World Equestrian Brands Helmet Cam: OTTB XC

Watching the professionals tackle a CCI4* is fun, sure… but there’s something enchanting about this beginner novice cross-country round featuring a horse’s first ever trip and a rider’s words of encouragement!

Take a spin around the Poplar Place beginner novice course on the back of “Summer,” an off-track Thoroughbred who’s also competing in the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover! Piloted by AP Graham, Summer tackles her first cross-country course in competition with apparent ease — though we’re sure that the rider’s ongoing pep talk has more than a little to do with her performance!

Our favorite moment is around 4:12 when our rider is so relaxed mid-course that she’s able to reward her horse, call a “hello!” to a jump judge she knows, and carry on like she’s just on a long schooling round.

Maybe AP Graham could follow us around all day and give us the same encouragement! Summer looks like she has a great foundation to build on for her next competition, and should do her breed proud at the Thoroughbred Makeover this fall. Best of luck to this pair!

Go riding.