A weekend of laughter, tears, smiles, frowns and happy endings

In 2009 I can remember walking into the interview room that would determine the next three years of my life and which path I was to take. I had waited for that day for weeks, just to get me out of the horrible place I called Sixth-Form.

Two years earlier I had made an awful mistake of where I took my A-Levels. At the time it seemed the best option, they boasted that students always came out with the correct results to get them into university and back then, that was all that mattered. I had to get into university.

The interview room was so big, much different to what I was used to. We had been put into groups of roughly 15 people and soon enough there was a big, scary looking woman, standing in front of us telling us that we had an hour in which to do the exam and no cheating was allowed. I didn't care about the rules and regulations we had to listen to first before we could start. All I wanted to do was open my paper and get the exam out of the way. It consisted of questions we had to answer and written passages with grammatical and spelling errors we had to correct. Also there were groups of text we had to shorten to make it news worthy. Although intense it gave me a taste of what life as a journalist could be like.

An hour passed and we were told to close our exam papers and file out of the room and back to our parents. It all seemed so formal in this new, mysterious place, but at the same time warm and welcoming. I realised at that very moment I could be happy there. Whilst our papers were being marked we had a tour of the rest of the campus and a spot of lunch. After this we would all head back in to the room and find out or fate. Had we passed the exam paper, then we would wait around and in groups of five go into another room for a more intense verbal interview. If we then passed that we would be accepted on to the course. With only 24 places on the course available it was intense. Every single one of those candidates wanted a place and that wasn't the only interview day.

Not long later I found I was successful, had passed the written exam and was now through to the next round. I knew all I needed to do now was impress the lecturers that were interviewing and I would have my place. The waiting was horrible and the room we were left to wait in was filled with anticipation and nerves. At times you could hear a pin drop, others you could hear parents and students chatting to one another eagerly finding out their life story.

Finally I was called in to the interview room, where I stuttered, talked of the story of Maddie McCan and my eagerness to become a big bad journalist. I spoke of my passion for writing, love for the written word and why I deserved a place on that course. No lecturer let their emotions slide and we were told we would hear back within a few days. Not even a sideways smile, or a hint as to whether we were successful..the next few days were agonising, but sure enough I got my place. Not long after, my Mum dropped me outside the halls of residence with us both sobbing and De Montfort University became my home for three years. I learned that big scary woman standing before us in the exam was in fact Ali Haynes and one of the most funniest and fair lecturers I would meet.

***

Walking back up those familiar stairs three years later, things could not be anymore different. Here I was, 21-years-old, surrounded by friends I had met throughout my journey and almost a qualified journalist. My time at De Montfort University had been a successful and joyous one. I met some of my best friends there and shared many tears and laughter with them. In my second year I made a decision I thought I would never be strong enough to make, but I did it.

In the first year I joined the universities equestrian team and society and after just a year was made chairperson and captain of the A team. On various nights out I remember singing our very own chants about the equestrian team. "We ride what? We ride who? We ride ******* DMU!" . After just a few months of being promoted I took the team to win the Varsity competition against Leicester University. One of the most important competitions of the academic year.

In the third year I started to realise it was all coming to an end and tried to make the most of it. However time slipped by through a whirlwind of work and job applications and here I was... stood outside the students union in my graduation gown ready to say good-bye to lots of memories that had been the normal everyday life for three years now.



***

Graduation was one of the best days of my life. From the moment I collected my gown to the moment I handed it back, I didn't stop smiling.

It was lovely to have Mum, mums partner, Richard, Mark, my Dad and my Grandma there with me to share the day. 

De Montfort University really did put on a fantastic ceremony for both parents and students. The way in which they had us students sat behind a screen until the ceremony had been introduced was fantastic. The moment that screen lifted and we screamed and cheered was one of the most emotional moments I have felt. Crying through the smiles, cheers, screams and foot stomping, I looked around at my friends that had become family throughout the past three years and relished every moment of it.

To see the students suddenly appear behind the screen must have been shocking for the parents sat watching. They had no idea where we were seated nor where we would appear from and to me that made the ceremony all the more special and exciting.

As the ceremony started and students began going up to collect their awards in course and alphabetical order everything started to become more real. Moving out my seat and watching the line disolve more and more until it was my turn to walk on to that stage in front of thousands of people was surreal.

"Sian Lovatt" and lots of cheering and screaming was all I heard, and like a robot I walked onto the long stage covered in a long red carpet. We had been told to doff our hat to the person in the middle, and then walk to the end of the stage to receive our certificate. Echos of "Relish every moment you're out there, this is your turn to shine" was going through my head the whole time I was on that stage and soon enough I was at the end shaking hands with the Vice-Chancellor hearing him tell me I should give someone a wave after my mum had just screamed "Go Sian" as the whole theater went quiet. I knew she would do something...
So, sod I thought and despite rarely anyone else doing so I turned to the audience and waved as much as I could before moving off.

There it was, I had just graduated.

Despite working to reach this day for the past five years, it still didn't seem real. The whole day was a blur, but yet something I will remember forever.

Sitting back down with my course friends we all shared more tears and laughter as we one by one realised we had finally achieved what we had set out to, three years previously. Then soon enough the ceremony was coming to a close and we were all on our feet dancing, swaying, throwing our arms in the air and signing to a Take That song that closed the ceremony.

Numerous photos and laughter followed the ceremony as the whole of the journalism group came together to have their photos taken. It was a surreal but weird feeling having my photo taken with people I had shared so many days with and saying good-bye. We all reeled off memories of various days throughout our time at De Montfort University and discussed how we would keep in touch. Finally we all threw our hats in to the air.

Following this myself, Mum, Richard, Mark, Dad and Mamma went back to the university campus where we took more photos, dropped off my gown and then ended the day with a drink.

Mum, Richard and Mark then took me out for a meal on the way home where I was given some lovely cards and a fabulous present from Mum and Richard. They surprised me by having a photo that I absolutely adore of Ceaser, Sara and I  made onto a big canvas as a present I could keep forever.

Overall I had a fantastic day and it is one I will remember always. My only wish is that two special people, my Granddad and Mums, Mum, Annie could have been there to share the day with me.

The whole day just made the past three years, the hard work, the tears and everything that came with moving out of home and to a whole different place seem worthwhile. It is a journey that I feel I needed to take and am so glad I chose DMU to study at.

The following week I was also given an envelope by Mum and Richard with some Olympic show jumping eventing tickets in that I was told was also my graduation present.

Graduating really made me realise that all the studying is worth it and if you really want something then why not go for it.


 ***

The following day I was due to be competing Ceaser and was ridiculously excited to be getting back out onto the competition circuit after what had happened after my last competition. A lovely friend of mine had offered to plait and get him ready for the show the day before so I didn't have to worry about whether he was ready or not during my graduation day.

From the moment I got on him on Sunday he felt amazing. He had a week off due to some mud fever and me being busy getting ready for graduation, which I think really did him good.

First was the Riding Club Pony class and usually in this the judges are looking for ponies that are well mannered, go nicely and produce a lovely ridden show without the rider fighting to hold them back or keep them moving. Ceaser felt very light off both my hands and legs on Sunday and I think it helped us along the way to produce a lovely, fluent ridden show piece. I have almost mastered both walk to canters on each rein with him now so I thought I would push my luck in this class and ask him to do one on one rein to prove his perfect mannerism. Of course he obliged and took me in to a lovely smooth canter from the walk. To finish I reined back and dropped my reins to show he wasn't naughty and perfect for all the family to ride. I am sure this helped us to win the class and I was delighted to be awarded 1st place.

Next was the Ridden Veteran class where we were the smallest combination. The rest were ex show horses, or hunter types, and only one other cob. Its not a shock that these type always or usually win the veteran classes as they know their job well, and how do you compare a riding horse to a cob cross that has a cheeky attitude? I just don't think you can. Again, I knew I had to push my luck and make us stand out from the other fourteen competitors so I asked for a walk to canter again again and also a leg yield from one edge of the arena to leave us on a halt in the middle in front of the judge. Ceaser felt amazing the whole of the time we really seemed to gel today. I was astounded to be given 3rd place, way above some of the big show and riding horses that I was sure were going to beat me.

Overall I had a fantastic weekend and doing well at the show with Ceaser just topped the brilliant weekend off nicely.
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Exciting news of testing an app

At the beginning of this week I received a very exciting email that will benefit my journalism career. I have been chosen to test a brand new iPhone app that is only available in England and France so far.

I am very thrilled to have been asked to test this app and cannot wait to reveal more information to you all. I am testing and using the application already and am finding it brilliant for all horse owners.

The app enables you to keep track of various things to do with your horse, which include:

 - A health section. Users are able to set and view past and future appointments, set reminders, write notes, enter costs and also keep track of any medication given to their horse.
- The competitions section. Users are able to keep track of past and future events as well as enter results and earnings should they wish to. They are also able to set reminders on when to send their registration forms in for certain organisastions.
- The budget section. Users are able to record all their expenses and view reports on where their money is going. This is sorted by categories, months and years etc.
- The convenient checklist. This enables users to help make sure they do not forget anything when they go away.

 I am currently just starting to use this app to its full potential and will update this blog when I have used it for a little longer.


 
 
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Rain stops play

With Yorkshire show another victim of this dreadful weather, I am sure every equestrian enthusiast are all wondering the same. When will the rain go? First it was Badminton, then Chatsworth horse trials and then Royal Windosr cancelled a few showing classes. At the beginning it was a shock, now eventers, dressage riders and show riders are all becoming used to seeing the event they're supposed to be competing at is cancelled due to wet weather. We have seen HOYS qualifier classes postponed and other classes just outright cancelled. Today, July 10th, it was announced that Yorkshire show were cancelling their equine classes. Was it a shock? Not really. After reporting in East of England show at the weekend I was surprised in the conditions that some rides will still compete in. Just how many more weeks do we have to put up with this for? Unfortunately it looks like this weather is here to stay and I want to hear from riders who are being affected. Is it affecting your business? Let me know by commenting below or tweeting me at @FurryMane *longer blog post on this topic coming soon*
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Real reporting time

Yesterday I was given a fantastic opportunity by Equestrian Life magazine to do some real reporting from a competition. It would be my first time covering an event I wasn't competing at and my chance to show I was capable in more ways than one.

Despite having one arm still in a sling and feeling full of cold I traveled to Peterborough to cover the East of England show.

At the beginning I panicked and tried to be everywhere at once until I realised I was being stupid. To sort myself out I went to sit in the press box and look at the schedule to try and get a plan of action in to my head. After ten minutes I had it and within half an hour had a fantastic interview that I was sure would be wanted.

Most spectators and competitors I approached were all willing to talk and let me interview them. I also managed to interview one of the judges and ask her why she picked the top three horses. Being a naturally shy person this is the part of journalism I first struggled in, but since starting university I realised the trick of the trade is to ask questions and don't be afraid to.

I will not reveal too much about my day and what interviews I got; for that you're going to have to buy the next edition of Equestrian Life.

Overall I had a brilliant time at East of England and met some lovely people. Talking to the judges enabled me to also pick up some handy tips for when I am showing Ceaser.

On top of this, the day after my university results arrived through my postbox I picked up Equestrian Life magazine from my local tack shop and was thrilled to see three of my articles published this month. This included my first double page spread with show results included.

I can only hope that opportunities like those I have already have will just keep on coming. It is the most weird but wonderful feeling getting a chance to do exactly what you have dreamed of doing since being very young. I can remember being 14 and seeing my name in print above my very first published article in Pony magazine and being so pleased. Although, seeing your name in print, in a magazine that you have read since you have been young after just finding out you're graduating; that is the best feeling.
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Love for a horse and passing my degree!

I have always said if anything was to happen to Ceaser I'd do my best to protect him and stop him from being hurt. On Sunday I proved I would be true to my words.

The day started off relatively pleasant. I knew that I had a long day ahead due to one of the liveries coming with me and her test being at 9am and mine 1pm! I may have mentioned a few times now that Ceaser wont stand at the lorry on his own so I have to take him everywhere with me. When I did get to tie him up he was just getting fidgety due to the high winds and a lady had decided to park her lorry unbelievably close to ours and all her dogs did from the inside of her lorry all day was yelp and cry.

Anyway, my time came to get on and Ceaser felt brilliant when I was warming up in the indoor arena. His transitions were spot on and the walk to canter transitions felt brilliant. I ran through my first test, elementary 44 and then thought I'd let him rest until I was due to go in. That was until my partner Mark came in to the indoor arena and said it was quite windy outside so wouldn't I be best doing some work in the outdoor warm up. That is where things started to go rather downhill. Within 5 minutes of being outside Ceaser decided the wind was terrifying and I was nearly catapulted on the floor. Luckily I managed to stay on through a few big bronks as he bolted from one end of the arena to the other, spooking other horses as he went. After apologising to a few terrified older looking riders I managed to calm him down and get him listening.

One problem though about where we were competing is, there is a children's camp not far from the competition arena. Every time I have ridden in that arena I can hear kids screaming. So, add screaming children, high winds, a very high spirited Ceaser and it seems you end up with an Elementary test completed very quickly! Needless to say, we got a respectable 60.80% which is fair I think. (remind me never to give Ceaser electrolytes the morning of a dressage competition again - whoops!)

Next was the affiliated Prelim, which I think went and felt better. Although being the youngest and on the smallest pony by far is a little unnerving.  How judges can judge Ceaser, a cob cross Connemara against warmbloods is beyond me! Anyway, we came out to the other competitors saying they didn't feel like even bothering after watching how lovely my test went so that was nice. Still, I think the judge either disliked us or didn't seem to like ponies as we got 66.66%. I was hoping for at least 68% but I did get an 8 for my riding so that was encouraging.

That is when it started to go wrong. Everyone that was with me went to warm up and get a cup of tea whilst I took Ceaser back to the lorry to get him ready to go home. Just as I was putting his fleece on the heavy rain suddenly started and the pony tied next to Ceaser panicked and swung his bum round to Ceaser. I think he then thought the pony was going to kick him, tried to swing his bum round and reared up just as I was trying to push him away from being kicked by the pony. I think it must have bent my wrist back too far or at a funny angle. Initially I was fine but after 10 minutes my arm and wrist started throbbing and I was becoming increasingly worried as it was my wrist I broke twice as a child and had to have pulled straight due to a bad kick from my smaller pony as a child.

We took Ceaser back to the yard and everyone helped put him to bed so Mark could take me to hospital. Thankfully they found no breaks on the x-ray but because of the severe pain I was in put it in a splint and sling and told not to do anything (including riding, grr!) for at least 7 days.
Although the next day I could barely move my whole arm and a lump had formed just below my shoulder and I could not straighten or rise my arm, so off we went back to A&E where they x-rayed my whole arm this time. Again, thankfully no breaks but the doctor said due to the strain my arm had been through pushing Ceaser as he had reared I'd most likely done a lot of damage inside and it'd take 3-6 weeks to heal.

I've been told not to ride for this time or do anything. Although, I can tell you now, this wont be happening. I have an important showing competition on Sunday and will hopefully be doing it, whether it be through gritted teeth and lots of painkillers! Ceaser is obviously now having a few days but everyone at the yard are all being very helpful in offering to poo-pick, lunge and muck out for me, so he wont be having much of a holiday! Although, mark is being very bossy and is demanding I actually take doctors advice for once and rest. Sitting at home is driving me nuts so I doubt i'll be out of the saddle for much longer than a few days! I've competed with a broken arm before, so this definitely isn't going to stop me!!

Amidst the bad luck on Sunday evening, I received from fantastic news this morning that I have passed my degree in Journalism. I am so pleased and cannot believe its all coming to an end. I have had the most amazing three years and am sad for it to be ending but happy that its now time for new doors to be opening.

I would also just like to thank my lovely sponsors, Prime Equine for providing me with this lovely jacket! It kept me very warm (and dry!!) at the dressage competition and looks very stylish.
Check out my page on Prime Equine here: http://primeequine.co.uk/calendar/blog/five-to-follow/


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