As with every aspect of eventing, the most important thing is to do your homework. Look into the sport and ask yourself, why is it that you want to participate, and to what level? It’s necessary to know a little bit about what you want to do ahead of time so that you can set attainable goals.
Goal setting is imperative to being successful—it allows you to focus and work towards something with a purpose so that in the end you have accomplished your goal and can move on to the next one confidently. In this sport it can be easy to overestimate your capabilities, be honest with yourself. Step back and really assess what you are physically and mentally capable of achieving. Remember that goals should be appropriate to you, setting an unattainable goal will only be frustrating.
Once you have figured out exactly what you would like to do and achieve, then find a trainer who is appropriate to the goals you have set. Just because a trainer has won so many three-stars doesn’t necessarily make them right for you. If you just started riding, find a trainer who can work with you to solidify the basics, and when the time comes can refer you to a trainer who can take you further.
--Interview by Leah Oliveto