I’m so excited to introduce you to Harvey—or Harvard, as he’s known in the show ring. Harvey is nine years old now, and I’ve had him since he was five. This year, we’re moving up into the Intermediate II and Developing Grand Prix, which feels like such a milestone in our journey together.
We also have some exciting news: Harvey and I were recently awarded the Carol Lavell Training Grant from the Dressage Foundation! It’s such an incredible honor and a huge boost to help us continue our training, travel to shows, and keep growing toward our dreams.
In this post, I want to share a bit of Harvey’s story, what I’ve learned from him, and some of the training and care principles that guide our partnership.
1. How I Found Harvey
The story of how I found Harvey is a mix of luck, timing, and faith. I first saw him in Europe when he was just four years old, but I wasn’t in a position to buy another horse at the time—I still had my Grand Prix horse, Trump, and no budget for another prospect.
A year later, when I went back, Harvey was still there. I rode him, and the feeling was unbelievable. He was light, soft, and so effortless to ride—it truly felt like magic.
Buying him was a huge leap of faith. He was well beyond my budget, and I remember wiring the money through tears, terrified I’d made a mistake. But sometimes, when you believe in a horse and in your partnership, you take the risk—and it pays off. Harvey has challenged me to become stronger, more patient, and a better rider in every way.
2. Harvey’s Personality
Harvey is incredibly sweet, sensitive, and loyal. He’s the kind of horse who takes time to trust new people, but once he does, he’s affectionate and cuddly.
He loves having his ears stroked and spending time with Levi—our dog! In fact, he’s obsessed with Levi and even likes to steal his ball during turnout. If Harvey were a person, I think he’d be the quiet, thoughtful type—gentle and reserved, but deeply connected to his circle.
3. Building Confidence and Progressing Through the Levels
When I got Harvey, he was schooling Second Level. Over the years, we’ve built our way up to the Grand Prix movements—step by step, always listening to what he’s ready for.
Progress with a young horse comes down to consistency, patience, and awareness. I ask for a little more each day, but I also watch closely for signs that I’ve pushed too far—if he gets tense or confused, I go back to the basics.
Harvey is incredibly willing and tries his heart out. If something doesn’t go right, it’s never because he’s resistant—it’s because he needs more strength or clarity from me.
Tip: When your horse struggles with something new, check in with yourself first. Are you clear? Are you asking fairly? Go back a step if needed and make the answer easy for them to find.
4. Challenges and What We’ve Worked Through
Our biggest challenge has been the connection. Harvey can be quite light in the contact and doesn’t like bits that pinch or put pressure on his tongue. It took time to find a bit he trusted—a double bridle with a soft rubber center that doesn’t create a nutcracker effect.
Through patient work, I’ve helped him learn to reach into the bridle, stay soft in the jaw, and take his neck forward without tension. For riders with sensitive horses, this is key: the connection has to come from relaxation and trust, not force.
5. Harvey’s Care Routine
Keeping an upper-level horse sound and happy takes a thoughtful, consistent program. Here’s what I’ve found most important:
- Consistency: I never overwork him. We ride about two or three days on, then one day off. Only about three days a week are “intense” work; the others are stretching, hacking, or easy conditioning.
- Shoeing: He’s on a five-week schedule with a skilled farrier. Good shoeing is everything for long-term soundness.
- Movement: Harvey goes out in the pasture every day and is hand-walked regularly to keep him loose.
- Bodywork: Massage and laser therapy help keep him comfortable, especially in his neck.
Tip: Small, steady routines prevent big problems. It’s far better to keep the workload balanced than to “catch up” after time off.
6. Keeping Him Happy and Focused
When I first got Harvey, his attention span was about five seconds long! He spooked at everything and lost focus easily. Over time, through consistency and confidence-building, he’s learned to stay much more attentive and in tune with me.
To keep him happy, I change things up. We’re lucky to have access to multiple arenas and a track around the property, so I don’t drill him in the dressage court every day. Working in different spaces, doing poles, or just hacking out helps him stay mentally fresh and engaged.
7. Building Trust and Overcoming Fear
When I first rode Harvey at the FEI Trainers Conference, he was so tight and reactive I wasn’t sure I’d even get through it. My brother had to lunge me until he relaxed enough to ride! Over time, with consistency and patience, Harvey learned to trust me completely.
He’s a one-person horse and doesn’t love being ridden by others, which makes our bond even more special. Trust like that takes years—but once it’s there, it’s unbreakable.
8. Fun Facts About Harvey
- He loves apples more than carrots (though he eats carrots like a rabbit—tiny bites!).
- His favorite treat is bananas, which also help create that nice white foam during tests.
- He has “dream catcher spots” on his coat—white dapples that appear and disappear in different places.
- And yes—he has the most beautiful, flowing tail I’ve ever seen!
9. Gratitude and Growth
Winning the Carol Lavell Training Grant is an incredible honor, but more than anything, I’m grateful for the journey that got us here. Every horse before Harvey—each one that challenged me, humbled me, and taught me—prepared me for this partnership.
I feel a deep responsibility to do right by him, to keep learning, and to help him reach his full potential.
Final Thoughts
Harvey reminds me every day why I love this sport. Dressage is a journey full of highs, lows, lessons, and love. Some days you feel like everything clicks, and other days it’s hard—but every moment is part of the process.
I hope Harvey’s story inspires you to keep believing in your dreams, even when the road feels long or uncertain. The right horse will push you to grow in ways you never imagined.
