Show jumper Noora Manninen has been a member of the CdG team from the very beginning. First with her pony Hamlet´s Merick, then with her horses Lenni and Nöpö. Now she rides her mare Karkki, who arrived a year ago. Over the weekend, the pair rode their fourth and fifth 120 cm rounds in Ypäjä—both clear and placed.
Karkki came to you exactly a year ago. How has the first year together gone?
The first year together has gone better than expected. From the start, Karkki felt like a good match in my hand, and we have been able to create a shared rhythm for working. We also genuinely have a nice time together. We found Karkki with the help of my home trainer, John Antell, and it feels like the choice really hit the mark.
What expectations did you have for Karkki, and how have they been fulfilled?
I didn't create any big expectations for the partnership. From the beginning, I wanted to progress calmly without "pressure." The best thing about Karkki is her willingness and her desire to fight for me. At first, a challenge was Karkki's inconsistency under saddle. Now I don't pay any attention to it anymore.
What is best about the horse, and what has been challenging?
As a type, Karkki is social and, when meeting unfamiliar people, a little suspicious. Otherwise she is curious, friendly, and quite humble too. And very willing!
Have any surprises come up during the first year?
The surprises have really only been positive. We built a shared bond between us very quickly, and trust on both sides. After that, things have continued in a steadily pleasant way.
Which / who have been the most important aids for you during the year?
Over the past year, the biggest help has come from my home trainers John Antell and my dressage trainer Maisa Torkkola. They worked with me for a long time at home so that I could find my lost self-confidence again. Now I'm gradually starting to trust both myself and my horse again, and that feels really relieving and rewarding.
You have now already moved up to 120 level during your first season together. Was that the goal?
I didn't set any specific goals for us because of my own insecurity. My previous horse was quite difficult, and the failures with that horse had made me a bit timid and cautious. We have now moved up to 120 cm level, a level I didn't have previous experience at. The current situation feels really good. We'll progress according to what feels good. All of this was made possible by my excellent support network.
Future goals?
The goals for the future are to keep both horse and rider healthy and to start 130 cm classes late next summer season. At the same time, I'm also dreaming of some trips abroad, and we'll see whether they are possible to make happen in the current situation. I am truly grateful to all of our team members who have, in their own way, made all of this possible.
