A TRIBUTE TO TREVELTE (1980-2007)
by Elizabeth Bailey

This is not only a tribute to a ‘horse of a lifetime’ but also an encouragement to others to patiently climb the ladder of achievement and success.
More than 20 years ago, when I suddenly had more free time after working and raising a family, I asked Ian Crawford to find me a horse. ‘What do you want to do with it?’ he said, ‘well ride it, of course’ I said.
I had ridden since a child but, I was soon to learn, I had not much idea.
Trevi was 5 and just gelded and looking rather ‘poor’, but, as Ian said, he moved well.
He already had extravagant paces and, above all, a presence, which was soon to attract attention. His explosive nature was something which used to regularly land me on the ground in the first few months.
However, with Ian and Justin’s guidance we tried a few shows and to my amazement were always in the ribbons. There were also many disappointments, including being sent out of the ring for unruly behaviour and just not showing well on the day.
All this only served to make me more determined to cope with his difficult times and, of course, my riding ability had to improve.
He usually went well and was a perfect gentleman for the judge. He had a natural rhythm, outline and balance which made him a pleasant ride. Slowly we crept up the placings.

I learnt to put a great deal of time and effort into obedient schooling, entering as many shows as possible for experience, not least to keeping a very white/ grey horse looking clean. Eventually he won his first red rosette at Ascot and in the next few years succeeded in winning at the Arab shows and many County shows.

Our highlight in 1997 was a 6th Place at the Royal International, judged by Jenny Lauriston-Clarke. She gave him much praise and had noticed him a few seasons earlier, telling me how well he moved.
As an amateur rider I was achieving success against the top professionals.
We then met Sue Smallman who encouraged us into dressage. I then realised that I had to ride with precision and develop his way of going. If you want to achieve good results in dressage you do need a trainer who you understand and who is sympathetic to you and your horse. In the last few years Leanne Wall gave us that devoted support.
You also need a plan so that you are competing within the horses, and your own, ability at the time. The general recommendation is to compete at the level below your current training but we were soon winning classes and gaining points.
Dressage is hard work, both physically and mentally, not only for you but for the horse too. You need to be physically fit, have the ability to concentrate and you need to be exceedingly patient when things go wrong.
Even if your horse does not have extravagant paces, training will help to develop and build them and accuracy in tests will avoid losing unnecessary marks. A few lessons on ‘schoolmasters’ are well worth the time and financial outlay.
Trevi always struggled with flying changes, largely due to my lack of experience, so professional help is a must.