Emma Queralt ~ Quisisanna’s Secret

Quizzy arrived at our family home in 1995 as a foal. Quizzy, an ID/TB, was bred by Garsington based Owen King. My sister Clare, then 21, had just finished university and settled into her career, wanted a horse project! Quizzy enjoyed the first couple of years of her life chilling in the field.

Sadly however, just as Quizzy was turning three, Clare was diagnosed with breast cancer. Five and a half years of treatment followed. In between treatments, when Clare was well, she started bringing Quizzy on. This was interrupted by many bouts of chemotherapy, extensive surgery and endless trips abroad.

I started riding Quizzy in early 2003, when Clare was too poorly to. I had some lessons, but to be honest I didn’t enjoy any of it. I was fearful of her. She was tense, anxious, unlike anything I’d ever ridden before and permanently felt like she was about to explode. However, I thought I was doing the right thing for Quizzy and persevered. When Clare died in June 2003, I knew I wanted to continue with her project.

I had regular lessons, on grass, at home. Mostly, I hung onto the reins and hoped for the best. That was also the scenario out hacking. Quizzy was ‘naughty’; she spooked, was very heavy in the hands and in canter, would charge off for no reason. As we had no arena, hacking or schooling on grass were my only forms of riding. Mine and Quizzy’s confidence was at rock bottom. I knew we were not a happy partnership and realised I needed to look for help elsewhere.

I went for my first lesson at Debbie’s in 2004. The very first session is a bit of a blur. Just getting Quizzy in the box and arriving at Gainfield was an achievement. However, I can remember Debbie’s calm and reassuring approach gave me renewed confidence and enthusiasm.

The sessions that followed are more vivid. Debbie told me we needed to start with forwards. I needed to use my legs and send Quizzy forward around the arena in balance. This sounds so straightforward but was particularly challenging for us, firstly, I had never used my legs on Quizzy, and secondly my body didn’t do balance! Debbie explained Quizzy had big paces and her running was caused by our loss of balance. This was all made so much worse by trying to school her on grass. As Quizzy lost balance and rushed forwards my immediate reaction was to grab the reins and pull.

However, with Debbie’s consistent approach Quizzy did start genuinely moving forward and I finally started to have faith that she wasn’t about to bolt with me!

I loved my lessons, I found every session so rewarding and each one gave me something more to work on and improve. Debbie held regular video dressage days and these were hugely helpful for us. Quizzy’s improved way of going seemed to have a positive impact on every aspect of her life.

By early 2006 I was successfully competing at prelim level. We were finally a happy partnership. In the beginning this had been my goal, however, I knew I wanted to progress with our training and started setting my sights on Novice level.

I got pregnant in 2006 and rode up until Debbie and I felt my balance (this time I had a bump for an excuse) was affecting the way Quizzy was going. Debbie continued to ride her for me weekly and I boxed her over to lunge weekly. This period of time saw a real change in Quizzy. She started to work through her back and at 35 weeks pregnant, I sat on her and felt the amazing swing with which we moved around the arena.

So back in the saddle in early 2007, Quizzy was finally a pleasure to ride, often I’d find myself just sitting and enjoying the feeling! The 2007 Gainfield Summer Series was perfect for Quizzy and I. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere gave me the confidence to attempt my first Novice test. At home we finally installed an arena and I could begin to work her more regularly in between lessons.

It is summer 2008 and we have both continued to grow in confidence. We are a happy, positive team now. Our training has continued and we are entering a new phase. Quizzy is more engaged and beginning to work in a more uphill frame.

I am so pleased with how Quiz and I have developed. I feel so grateful to have discovered Gainfield and especially Debbie.

CONTACT Debbie or Jack Beasant. Tel 07887 808630 email : db_riding@btconnect.com

CONTACT Debbie or Jack Beasant. Tel 07887 808630
email : db_riding@btconnect.com