Eventing Power Couple: Behind the Reins with Emily King & Sam Ecroyd!
1. From Little Riders to Big Dreams: How It All Began!
Imagine growing up with horses as part of your everyday life! That's Emily King's story. She was literally "born into" a horsey family, following in the hoof-prints of her famous eventer mom, Mary King. Even as a kid, Emily was super independent, preferring to learn from her own adventures rather than being spoon-fed. This early independence, though a challenge for her mom, truly shaped her into the determined rider she is today.
Sam Ecroyd's journey had a little twist! He started riding at a very young age, but then took a break after a tumble on the beach. He thought to himself, "That is a stupid sport!" What brought him back? A family pony and, surprisingly, the "addictive" feeling of winning those shiny rosettes at local shows. That little taste of success ignited a spark, proving that sometimes, you can always find your way back to what you love, even after a setback. His story reminds us that success often comes from small, consistent wins that build over time.
2. The Mental Marathon: Brains Over Brawn!
Eventing isn't just about strong muscles and flawless technique; it's about a super strong mind. Emily and Sam understand that in their sport, where a living, breathing animal is your partner, unexpected things happen constantly. A horse might feel a bit off, or a well-laid plan might suddenly change. They compare it to Formula 1 racing: you need a great driver and a perfectly tuned car for success.
To tackle the pressure, they practice mental "mind games." They "play" the competition in their heads, imagining every step of their dressage test or every jump on the cross-country course. And here's a smart trick: they even visualize things not going to plan. This mental rehearsal helps them prepare for how to react in real-life situations, making them more adaptable and resilient.
"Nobody's perfect!" is their motto when things go wrong. They firmly believe, "You don't lose, you win or you learn." Every mistake isn't a failure but a chance to get better. This powerful mindset helps them analyze problems unemotionally and use setbacks as opportunities for growth. So, don't believe everything you see on social media – even the top riders have "bad days" every single day, just like us! It's how they learn and come back stronger that truly counts.
3. Three Phases, Three Kinds of Nerves!
Eventing's unique three-phase format means riders experience different types of nerves for each discipline:
-
Dressage Dance: This is where horses perform elegant "dancing" (a series of precise movements) for judges. The nerves here are about trying to achieve absolute perfection. It's like performing a ballet on stage with everyone watching, knowing every tiny detail is being judged. While you can't be "perfect" with an animal, the goal is to get zero penalties, making the pressure intensely focused on precision.
-
Cross-Country Thrills: Get ready for an adrenaline surge! This is the phase that truly gets your blood pumping. Riders gallop across challenging terrain, jumping massive, fixed obstacles like logs, ditches, and water. It's "pretty scary" sometimes, and one small mistake – called "20 penalties" for a refusal – can instantly knock you out of contention. Yet, this is also where riders feel "most heightened," fully in sync with their horse, and often perform their absolute best. It's a raw test of courage and trust.
-
Show Jumping Finale: The final jump! If you've done well in the first two phases, the nerves here are about "not messing it up." You've worked so hard, and now it's about holding onto that good score. It’s a different kind of pressure, like protecting a treasure you've already found, where precision and careful riding are paramount to avoid knocking down any rails.
4. Meet the Four-Legged Stars: Inside Their Dream Yard!
Emily and Sam share a home and a passion, but when it comes to their stable systems, they operate a bit separately. They each have their own "side" of the barn for their horses. This keeps things organized and allows them to have different opinions on training methods or horse management without conflict – a smart approach for any power couple working together!
A typical day for them is a super busy marathon that starts early and ends late, entirely focused on their equine athletes. They have a detailed plan for each horse, ensuring they get the right training for their individual needs, from high-speed galloping workouts to refining their "horse dancing" (dressage) skills.
Let's meet some of their amazing "star students":
-
Val (Emily's top horse): This "superstar" is a unique character who absolutely loves living outside, even in bad weather. Val gave Emily her first successful completion at the prestigious Badminton competition, marking a significant milestone in her career.
-
Mr. Big Ears (Sam's horse): A 9-year-old with a fantastic personality. When he was bought as a three-year-old, his ears looked comically large on his smaller body! Now he's grown into them and is known for being a really good jumper and a yard favorite.
-
Patrick (Sam's other horse): This 9-year-old was quite the handful as a youngster, even breaking Sam's teeth once! But despite his mischievous past, he's turned into a "proper job" – a really good horse. Patrick's story shows that even tricky horses can become champions with incredible patience and consistent training.
5. The Winning Formula: Brains, Bodies, and Best Gear!
Ever worn a backpack that's too heavy and wobbly? That's how a horse feels with a bad saddle! Emily and Sam use special adjustable "Keep Saddles" that are super comfy for both horse and rider, making "all the difference in the world" to performance. A good fit is absolutely key for a happy, healthy horse, ensuring they can move freely and perform their best without discomfort. Their saddles are so light and well-balanced, they feel like "a bit of a cheat," putting the rider in a perfect position.
But what really makes a 5-star event horse? It's not just about how pretty they look or their natural talent. Emily and Sam agree the most important thing is their "brain" – do they want to do the job? Horses that wake up each morning wanting to gallop and jump are the real winners. Even if a horse isn't the most naturally talented, a fantastic attitude and a willingness to try can turn them into a superstar. They emphasize that if a horse doesn't love its job, there are plenty of other careers for them.
Their top training tip for anyone getting into eventing is simple: "Take your time." Rushing actually makes things slower in the long run, often leading to setbacks. They also advise: don't be shy to ask for help, don't fear mistakes, and always put your horse first. It’s all about slowly "sponging" up knowledge from experienced people and prioritizing the horse's well-being and confidence.
6. Juggling Love and Leaps: Life as an Eventing Duo!
Living and working together at the highest level of a demanding sport could be challenging, but Emily and Sam make it work with a clever system: keeping their horse systems slightly separate. This means they can have different ideas without constant arguments, while still supporting each other. When they compete in the same class, they both want to win, but if one does better, the other is "as happy as if I was second place" – a true testament to their strong partnership.
And yes, there are funny moments too! Sam's most embarrassing riding moment? Falling off in show jumping because he forgot to do his girth up! Emily finds any "unimpressive fall" particularly embarrassing when lots of people are watching. But it's all part of the sport and a reminder that even pros have their moments.
Their goals for the future are lofty: to be the "best event rider that there's ever been" – aiming for the Olympics and winning every major show. While they are realistic about the challenges, they are always striving to be better and content as long as they are doing their very best.
Conclusion: Ride On!
Emily King and Sam Ecroyd's story is a fantastic ride through the world of eventing. It shows us that success comes from passion, incredible teamwork (with both human and horse partners!), immense mental strength, and a deep, unwavering love for what you do. Whether you're a rider, a sports enthusiast, or just love animals, their journey is a powerful reminder that with dedication, a bit of grit, and the right mindset, you can truly reach for the stars – or, in their case, jump over them!
