“Love Your Partnership”: Internet in Awe of Throwback Training Video Featuring Equestrian Anna Buffini and Hall of Fame Jockey Mike Smith

Within the next few months, the US Dressage team will be finalized for the Paris Olympics 2024. Among the horde of athletes dreaming of unfurling the American flag in the French metropolis is a two-time World Cup finalist. Hailing from a family of athletes, Anna Buffini has earned many distinctions, barring the Olympic insignia. For her maiden campaign, the equestrian icon has chosen mindfulness over aggressive training methods.

Anna Buffini started her athletic pursuits in the gymnasium but transitioned to dressage at 9. Now, the 29-year-old California native has rattled her foes by unveiling her covert training session with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith from last year.

Anna Buffini’s training session with Smith is the cynosure of all eyes

In 2023, Anna Buffini joined Mike Smith at the Foothill Physique Studio in Monrovia for intense workouts. The heaviest substance of their training session did not comprise weights or gym equipment. Instead, it was a mechanical representation of the Breeders’ Cup Classic and Distaff winner, Zenyatta. The legendary thoroughbred was the star of the equestrian world, and Anna Buffini got to experience the raw power of the horse in a simulated format. In an IG video, Anna Buffini preserved the captivating moment for posterity. However, as the caption humorously suggests, even an international U.S.A. dressage rider had a tough day in the gym. She wrote, “#TBT to my first time on the Equicizer! 🏇🏽 Even with the expert instruction from Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, it was hard to get the hang of and definitely a killer workout”.

The interaction did not end without Smith’s moratorium for Buffini to prioritize challenging her comfort zone. He reminded her to keep her body off the saddle and balance herself on her heels. When it was her turn, Buffini could not initially crack the necessary legwork. However, it is vital for speed, and Smith took her through the fundamentals again. Following his tutelage, Anna Buffini managed to pull through and impress the legendary jockey in the process. The equestrian fans approved her training with Mike Smith and sent their blessings in the comment section.

Equestrian fans applaud the secret session

The wild jubilations in the comment section made the IG video post come alive. One fan gave a thumbs-up to the collaboration, writing, “What fun! Love your partnership. So fun to see what the two of you do together”. Another fan conceded Smith’s impeccable patronage, saying, “So fun to watch! And Mike is a great teacher!”. The next fan left a disbursal of laughter in the wake of his statement, commenting, “We need to see him on a dressage horse!!”.

Read More: 2X World Cup Finalist Credits Megan Thee Stallion and More for Memorable Paris Olympics Unveiling

As a dressage rider on her inaugural Olympic campaign, Anna Buffini has her work cut out for her. However, her training with Mike Smith has given her a new perspective to deliver a fatal blow in the upcoming qualifier events for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

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