He is looking SO much more confident & bold! You made the right choice to set up that water jump for him because his confidence is the most important thing going forward. Maintaining that will set him up for even more success in future, the placings don't matter as much at this stage - but they will come!

Dressage and cross-country brilliant! From a horse who couldn't trot in a circle, and would freak at a pole... he's come a LONG way! Maybe front shoes with studs for next year? So looking forward to seeing him progress. Really hope you won't sell him!

I just started to smile as Rocky appeared on the video. What's not to love? He did so well. Rocky is lucky to have an owner who puts his best interests forward to make sure he has a good round. ! I think it's time for Meg Elphick to vlogmas her way out to Australia to try your eventer!!!

Rocky looks like a dressage star! He looked so cute when you were complimenting him. Nodding in agreement lol. Congrats on placing so well! Amazing progress!

Holly!!! Rocky says, "C'mon, I've got this. Let's go!" on cross country. It's his thing -- you can see that he's just glowing once he gets out there to gallop on the grass. What a great guy! Kudos to you for taking your time at the water -- one has to think this (very smart) strategy will pay dividends your next time out. Sorry about the slips -- the weather can be a real 'booger-bear' at shows. Rocky has that nice, wide 'turf' foot -- which is to his advantage on the grass -- but on a wet course -- shoes (and especially studs) would've made things maybe a bit safer for you both. Still -- you are nothing less than rock stars to me! Thank you so very much for taking us along for the ride! And by the way -- I loved your Dad's 'Day at the Farm' vlog. He's quiet -- but a real character beneath it all, huh? Loved his little 'digs' about you having fun in Australia while he was taking care of things back at the farm -- delivered with that shy little smile and chuckle that I'm sure you know so well, right? What a riot he is! I loved it! Notice he mentioned your returning in February, so you know he misses you. (My dear Dad was half Irish -- and I know that quiet chuckle.) Anyway -- I'm sending my very best wishes to you, your family, and Rocky for Happy Holidays from the other side of the planet in Pennsylvania, USA. JV

Rocky's progressed so far since you got him, and what with your work, and being in Ireland half the year, it's amazing how much he's come on. He clearly loves the cross country...but he did slip several times, being barefoot.

Well done Holly & Rocky! You both did so well. Rocky is looking fabulous and you are such a kind and thoughtful rider. Really enjoying watching your journey together.

I love how kind you are with him, so lovely to watch.

I love that you gave him confidence by circling the water! What a fabulous round and can't wait ti see more!

It's amazing what you have done with him since your time together. You have to be so proud of him 😊

Your 'Good boy Rocky yes!!' when he popped into the water made me giggle. He's such a good boy and he's come a really long way. He does seem to have a little vocation as an eventer, doesn't he? He's obviously loving his day.

You have both done so well..not long ago he smashed through all the jumps and bolted !!! Well done 👏👏👏

The improvement in Rocky is crazy, especially the dressage!

You could really tell he loved the cross country

You made all the right choices. Saw the slips and they scared me for you so glad you played it safe. Good job to you both!

Rocky is learning so fast. 👍 I hope you will do also eventing with your horses in ireland soon.🫶🎄

So proud of Rocky!! Great job - he was trying so hard and focused - you are bringing him along perfectly - he is showing how much more ridable and confident from your guidance

Bless him what a Good boy!!!

What a sweet willing horse - ears pricked the whole way around XC! Very cute :)

I'm so impressed Holly. You have done such an amazing job to make him into a much more rideable and confident horse. The difference in this video is shocking, especially with those canter transitions! Great job!

He is a beautiful horse. I am in love.

Love how you sorted out the water! He was wonderful for the rest of the course, he’s going to be a little rocket XC!! Dressage was more consistent and calm too! I’m glad he’s staying with you for another season, he’s a cutie. 😇

Hi Holly, Rocky improves so much each time we see him. Such a good boy and to be in the top ten is amazing so very well done Holly and Rocky. Lots of love. Jill U.K. XXXXX

He looks so great, Holly. You’ve done a wonderful job with him! Eventer, you! ❤❤❤

Wow his transitions are sooooo much better and you can see just what an amazing horse he is going to be! I am really enjoying seeing him do the cross country! Rocky boy has really come along and he has so much more confidence. I can't wait to see more from him!

You and Rocky are so cute together. He has changed so much. He looks so fit and forward. Look at Rocky, the eventer, go now. Such a sweet, genuine good, good boy!

Wow what an improvement in the cross country 😍

Hollie. If Ian is still your coach here at home and he doesn't watch these. Send him this. I've told you before you are an eventer in denial 😂. (And that Khal could be a super star. I know you won't. ) You have done a super job with Rocky. And You are 100% correct in now thinking it's time to trust yourself and him in the Dressage. Re the Time Faults. Better to be safe than sorry so great decision. Keep it up. Eventing Ire is waiting.😀

Are you enjoying eventing Holly? Rocky looks like he is! In all 3 phases his improvement was huge, so big congratulations to you both.

Oh, Holly! What a sweet and willing pony Rocky is. He loves you SO much and just tries his heart out for you. I’m so glad you have decided not to sell him (at least for this year?). The most important thing is creating fun experiences and building confidence…for you both. And you finished in the top 10! I agree with you that “the sky’s the limit!” Sweet, sweet boy. ❤

Love how you put your thought patterns into what's best for the future outcome of your goals for the horses and it shows, you can tell that it all coming together beautifully, well done ❤❤

Such a dude 🍀💚🇮🇪 fab vlog

Wow his top line is building up, he is more confident and calm and very bold. Great show Holly🤩

So thrilled for Rocky boy and you Holly!! Great job bringing him along!! He’s just fantastic! So excited you have joined the cross country buzz with Meg and others!! Love from California🏔️🎄☀️🩵

A great event ! You treated Rocky to a challenging course and safely home without shoes .Congrats!

Oh Holly what a brilliant boy he is! You really are the best rider and give him so much confidence hun, so really well done!! The height he tucks those knees up at times is amazing, I can see you flying round 100s at the rate you are both going! Congrats on a really great weekend for you both hunny!🥰❤️

Great job!!!

Glad you’re keeping him to event next year, we love Rocky!

Well Done !!! That was such a good idea at the water jump !!

Great job Holly 🎉 Rocky is doing super!

Rocky is such a Dude ...love him !!!!

Rocky is really looking good now, wow! I remember the first video of him and you really put in the work, he looks incredible now! Good job for your second 2 days event for you both.

Ohh did i miss something? Your not selling rocky this year ?? YAYYYY

Its been so cool to have seen your whole process with him, hes gotten so far

I can only hope that my next Thoroughbred is as sweet as Rocky. Well done.

Such a lovely suprise this evening in Canada when you and Rocky ‘s video appeared. I thought you both did really well. He’s a beautiful horse. Congratulations on placing 9th. I hope you have a lovely Christmas and before you know you will be back home☘️🎄

You and Meg should get together again and event together and then you can take Meg to a showjumping competition 😂 Rocky looks like he is loving eventing! ❤

Well done Holly. The ground looked very slippery (-: Marion 🎉🎉🎉

Holly Take care and have a good Christmas, AND a happy NOW year and SEE you next time. 💟💟💟

You can tell he loves cross country, you’ve done such a great job with him holly

Hi Holly, great clip Rocky looks fantastic your so good at getting him looking as he should be Fittness wise. 9th place not bad shame about time faults. He’s such a sweetheart. I’ll wish you a Merry Christmas 🎄 now as we are going out of town across the pond to be with our siblings for the festive season. I think I told you we live in the USA. So happy new year 🎆🎈🎊 have a great time in Aussie wohooo 🥳 🥳🎆🥳

Rocky's just having such a great day. And I addmeryou for doing WHAT YOU do. AS your a vet and this is just a side line . 😀😀😀💖👍👍👍

Yeah, it's true what your dad told us in his vlog: you having fun and he in the mud😂😅

Well done to you and rocky. He has certainly come on . Such a lovely horse. Its such a shame you live so far away and can't keep him. You should so do some eventing when you get back home. Maybe get another ott as a project 😊 xx

So Rocky seems to like cross country. I think he did really well.

❤

I have the exact same issue with my TB - he has a whispy tail and the mane of 3 x normal horses 😂

Rocky looks beautiful 😍. Please do a tack tour video 🙏🏻

He’s so genuine to take this on barefoot and no studs.

The place is'nt so important, it's better to do it easy and that he has a good feeling and experience to do crosscountry. Well done👌🎄

I actually think 66 was a little generous. But I don't know how things work in Australia. Note I do me very little. Id have guessed about a 63. By things I mean levels and show types/difficulties

What a .lovely vlog well done Rocky - yes very hard with no shoes/studs but he did cope well - check the EA rules for eventing dressage as bit guards in pure dressage are a NONO! He has come such a long way well done 😊

Ok, please tell me he is no longer for sale! Love Rocky, what a great transformation and he looks like he goes incredibly for you.