When we found out about Daisy’s condition we were not sure how long Daisy would have left as a rider so we went all out to do as much as possible in case the worst should happen. We bought a young horse and a broodmare thinking that if Daisy ended up unable to compete she could focus on the breeding side of things. We were not really in a position to do all of these things but Daisy’s Stepdad Jack is one of her biggest supporters and he encouraged us to carry on as normal and assume all would be well.
Nicola who has also been a fantastic support to Daisy then gave her the ride on her International Grand Prix Horse Saint Swithens. It was with him that Daisy got onto the Squad after a successful season together. Sadly, before they got a chance to compete internationally Swithens was put to sleep after becoming lame. The lameness progressed
to stop him having any quality of life. It was terribly sudden and truly heartbreaking. This as you can imagine had an overwhelming effect on Daisy. It was hard on all of us.
After the passing of Swithens, Daisy has been putting every effort into training Fürst Larkshill aka Tango who we hope will be ready for young riders. Daisy completed her GCSE’s this year and was due to go to go to Hartpury college to do A levels but changed her mind at the last minute after being offered a place at a top dressage yard. She now works at Daniel Greenwood Dressage and is there with her horse Fürst Larkshill who is owned by Jack and I. Here she will continue training and gaining experience by riding lots of different horses.
We are very much part of a team and have been since the first days with Dash. Jack, who had come to every single competition right from the very start, is the driver and trouble shooter who can pretty much get us out of any situation. He seems to have the ability to fix everything and keep things running smoothly. I am the organiser and also keep everyone calm if things get frantic. I do lots of PR for Daisy
to raise her profile and help her gain sponsorship.
Daisy’s extended team includes her Dad, who being a sportsman himself understands the pressures she puts herself under and can often help calm nerves. Daisy’s Brother Tom, has always been supportive and understanding the stresses of competing and having the horses have taken our time away from him. Daisy’s Gran who helps her as much as she can. Without any one of us Daisy couldn’t have achieved what she has to date.
Daisy is still fiercely independent, both at shows and at home and likes to do everything herself from mucking out, plaiting up and clipping to tacking up and washing off. She is her own groom and that’s the way she likes it. She is a very grateful girl who never takes anything for granted and appreciates all we do for her. If I had a pound for every time she thanked us I would be a very rich woman!
Our short term plans are to help Daisy continue to train Furst Larkshill aka Tango for young riders and to support her with her two homebred youngsters whilst she is away working and training. Daisy is not shy in telling people her longer term plans, she will simply tell you with unfaltering self belief “I am going to be an Olympic gold medallist” and do you know what, I actually believe that she will.
For more information on Scoliosis please visit http://www.sauk.org.uk/
There is also a donations page click on ‘get involved’
Daisy out Competing Furst Larkshill
Daisy on her Squad Horse- Saint Swithens
Debbie Jackson: Being Mum to Daisy
26 December 2013, Issue 3 www.everythinghorseuk.co.uk www.everythinghorseuk.co.uk December 2013, Issue 3 27