The Secret Life of McKenna: Back in the tack

After months of layup following a bad fall, junior blogger McKenna Oxenden’s big comeback has officially begun.

From McKenna:

Horse Nation, things are beginning to rock and roll. This past weekend was a pretty exciting one for me. Not only did I have my first lesson in three months but I also jumped!!!! It was pretty exciting.

On Saturday I was playing around on the flat but I couldn’t resist the urge to jump anything… and since I happened to be right next to the XC field I took full advantage of it! I mostly did some little logs but at the end I got a little wild and crazy and popped over a novice roll top or two! Crazy kid, I know.

Sunday I was able to have my lesson with Courtney. I am beyond excited because there is already a huge difference in Gigi in the short time she has been with the horse whisperer! She is now learning to really use her body in her flatwork and she has also been doing tons of long and low stuff to get her frame a bit more relaxed and such. Overall, the lesson was amazing. I was having to use my body as the aids versus the rein contact and really just slow everything down and of course, we did tons of long and low stuff to get her neck longer.

It was a really, really fantastic lesson and I honestly can not wait for this upcoming event season! Gigi is entered in the novice with Courtney at Morven Park and then hopefully there after, I will get cleared for “full time” riding.

Go riding. Go eventing. Go Gigi. Go Horse Nation.

About the Author

McKenna Oxenden is a 16-year-old junior in high school, hailing from Columbia, MD. McKenna is a training level event rider and is currently campaigning the 15.1 Trakhener Cross, “Gossip Girl” a.k.a. Gigi and previously competed 13.2 pony superstar, Dorito Cooler Ranch, through training level. She has worked for CCI4* event rider, Emily Beshear and currently trains with Courtney Sendak of Defying Gravity Eventing. She is also an active ambassador to JustWorld International. When McKenna isn’t busy writing or riding, she is taking photographs and playing in Photoshop. You can see some of her work by liking her Facebook page (Mckenna Erinn Photography).