As the 2014 eventing season is now in full swing, we return to Sussex based BE event rider and coach, Ben Leathers. Ben originally from Australia but now settled in the Sussex countryside in his BHS approved livery and training yard with his family.
We have been following Ben since the start of this season together with his promising future star Kauto Cryeo. Following the progress from the early stages of BE80, 90 & 100’s for the season, rather than follow a horse rider combination who have already reached 4 star, we learn so much more at this level in observing their rise up through the ranks in real time. Two years ago, Kauto struggled over a cross pole, but with dedication and a solid training programme, Ben and Kauto are now proving to each other their ability, commitment and steady success as a team in one of equines toughest sports.
The first half of the season had gone to plan and both earned a well-deserved break mid term. It was the golden opportunity for Ben to accept an invitation to an equine filled trip to Mongolia.
“An amazing opportunity and an amazing place” Ben refers to his recent trip to Mongolia where, together with a small group were invited as guests by the Mongolian people.
Ben’s expedition, allowed him to live amongst some locals in traditional yurts in the middle of a mass of sparse land where views reached as far as the eye could see over mountain ranges and lakes. Joining in the daily routine of traveling with herdsman at sunrise to find the horses, sometimes as far as 40km away, to round them in for the days needs.
In this exceptionally welcoming and friendly country, it soon became clear, their spiritual connection to an animal which has served an important part of everyday life to them for centuries. Seeing the basic tack only proved the polar opposites of what material items the west now calls essential.
It was a trip of a lifetime, an experience to work with these Mongolian horses and an honour to be part of this group invited to partake in the country’s rich equine culture.
Whilst Ben was in Mongolia, Kauto was given a well earned mid season rest and exercised gently on the horse walker to keep him supple.
Before Ben left for this trip, himself and Kauto had made the regional finals for 2015 Grass routes at the Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials. An impressive start to the season so far has earned them 3 tickets to 3 regionals; starting with Chilham next weekend.
It comes, as a positive note after Ben had recently suffered an injury during training at the same time Kauto needed some treatment to fix a facial injury. Both now fully fit and back on schedule to continue building the foundation points, which are building nicely as the season continues.
Ben is about to start a syndicate for an additional ride for the 2015 season and the ball is rolling with interested sponsors coming through all the time now, to also pick up and support team Leathers for the 2015 season and beyond.
Returning from Mongolia 2 weeks ago, Ben and Kauto have wasted no time in getting back on track, ready to complete the season. To combat this warm weather, Ben’s training has been as early in the day as possible to maximise Kauto’s fitness programme before the heat can effect his stamina.
Starting off with some light schooling to get him listening then some fast work at the beginning of the sessions mixed in with elements of eventing from groundwork, show jumping to cross country training. The pair is off to Twesle Down this Thursday for some pre qualifier training.
The report of how the pairs qualifiers have gone will follow shortly and next week will be a summery on the Longines Hickstead Royal International, The official show of the British Horse Society.
For more information on Ben’s Syndicate, or if you need a helping hand in eventing, Ben can be booked for lessons at his yard in Partridge Green or If you are still looking for quality bed and breakfast for the Longines International at HIckstead.
Visit www.homelands-equestrian.co.uk
pictures © Ben Leathers
