So, here I am, Monday morning, laid in bed after what can only be described as one of the most emotional weeks of my life. Where do I begin? The ponies have all been great this week jumping their hearts out at one of the best and most prestigious outdoor shows in the world – and of course it’s also my all-time favourite! It gives a little added pressure for us working for a German rider (just a fraction...), and even with the stands not completely full you still had that feeling it was back to Aachen.

Killer Queen, what can I say – I really didn’t expect that to happen yesterday! I always knew she was capable of being the best, but who knew it was going to be yesterday? I wasn’t ready! I cried like an absolute baby when I realised she had won. And the more people that hugged me and congratulated me, the more I cried. Killer Queen was also one of five double clears on Thursday night in the Nations Cup. Let’s just say she isn’t the only one who loves Aachen! 

All week I haven’t really been stressed or nervous, just going with the flow – Nations Cup night also was good, which was strange for me. And on Sunday, right up until we started warming up for the first round I was also fine. I was plaiting Killer Queen with my music on, dancing on the step... this is what she has to deal with on a daily basis. And then it kicked in. This is happening! Three years ago, in Aachen, Killer Queen was the best young horse overall and won a foal and now she is about to take on the Aachen Grand Prix! Then I just stayed quiet and kept smoking cigarettes; it was easier...

First round completed; my heart was racing but I was so proud so I ran to grab a handful of grass at the in-gate to give her a well-done treat. We were the slowest clear so I didn’t have that much time in between the rounds. Quickly back to the box so Madame could have a pee break and then to the ring again. At this point I realised it was time to get this job done and win the Grand Prix. I had a deal with Tom, who is our main truck guy at Stephex, who said if Killer Queen would win on Sunday I can have a new truck... Mission accepted! 

Second round done and now the nerves have overtaken my body and I’m no longer human! Deusser is warming up for the jump-off, I take the cigarettes out – you know to calm my nerves – and the lighter breaks. Now full panic mode is on, there’s me thinking in my head we are number one in the jump-off, all the other ones coming after us can easily beat us and I need to SMOKE – oh, wait also I need to make the oxer bigger! At this point I’m full stress mode...

I’m pretty sure the video of the jump-off I did was a lot of me screaming: “Go Deusser, come on Killer!!!!” Maybe Daniel should watch it on Clip My Horse instead, I think it’s better that way. 

I take Killer and we go for a walk in the other collecting ring so I can’t watch. A little later, Brian has entered the ring and I slowly make my way back over. Before I knew it people were screaming, hugging me, telling Killer she was great! I was so confused. What had happened? Then I just started to cry; that was easier. 

After a long week and Killer Queen being like my small child, I couldn’t hold back the tears. The more hugs and congratulations I got, the worse I was. I’m pretty sure there are videos of people hugging me and me just crying! So sorry for that everyone. My phone went wild! I will apologise now if I didn’t get back to everyone, the phone actually shut down at one point...

In life there’s always things you want to tick off your list. Winning the Aachen Grand Prix was one of mine and to be part of that team and to be there in that moment was just the best feeling in the world. Thanks again Daniel Deusser and Killer Queen for making dreams come true!

I would like to thank everyone for all the congratulations and the support, it means everything. 

But now I must go pack the truck again next show is calling! 

Geneva we ready #grandslamcontender…

Sean