“He Is Mine to Enjoy”: Despite ‘Hanging Up His Boots’ Famed Equestrian Finds a New Companion in a “Late-Midlife-Crisis”

Retiring from sports is possible, yet the passion for the game remains etched in individuals’ hearts forever. If that sport is associated with animals, then you just cannot unsee the attraction it holds. The equestrian is one such sport that has been loved immensely by people worldwide. There have been racers who hung up their equitation boots, but their love for horses brought them back where they started. Such is the case with a horseback rider who came out of retirement after finding a new companion.

In an exclusive interview, the rider said he had given up his passion for a while. But he found a new equine partner who reignited his love of equestrianism, and both seem to be enjoying the new journey.

En route for a new equestrian journey

Roger Fitzhardinge had retired from horseback riding long ago when he found his new horse, Bloomfield Vision. When asked about what changed his mind to restart things again. To which Fitzhardinge stated in an interview with EQ magazine that, It was just a delusion of grandeur or a late midlife crisis. He also revealed that he did not find the horse, but the horse found him. Fitzhardinge’s career began with competitive sailing, and he has trained many Grand Prix horses; several of these horses were the winners of numerous royal events. He was also shortlisted for the Olympics but could not pursue it due to a spinal injury, and he shifted his focus to dressage after this. He revealed that he has spent so many years of his life coaching, and he wanted to find a horse that he could put all his experience into.

He found Bloomfield Vision when he went to a farm to provide coaching lessons, and he spotted him there. He said Vision was beautiful, gentle, and quiet, and after a bit of inquiry, he found out that the horse was not for sale. But one day he came to know that the horse was going out out in the market, and he did not miss the chance and bought the horse. On a question about what he was thinking of doing now, Fitzhardinge stated, “He is mine to enjoy, and if I simply want to go for a walk in the field, that’s what I’ll do.” He revealed that when he rode him, he gave him a feeling of comfort.

A bond like no other

Now Fitzhardinge wants to take his time to focus on training Vision to become a dressage horse. He revealed that Vision is extremely calm and composed with his training, which makes it easy for Fitzhardinge. Further, he also added that the horse’s calm nature will help him stay fit and healthy for a long time. He was asked if he was going to try something unorthodox with Vision, to which he replied that he would try a few things and definitely take things differently.

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He said he is in no hurry and does not want to pressurize the horse by setting higher goals for him. Fitzhardinge is in no mood to compete professionally and is currently going with the flow. He is currently focusing on building compatibility with the horse and is looking forward to making a new friend in vision. He also added that he loves being around this horse.

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