THERE'S a theory that once an athlete has achieved a big career-defining goal, they experience a version of a comedown. In an instant, the curtain comes down and the pressure dissipates, as the years of graft, determination and consistency come to fruition and the dream has been realised.
I was curious if the same rang true for Danielle Heath. The 48-year-old show horse producer lifted her first-ever "major" supreme accolade at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in October aboard Issy and Guy Mears' exceptional large hack, Forgeland Hyde Park (Will).
"I'm still absolutely buzzing, Danielle says, eyes gleaming. "It was magical and I'll be on this high for sometime."
Danielle landed her first HOYS title in 2011, riding middleweight hunter contender Oathill Take The Biscuit.
"I never thought I'd be able to replicate that feeling of winning HOYS for the first time," she continues. "I've been in the supreme at HOYS six times and it's been the one I've wanted for so long. And to do it on a horse like Will was the icing on the cake. He thoroughly deserves it."
AFTER their stint at the NEC, Team Heath's open horses are on holiday until the new year. They're fully let down and turned out daily, come rain or shine, in their own separate paddocks.
"They spend the whole season being ridden, trimmed, bathed and groomed so I give them a few months to have a complete break, explains Danielle. "Daily turnout is essential, even if just for an hour. It loosens them off and keeps their systems moving."
Will's paddock is nearest to the block of stables. It's his preferred station, nearest to the action, and Danielle doesn't mind pandering to the five-time HOYS section champion.
"As soon as he goes out, he digs himself a nice big hole and rolls in it," she says.
Denne historien er fra November 23, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 23, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
