to🤞🏻

[@OliviaTowersDressage]

Believe its possible

[@liespootemans2502]

Honestly same! I don't want to be a grand prix rider (either dressage or jumping or eventing or anything else). I want to rehome rescue horses and just have the talent to improve horses :)

[@skyequestrian]

Same :)

[@Murrinholi1]

This video is incredibly inspiring to me. I'm 33, and starting from the very beginning on my equestrian adventure. I rode a bit as a kid - my mum was an amazing show jumper! I stopped for some reason. Then at 26 I had to have a hip replacement, I knew then I wanted to get back on a horse. It took a few years, and I took lessons again. I could still walk, trot and canter even with my 'fake' hip. My mum for cancer, I had to stop and look after her. Fast forward to this hear, I found an amazing trainer, and told her I want to start from the very beginning again, my muscles are non existent, and I need to build those up. I will need another hip replacement on my right hip in the not to distant future, my dream is doing dressage, I have no idea if that's attainable, but I'm not going to let anything stop me (except Covid19 atm), I feel if deep in my heart and soul that I am supposed to be around horses, and I will persist and fight until I get there. My question to you is, do you have any advice for me, any wisdom you can share would be greatly appreciated! I'm a sensitive soul like you, and that's something I must work on! You are an amazing young woman, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your thoughts! ~ Laura

[@Murrinholi1]

I forgot jumping too! (It's late at night)*

[@DianeLee999]

Fabulous victory, Olivia! Hearing those negative statements you make to yourself is a huge start to replacing them consciously with the ones you want. Bravo! Into the ring with you, girl! 💜🦋

[@duskypony3111]

So inspiring as always! My dream is also to get to grand prix, I would be so happy to do it before I'm 30(I've got 6 years!!), but my short term goal is to have both of my 4yo's competing successfully registered dressage and build from there.

[@OliviaTowersDressage]

Good luck with your adventure! Your so young so all the time in the world x

[@MagisterialVoyager]

OMG, I'm so proud of you, Olivia! Congratulations!

[@saved2save7]

😢😢😢😢you strike the heart...perhaps that is your GIFT...your so the soul girl...so proud to have found you on here..trustworthy and true thats you 😍 xox to your famous mum too ....best horse telly🙆

[@AG-sp9zt]

Watching this makes me cry. This is where I want to be. Maybe not now, but eventually. It's my dream to be just as successful as her in the equestrian community. I would do ANYTHING to conquer that dream. But unfortantely, im not sure if I'll ever be able to get there. I grew up in a neighborhood and didn't start riding till I was 13 (I'm 16 now). I don't have horses, nor my own property to own horses on. Though I'm financially middle class, my family views riding as a "waste of money", so we don't even have enough money to buy a saddle. I take lessons,but the barn I go to is awful. The horses are lazy and unwilling, and the arena is EXTREMELY small. My favorite horse is being sold soon. As determined as I am, I don't think I'll be able to reach her level. Ever. I dont know the first step to getting enough money to be able to be financially comfortable while owning and riding horses, and doing lessons and shows on top of that.

[@Thesa1019]

Wow, Olivia, you are so inspiring. Not only as a rider but also as a person. Don’t stop reaching for the stars.

[@gwenenglish1700]

My equestrian dream is to get back in the saddle. I haven’t ridden properly in almost two years because of my anxiety and depression. I constantly felt like people on the yard were judging me, even on silly little things like how I would lead a horse, or muck out a stable, so riding or doing anything with horses has been almost impossible for me with my anxiety. It’s heart breaking because around horses is truly when I am happiest. I’m trying to build up my confidence every day, thank you Olivia for being so open with how you are feeling and how you push through. You truly are so inspiring to me 💕

[@Bellanight-wh9fp]

You inspire me to be a better rider, to have more courage and learn to push out the self doubt. :-) Thank you for sharing your journey with us through your vlogs.

[@Addison-tc3qf]

Very inperational and amazing story!!!

[@vixiepixie1000]

My equestrian dream is to ride more and better schooling and jumping! Im a nurse and it’s hard to get the time to school. I want to start getting to county shows again. Btw I’m hoping to do one of your new training vids xx

[@eveecat]

My dream is just to own a horse again and compete in even semi-large horse shows. I rode horses from 3-18, but as soon as I moved out I’ve been completely on my own financially and it hasn’t been feasible to own a horse (I’m 22 now). It has completely broken my heart and I’m doing everything I possibly can to get back into it. 💙

[@christinemartindale8715]

Wow Olivia you’ve got a big spring in your step now good for you I knew you’d be ok keep that faith and you’ll go from strength to strength thanks for sharing. 👏👏👏😎❤️😎

[@kippen64]

My equestrian dream is to go eventing. Being held by a serious lack of money. Am taking steps to remedy that. Have given myself until early 2022 to be doing official eventing. The plan is by then that my only concern is hoping my horse doesn't chomp the equipment judge.

[@OliviaTowersDressage]

Good luck on your journey! You sound so determined :D x

[@zlm9922]

yeah me too, i can only go once a week and I pay for my lessons, my dream is to have a horse

[@MrQuabbi]

same here, i own a horse, but because of the blacksmith, vet etc., i cannot put him into a great stable with the best trainers. my trainer comes once a week to our stable and that is already sooo expensive...

[@3peeks776]

Congratulations on a job well done. You and Wilf have come so far. It must be extra special and gratifying knowing you always believed in him even through the ups and downs. Thank you for giving great advice too.

[@pennystone1158]

Aww I was looking forward to watching ur test, u should post it for us to see 💕

[@aleciabroughton5423]

Thank You so much, you bring such a refreshing new hope to the sport. Everything seems so easy, and without fault- unlike what actually happens everyday. The struggles and ups and downs of daily training are all part of it. Thank goodness we have a chance to witness the courageous and bravery of your vlog. I’m an older dressage rider hoping to move up a level. I own an 8 year old bay Andalusian.

[@infernafirestein]

You’re an inspiration to us all, Olivia!! ❤️🇨🇦

[@tequine4138]

This is so inspirational 🙌❤️

[@debbieadkins2803]

That was amazing Olivia, you and you horse looked so good👍👍❤️🇺🇸

[@stephlamarch9196]

You are awesome! Extremely smart and mature in everything you say. Please keep sharing your journey.

[@Shirley-fw6wp]

Well done 👏. It would have been my dream come true as well. Just keep going and never look back in regret. You’re an inspiration to many. Good luck for the future.

[@corinneyoung8166]

Thank you, so proud of and inspired by you !

[@christinebattrick9258]

Hello Olivia, I am starting my Dressage journey and I have a goal of gettibgvto First Level. I started my riding as a Hunter Jumper. You are a great inspiration to us all that we xan make it too. Thank you for your honest vlogs. Oh, I am in Canada and watch all your videos. Take care!!

[@toxisk932]

My ultimate dream would be to get to grand prix with my Friesian gelding one day, who currently isn't even broken in yet. But a smaller goal than that is to get to at least medium and get his Sport predicate!

[@kippen64]

Friesians can do Grand Prix dressage. You can do this. Fingers crossed for you.

[@skyequestrian]

That would be so awesome! Don't give up ❤️

[@toxisk932]

@@skyequestrian thank you both, you're so sweet! my guys bloodlines are full of sport friesians so I have no doubt he wil be just as sporty!

[@TheEclipticArts]

My goal is to one day get my own horse, it may take a long time, and a lot of effort but i hope i can get there in the end! You and many other riders like Charlotte dujardin, and sir marc todd inspire me so much! One day!

[@jeniferrinehart1107]

Great vid! Thanks for sharing. I’m a starting dressage rider at 57 years young! I struggle the most with my fitness, and give up too quickly. So trying to work on my core more and push through instead of thinking, “oh I’m too pooped to keep going!” 😊

[@jeniferrinehart1107]

And congrats for your first Grand Prix!!!

[@ponyparty28]

wonderful video!! thanks so much to all involved in bring us such great and inspiring footage :D what is the music titles used please as a side note? Thanks! Looking forward to the next one

[@TheoThompson]

Saskia B hi, I’ll have a look for the names of the music but it’s a stock music site I use I’ll post the link, hopefully later today or this week. I’m glad you liked the music. You have a great ear for the details lol

[@wbuck926]

You are amazing and your mum is ADORABLE!

[@lisaphillips9262]

Thank you Olivia for showing this. I am so much like you. I am aspiring to get to go someday. And I too need to realize how messy it may be. Working on cleaning up flying changes. My horse is picking up on half steps and pirouettes quickly. I’m hoping 3 more years.

[@giancarlaaddison7034]

Beautiful video! Nicely done on your first Grand Pris!! Lots more to come, I’m sure! You are an inspiration - your advice is applicable to anything, not just equestrian goals! As an aside, I love the way your horse was pestering you at the end for more attention! He knows how to get his lovings!!! Very sweet!

[@mgadkins1659]

Good job. Continue to be brave and show your journey.

[@patchycat4049]

I someday would like to be competing in offical show jumping competitions. I started riding in January this year! I come from a non horsey and financially unstable family so I have to pay for my own lessons but it is worth every dollar. I am hoping to be competing in local shows next year😊 I know it seems all really far away now but things can be made possible with the right amount of patience and time!

[@elizabethdeverson6889]

you've come s far and are such an inspiration for me xx

[@erm.what123]

Congrats!

[@maryallen2603]

Very well done Olivia. Many will learn from your experience. You are very courageous to share your thoughts.

[@sofiaengels6265]

My equestrian dream is to become a professional showjumper and be able to compete in international circuits. However, I am not sure if I have the economical background for that. But for now, I am trying to stay positive and focus on the present which includes: get accepted into Hartpury and enter the Elite squad for showjumping and start competing internationally.

[@Jvhxgd]

My dream is to have a rescue centre take in animals and train them and adopt them out. I think what is kinda holding me back I have land but I would hate seeing all the abused animals and I would get to close to them and couldn’t give them away and I want to work at something else but I would love it. Dreams came true for you

[@methanethk240]

I really want to go up in dressage but one thing is holding me back and it's my horse, we used to compete in eventing and he is really hardworking but he is certainly not a dressage horse... he is also kinda small. I know that if I want to go far I need to buy a good horse with a bright future but I love him so much and I am worried what is going to happen to him later. I still work but there were some competitions where we did really really well but the judges buried us because he is what he is and that is REALLY SAD. Yeah I kinda cried writing this oml.

[@animalmania2873]

Mine is badminton grass roots 90cm with my mare, we haven't even done a 1 day event yet still putting in all the basic stuff, but it's such a dream if mine to compete at badminton 🤞🏼

[@emma-eventing]

awesome video, congrats!! and great message too ;)

[@ourlife9721]

You are such an amazing person you make me think on and forget about what happens and if you fall of you just get back up my dream is to be an eventer

[@littlerascaleventing]

My dream is to be eventer too.

[@ReduxUndone]

my equestrian dream has always been to go all out and be a top show jumper, although i had to stop riding many years ago due to disibilities but i hope someday i can get back into the game and get there.

[@Zenith_Media]

My equestrian dream is to qualify and compete at a national level.... Money is what is stopping me 100% but im hoping to get into a better career soon!

[@charlie-di2yw]

i would love to ride at bishop burton, i think this will take me 3 years with my 15hh gelding teddy but the one thing holding me back is my confidence because i had a fall and now i’m scared of falling of and currently we are jumping around 65cm we have done one 80cm jump (in a grid) but i would love to be able to compete at bishop burton, i think it will take me at least 2 years to overcome my fear but

[@sallyannefrancis8647]

It would give my husband the greatest of pleasure for me to get rid of my horsey ambitions. You would think i was over all this at my age because i have had lots wins and trophies with my previous horses in the past, that i backed and trained and they have all lived over 30 years with me. I am 60 this year and i am recovering from a double fracture of my back after being bucked off my OTTB. So my plan this year is to find a nice quiet steady horse . ( Easier said than Located) Continue with my private lessons and continue with Riding Club activities or even a one day event. I am so glad my husband won't read this!!!!

[@michaela_]

I had a really horrible trainer that made me stop riding horses, but now few years later i really miss it. So i´m making it my dream to make enough money to buy a horse and start riding again :)

[@margheritagirardi7521]

I'm actually a show jumper, I've been riding for 7 years and I'm now 18. I bought my horse only 6 months ago. He have won some 140cm competitions and participated at some 145cm too. I'm just starting 90cm and he is not the easiest horse in the world. He's starting to pretend a little more on my part, and I'm working really hard to improve and don't push him at my level instead of join his level. My dream is to participated at Longines Master, even if I know it'll take a lot of years. In my heart I know one day I'm gonna enter that arena.

[@brunagermscheid5710]

My dream is to be the first person to score 100% in a dressage test. Im 14 and I am already on my journey it will take me about 3 years to become Grand Prix and I can continue from there.

[@elizabethgrace5675]

I would love to compete at Medium before I go to University in September!

[@tjitskebetty]

My dream is to start the level ZZ in the Netherlands. I am not so sure how that level is called in English. I think this will take me quite some time (thinking 10 years) as I don't have the money, facilities and time yet to reach this in the short term. What is holding me back is that I do not have my horse at home and an arena every day available, also I don't have so much time as I just started a fulltime job. I have big dreams, doing things step by step and trying to be happy with good enough! This should lead me somewhere at least ;)

[@sewmanyhobbies942]

Right now, I'm working on getting my degree and a matching job after, so I can actually buy and maintain a good horse and work on my skills. Might be a bit old to start competing, but eh, the sky's the limit right?

[@ilikewillywonka6464]

I would love to see this show🐴

[@missdumpling4024]

My dream is to be a professional showjumper, I have the best mare in the world who is helping me so much and has pushed me to my limits,s she is why im growing and i couldnt be where am I now without her I am the luckiest in the world and love her more than anything. I think it will take me 3-4 years but Im 11 and to compete in sj grand prix you have to be 18 at least so that will be an obstacle. My biggest problem is pressuring myself too much, every time my mare and I do well, I say my mare did amazing but I did horrible and say Im a horrible rider and dont deserve my mare. People say there will always be someone better than you and it is true for ME but there are thousands of people who ALWAYS win and well, im not good enough, NEVER. Even though everyone tells me i always do amazing, to stop pressuring myself and that im an incredible rider but I just dont believe. Amazing video, such an inspiring woman

[@equestriantrash9770]

I'm only in middle school so when I'm older I'm really aiming for world cup and being in the USA team , But I'm not that full of money my family is basically min wage so we don't have a slot of money to spare to buy a really good horse or a nice saddle or a good trainer . So I'm a bit worried but I really want to go high into the level

[@irenecoermann2439]

Your horse thinks you are totally perfect! ❤️

[@lunamagicath1658]

I want to be an eventer and horse trainer. Money problems 🤦🏾‍♀️😭

[@batequestrian8494]

My dream is to definitely get to Grand Prix, and hopefully the Olympics. My smaller goal is to at least get to 4th level (I’m trained to 2nd but show at 1st).

[@Sara-zz7cl]

My biggest dream is to ride on Grand Prix one day!🥺

[@christinamarkham699]

My dream is to compete at hoys. I really hope it happens xx

[@elysarahsara1195]

Great

[@dylankandrick1904]

I want to be an Eventer. I want to go to rocking horse and eventually the Olympics. I ride at a small-time hunter barn and there arent any eventing barns near me. I don't know how long it will take or how much it will take but I am more than willing to try as hard as I can.

[@littlerascaleventing]

I kind understand how you feel. The area where I live is mostly into western, and if it is not into western, then it is into hunters. But I have not given up yet!

[@kingtroopy8633]

My dream is to get to grandprix in dressage one day atm I can't ride until October 2020 because I had an accident and had to have acl reconstruction. My goals/steps along the way is to get to elementary and hopefully medium with my current horse, he's a hertigae stock horse very athletic and a good mind not the most ideal temperament for dressage as he isn't the kinda horse that is submissive which is fine I still love him and I do believe he can get us to medium hopefully in the next couple years. My 2 biggest obstacles are my weight and I'm 16 can't ride for another 9 months so I'll be 17 in July and trying to get to grandprix which takes a long time I feel like I will run out of time before I can get there, I feel like most people at the top have been riding since they were really little (I started riding at 11) so everyone my age is wayyyy ahead of me whether they do dressage or not. I guess some tips and a little bit of encouragement would be nice 😊 I will always do everything to the best of my ability to try to get there I will keep fighting, I just feel pressured for time. Thanks so much olivia ❤️ as always you inspire me to keep going thank you for sharing your journey I can't imagine how difficult that can be sometimes so happy for you and sausage all the best from here on ❤️ 💕

[@littlerascaleventing]

I know what you mean. I didn't start riding seriously until I was eleven too. I had rode before then, but I didn't start riding consistently before that time. I have a tip for you. Read the book "Know Better to Do Better" by Denny Emerson. Another book to recommend is "How Good Riders Get Good," also by Denny Emerson. These two books I have found very helpful, and I hope that they would help you too! It was written by a event rider, but it is meant for all disciplines.

[@aoife8754]

My equestrian dream is to jump 1.20 rounds ♥️ currently jumping 1m but would love to jump 1.10 by the end of the year 💕

[@catherinemccarthy3368]

To train my ex-racehorse to PSG level, above what is possibly possible for reasons but why not!!

[@littlerascaleventing]

My goal is Beginner Novice Eventing with my pony.

[@danielsinclair1368]

I absolutely love your story very inspirational however please stop using Spurs when riding that beautiful horse is just not right keep up the great work though

[@littlerascaleventing]

Man, Sausage does look like a sausage! I like it!

[@skyequestrian]

Hey I know you :)

[@littlerascaleventing]

@@skyequestrian I know you too! How's it goin' with you?

[@skyequestrian]

@@littlerascaleventing Oh not too bad. I haven't been going to the barn much at all because of social distancing, but good news I got new riding equipment from a neighbor! She gave me an Ovation riding helmet and pair of Dublin half chaps. Plus I bought a black pair of chaps from Amazon for myself and I love them.

[@debbieadkins2803]

👍👍🇺🇸