United States Eventing Association

A Summer With William Fox-Pitt: Part 1

Missy Miller is spending the summer working at William Fox-Pitt’s Wood Lane Stables in Dorset, England. Follow along as she keeps us updated on her time across the pond.

Hello!

Last time I was asked to write for the USEA blogs it was during my trip to NAJYRC last summer with my fabulous (if I do say so myself) little mare, TSF Amazing Grace. Since then much has changed but no worries, I don’t believe I’m any wiser for it and I refuse to accept the fact that I’m any older. After Gracie was a star for me at NAJYRC I successfully moved her up to Advanced, or should I say she successfully moved me up? Together, we were learning the ropes and getting closer and closer to the goal of a CCI3*. Unfortunately, after a successful outing at the CIC3* at the Fork Horse trials my wonder mare came up lame and my trainers, vets, and I decided it was best for Gracie to retire her to the life of a overpaid, underworked broodmare. It was terribly heart breaking for my journey to end but I feel so lucky to have shared what I had with Gracie. She is a truly spectacular teacher and partner, and opened so many doors for me. I will forever be indebted to that special little mare.

After the initial heartbreak and shock of her unexpected early retirement wore off I quickly realized how much sanity my couple of hours a day at the barn provided me. At first I thought that I would focus solely on school and eventually find myself a nice project horse, but after one week I was going stir crazy sans horse. I sent a few frantic e-mails, text messages and smoke signals out to practically every horse person I know asking for summer jobs riding ANYTHING, as long as I could be in a barn and ride a little bit. After a couple leads a friend that has known me since I first entered the gypsy life style called me. Liza Horan (I will always thank you for giving me the push I needed) asked me directly “What’s keeping you here? Get out of the states.” Floored and a rare moment of speechlessness, as she had a point I then expanded the receivers of my frantic e-mails to people in the UK. After not hearing anything I was a bit disappointed but ready to spend a summer in lovely little Middleburg. Exactly one week before my final exams started I got a call from a foreign number while I was out with friends. I answered and it kept getting dropped. Finally a third time and I answered, exasperated, I said “Who is this??” At the end of the line? A British accent saying “Missy, It’s William Fox-Pitt, I received your e-mail.” Insert foot in mouth. Was I still interested in coming? Of course! How soon could I get there? Well I finish classes June 2^nd. Perfect, so as soon as you’re done. Please fly yourself into Heathrow and keep in touch with your travel details. After about a 5minute phone conversation my summer plans had changed continents.

In two weeks I was moving apartments, packing for three months abroad, oh yeah, and final exams. After an overnight flight, and navigating the London train stations with three over-packed bags of luggage I have arrived at Wood Lane Stables in Dorset, England. William just got back from Bramham and is already preparing to leave again soon for Luhmuhlen. I have only spent one day in the barn so far but have a feeling I am in for an amazing summer. Everyone has been amazingly nice to the weird American girl that seemed to show up out of nowhere with too much stuff. I am beginning to wonder if the English have southern hospitality beat as far as politeness goes?

As I sit here, writing this I keep looking at my computer background, a picture of me and Gracie from the Fork, and smiling, knowing that without the experience and confidence Gracie provided me with I would never have gotten here. I look forward to again, sharing my amazing summer experiences and mishaps with anyone that reads this. Also I am going to take a moment to express the thanks I have for my parents, for continuing to go along with my gypsy lifestyle for so long. If you know me at all, you know my parents and can agree that they deserve some type of medal for still being sane after 22 years of “Missy”.

Until next time, Cheers!