Hello and thank you for reading this. My name is James, and I’m a professonal musician, specialising in the organ, piano, and choral conducting. I’m also a keen equestrian, having been properly introduced to horses just over ten years ago. Quite soon after I was also introduced to Eventing (the multi-discipline sport of dressage, cross country, and show jumping all in one) and I was hooked from that first encounter at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe. Since then I’ve wanted to go Eventing and it’s remained something of a dream until recently. After a few tough years I came to realise that the best way to improve things was to concentrate seriously on my riding, and in time pursue my Eventing dream. Heading towards my 40th birthday (in November 2020) I wanted to find an achievable but stretching goal, and this is it: to go Eventing at BE80 (entry level for affiliated Events) before my 40th birthday – just after the end of the 2020 season.
Just over four months ago, I bought Max, a 16.1 Irish Sport Horse who has formerly evented, and we’re starting to build a partnership with regular lessons and schooling as often as I can fit it in around my work at Chelmsford Cathedral.
We’re now 12 months away from my 40th, and this is my blog where I plan to chart the progress that Max and I make towards our Eventing goals. Please join us and follow the journey #80by40 #EventingOrganist
The Eventing Organist 
Utterly wonderful to be following you with your dreams…. am watching with admiration, interest & joy!
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Wishing you all the very best for your exciting venture. I look forward to following your progress towards your goal and hope to be there in a year’s time to cheer you on!
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What an inspiration! Look forward to following your progress towards your dream over the coming year.
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Can’t wait James to follow yours and Max’s adventures towards #80by40 !! Exciting times ahead for both of you and so looking forward to watching you at your first BE80 ! xx
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Wishing you lots of fun over the next year. Looking forward to following you on your new adventure.
Working with animals is definitely a rewarding challenge! Xx
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What a busy year ahead for you and Max! Challenges for you both, but working together you will achieve that #80by40. Looking forward to following your exploits!
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Looks great fun – and hard work. I admire your resolve. Now would it be possible to conduct the choir with one arm in a sling, I wonder!!! Max looks beautiful – what a lovely photo.
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I always thought you were slightly deranged! Seriously though best wishes in what will no doubt be a great adventure.
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Have fun and follow your dreams James.
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Excellent! Well done you. I will follow your progress with interest.
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Enjoy yourself James.
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Wishing you every success. Looking forward to following your adventure with Max 😀 x
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