Chatting with Sarah Elebert @sarahelebert_eventing
Tell us a little about you and your horses
I am Sarah Elebert, a 32 year old Irish Event Rider. I am the owner of Elebert Equine and the person behind Equicoach Online – my new online training platform. I own 15 horses and they range from my Event/Dressage horses, to school ponies, to retired field horses.
My current string of competition horses include :
1) Pearl – EE Parlanti Cruise. A 7yo ISH Mare. Evented to CIC2* but currently training at Medium level dressage.
Sarah and Hallie eventing before lockdown. Image courtesy of Equus Pix
2 )Hallie – HallyBop Comet. A 9yo ISH Mare. Eventing to Pre-Novice and also training at Medium level dressage.
3) Dawson – EE Silver Lining- A 9yo ISH Gelding. He is technically a homebred but was a “happy surprise”. He is training at home and is character to say the least!
4) Zarra – Belle Izarra Z. 13yo ISH Mare. Evented to CCI2*. Currently being ridden by a Junior rider and they have formed an excellent partnership.
How did your horses come into your life?
Sarah looking fabulous riding her stunning dark bay Zarra at Tattersalls. Image by Prime Photography
I have been lucky that the majority of my horses have been purchased from people that I knew and trusted. Some of them were even horses that I had in for training and I just didn’t want them to leave!
How long have you been riding?
Consistently for 23 years. Makes me feel old!
When and where do you ride?
I ride in my own yard at my parents house. I usually ride in the afternoons as I do a few hours of “Work” in the mornings.
How did you start riding?
Initially, I was 2 and my parents brought my brother for a ride at a stables while on holiday. My brother (older), cried to get off the horse and I cried to get up! A few years later, my grandad sent us along with my cousin, to a local summer pony camp. They hated it but I just loved it!
After that, I think it was for my 9th birthday, I asked family if, instead of presents, they could gift me some money that I could put towards lessons. They kindly did so and I haven’t stopped riding since!
What you and your horses currently working on?
Sarah and Pearl, her 7yo Irish Sport Horse Mare which she has competed to CIC 2*
Since Covid-19 has had such an effect on the eventing season, I have decided to take this time to focus and improve the flatwork with all of my horses. We are still jumping occasionally and they are feeling amazing so I am really looking forward to them coming out next year even better and stronger.
What do you love about riding?
Horses are great levellers and they are excellent at keeping you grounded. I love striving for improvements with my horses and training a horse from on level to the next gives me a really strong sense of achievement. There is no better feeling that being in a partnership with your horse.
What you would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
Actually, what I am doing now, riding, competing coaching has been the goal for a long time now and I feel that is really is only the beginning. I would love to keep climbing the levels in Eventing and Dressage. With regards to coaching, I would like to continue to help people reach their goals with their horses and with the Equicoach Online website, giving people access to quality coaching regardless of their location or circumstance excites me.
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Yes absolutely. Funnily, show jumping makes me the most nervous. It has a tendency to back me off. Give me a beefy XC track any day!
How do you deal with them?
I use a coaching/competition program that helps to quantify the aims/goals/achievements of my training and competition days.
I will also use some mindfulness techniques to help keep me focus and prevent me from over thinking.
Your Top Tip
My Top Tip would be to not school your horse when you are tired. It is likely to be unproductive. Tomorrow is another day and you won’t “lose” a day. Your horse will thank you for it. Same to be said if you are in the middle of a session and it’s not going well (unless horse is being naughty – maybe then lunge him!). Always finishing on a good note is not always possible. Sometimes, patting the horse and putting them away until tomorrow works a treat!
The Final Furlong
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
I would love to ride Cathal Daniel’s little chestnut mare Rioghan Rua – She’s is a feisty little thing and a machine XC. I’d love a spin!
Who is your equestrian hero?
As cheesy as it sounds, one of my best friends is Kate Dwyer (Grand Prix Dressage Rider) and is on the Irish Olympic squad. I have seen first-hand how hard Kate and her Mum Maureen have worked to get them to where they are and they have taught me so much along the way too so yes, I would class them as heroes.
If you could have 5 people to dinner who would they be?
Piggy French
Andrew Nicholson
Jonelle Price
Ian Stark
Yogi Breisner
I would actually just want to listen to them have a conversation. Imagine what you could learn!!!
Favourite colour horse?
Bay – SHINE!
Favourite horse event
Tattersalls International Ireland
Favourite food
Chips.
Favourite way to relax
Listen to podcast while I work or read a book alongside a cup of tea.
