Kerry Millikan and David O’Connor led our ultimate panel of the day, with a call in from Tamie Smith all the way from California. These three powerhouses shared their experiences rising to the top level of riding from three very different backgrounds. While Millikan and O’Connor shared many experiences in their careers, Millikan worked her way through nursing school taking care of her personal horse and a second sale horse. O’Connor rode from a young age but didn’t achieve the level of riding his peers did until he was taken into an intensive, personalized training program that refined his riding skills. Millikan expressed how important it is to study your craft, she paid close attention to horses and riders as a child to learn what she liked and what worked. Smith rode a lot of bad horses, and had a lot of ups and downs in her early career, but always asked herself “ok, what’s next”. All three riders shared stories of the highs and lows of the sport and proved that perseverance does pay off.
The panelists shared many stories of how show nerves affect each rider differently and how important it is to be respectful of your team members who may process differently than you. The Team experience also teaches riders to fulfil the role as needed for the team, which means do the things you already know how to do at a competition, don’t try to do more as that’s where mistakes are likely to happen.
Nuggets of advice abounded throughout this discussion. O’Connor encouraged riders to get into a program one believes in and stay there until you have a core philosophy. Use this time to learn your trade and hone your craft. Smith told riders to “be particular” in every aspect of their life from presenting yourself well to knowing the minute details of your horse’s legs. She, notably, admitted that she would never continue to work with an owner who valued results over the horse’s welfare. Smith inspired members to never sacrifice one’s own integrity and honor for an owner, result, or sponsor. Millikan taught riders to channel their nervous energy into results, dare yourself to be better, and to surround yourself with good riders.
Millikan and O’Connor shared their thoughts on how the changes in the sport of eventing have changed the style of horse that wins, but O’Connor argues that a horse with mostly thoroughbred blood is still the horse that will win at the 5* level. O’Connor also loves steeplechase for riders to learn to go faster than the speed at which they travel on cross-country (but is glad we do not ask it of horses anymore).
All three riders shared some of the sacrifices they have made to make it to the top of the sport, and told members to ask “What the price to win is, and are you willing to pay it?” Riders must stay true to who they are, work hard, and figure out a business strategy that supports them to their goals.
