Lexie Lane

Mini-Major London International Horse Show 2022

I qualified for the London International Horse Show Mini-Major class in April 2022, at the Spring Festival. So I had a while to wait for this once in a lifetime opportunity!
We arrived at the Excel Arena in London the day before my class, so I had loads of time to watch all of the other amazing entertainment and of course the shopping. When we arrived in the horsebox, we had to drive up this really steep ramp to the second floor of the arena to offload Lucky indoors – it was so cool. Backstage in the stables was really interesting as I got to see how all of the international competition horses are looked after at shows, and of course I saw many of my showjumping idols, like John Whitaker, Ben Maher and Holly Smith. The Shetland Pony Grand National stables were all decorated by each rider for Christmas.
On the day of my class I was so nervous. We got to do a course walk with our ‘major’ partners, who we didn’t find out about until that morning. I was drawn with Irish international rider Shane Breen. We were then allowed into the arena briefly with our ponies to familiarise them before the crowds came in.
Luckily Shane went clear which meant it was down to how fast Lucky and I could go. Before I went in, mum said “however fast you think you’re going, it’s not fast enough”. So I rode for my life and my nerves just disappeared. I am over the moon that we got 3rd place.
I am happy and content that Lucky and I had a brilliant last show together, as he left on Christmas Eve to go and make another little Pony Clubber’s dreams come true 🐴💜