Find out all about this weeks winners, their horses, their plans for the season and inspirations as well as learning what will be in their celebration ‘Chicken Dinner’.
If you have a win this week, we’ll help you shout it from the roof tops so get in touch at events@thegaitpost.com to be featured or tweet us @thegaitpost using the tag #TGPwinnerwinnerchickendinner
All disciplines welcome.
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What are your aims for 2018 for this horse?
‘Hurley’ as he is known, only started BE at the end of last year with two events at BE90. This was only his third ever event and his first BE100. He has a lot more scope so I think with a few more BE100’s under his belt for confidence he will be ready to move up to Novice/ 1* this year.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
I am very much a regular at Tweseldown as it is one of our local events! It’s a great venue as it caters for all levels – I can take my young horses right up to the advanced horses and they all get a solid run at the level they are running at. Tweseldown has put a huge amount of effort into the cross country course providing many new fences, so each time you go back it is a different course. The terrain is interesting with undulations so makes it a fun course to ride!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
I will be coming into my third year training with Robbie Carpenter. Although he is a dressage trainer he has been a fantastic mentor to me and given me huge confidence in my riding. Since I have been training with him I have recorded my best seasons to date.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Probably not unsung as her help is appreciated by so many, even more so by me. My Mum has been the stalwart to my team, she is known as the boss and we all turn to her if we have a problem or need help. She tirelessly gives up her days to help me do the horses, drive here and there and if wasn’t for her I would be thoroughly disorganised! She is incredibly knowledgeable and is great to have on the ground when I’m riding to give me advice and point me in the right direction.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
I wish I had known how many miles I would have to drive around the country!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
At the time it wasn’t funny, but looking back at the pictures it looks rather funny. I was competing a very large horse at South Of England. Near the end of the course he spooked and hit a fence causing me to be launched forwards onto his neck. I ended up hanging underneath his neck as he took off at 100mph towards home. I held on for such a long time as I was terrified of landing under his feet with studs in! It wasn’t until he jumped the string out of the course that I finally bailed! Mum was waiting at the lorry for me to finish and was surprised to see the horse return alone!
Which is your favourite event & why?
The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park has to be one of the most amazing events. It is a beautiful venue and the atmosphere is amazing. I have been lucky enough to compete there on two occasions, the Corinthian Cup and the Intermediate Championship which I have also qualified again this year for on Skip To The Beat. It is very efficiently run and done to the highest standard. There are big screens everywhere and the crowds as you go around the cross country cheer you on filling you with excitement!
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
A celebratory meal usually consists of whatever the Co-op has to offer on my way home. We are all usually so tired and hungry at the end of the day that any food goes down well! I don’t drink other than champagne which is the only drink worth celebrating with!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
As much as we love our lorry, it is now past it’s days where it can play music… (potential sponsors please note!)
Crambamboli
What are your aims for 2018 for this horse?
Bramham CCI3*
Blenheim 3* or possible 4* ( fingers crossed)
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
I have been competing at Poplar for something like 15 years .. Crambamboli and I won the Open Intermediate last year too. I’ve also been placed at Intermediate and Novice on him in the past here.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
I admire a lot of riders! Mary King I have a lot of respect for, she is a nice person who has helped in the past with horses I have ridden that she had originally.
© Lorraine Porter
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Craig Hemmins my long suffering partner who works full time as an A&E Manager and then helps with yard and horses and grooms at most events.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
The long hours and lack of money .. don’t make for a social life! But horses do give you a happy life!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
I have had so many funny things happen … from going to dressage on the wrong horse to do the wrong test .. blowing up in the lorry whilst going to the loo in my XC clothing … too many things!
© Lorraine Porter
Which is your favourite event & why?
I really enjoy Smiths Lawn it has the feel of an old fashioned event .. like Purston Manor and Cornbury Park used to be.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
A winners dinner will probably be a KFC on the way home .. washed down with a Diet Coke.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Don’t stop believing by Journey … it reminds me of living up north years ago!
© Lorraine Porter
What are your aims for 2018 for this horse?
We have qualified for the BE100 Mitsubishi Motors Cup at Badminton this year qualifying at Goring Heath RF. Following Badminton I plan to do a Novice with Albert (we did complete three last summer) and qualify to do a 1*.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
I am most definitely a regular at Tweseldown and have been since the late 1980’s!! Both competing and teaching including a number of Pony Club camps. I live locally and over the years have competed up to BE Intermediate at Tweseldown and have a vague memory of doing a 3 day event there including roads & tracks and going round the point to point course for the steeplechase (1990’s). Tweseldown is a home event and always a jolly social occasion.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
My goodness this is a hard question to ask someone of my age! I can think of all the big names of the sport I’ve watched over the years and thought wow and I love being taught so have always attended clinics and training with a number of top coaches and competitors who always inspire and influence.
Truly the one biggest influence must have originally been my Father – I grew up in a non horsey family but he never questioned my love of horses and riding. He would sit and wait whilst I from a young age had my riding school lessons. Converted garden sheds into stables for my own ponies at home. Travelled countless miles towing a trailer when I started Pony Club and Eventing and of course as we lived on the Wilts/Glos border every year was a birthday outing to Badminton Horse Trials.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
It has to be my partner Tony who puts up with the all consuming sport of Eventing by taking on the role of barista at events serving myself and friends a wide selection of coffee, cocktails and snacks from our lorry. Even having a pop up gazebo for a cocktail bar at stay away events! I think it’s a case of “if you can’t beat them join them”!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
How much it would cost??!! But I’ve never regretted it. I don’t think there is anything because it’s been a part of my life since I had my first pony aged 10 and all I’ve wanted to do.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Riding a very enthusiastic mare who adored XC and on one occasion at Ashurst Novice Horse Trials (doesn’t exist any more) couldn’t wait for the starter to count us down to begin and from a standstill jumped out over the back rail of the start box from a standstill!!!
Which is your favourite event & why?
Blenheim to spectate and shop. From the old days Stowell Park and Tidworth. To ride now, any with a good galloping XC course Gatcombe, Ascott Under Wychwood, Hambledon or Larkhill on a sunny day – I can’t choose one!!
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Well most of the time at Horse Trials it’s sadly good old eventing chips with lots of salt (I always crave after competing) vinegar & mayo accompanied by a G&T from Tony’s on board lorry cocktail bar.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
We only have a radio in the lorry so sing along to everything!! This is scary because I can’t sing!!
What are your aims for 2018 for this horse?
My aims this year with this horse is to move up to 3* level, with Belton as my first CIC3* I am aiming to do Bramham CIC3* in June.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
I have been to Oasby a few times before, the BEDE team always put their all in to make it run smoothly and try and get as many people around the course as possible. Not only this but the XC course is a good starting course for the season as it’s not too difficult but has a few questions to ask.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
I’d have to say my parents really, mainly my dad as he competed at top level and also won Bramham a couple of times. Without him I would never have got into horses and wouldn’t be where I am now. Their dedication to trucking me up and down the country all summer does not go unnoticed.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
I’d probably say that the unsung hero of my team is my groom Claudia, without her there is no way I could keep my horses fit to go out competing every weekend as I’m at University and can only ride twice a week. She does all the fitness work with them and makes sure they are in top condition.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
I wish I’d just known about eventing earlier. I used to do a lot of working hunters when I was younger and I had a good group of friends so didn’t want to leave, but since starting eventing I’ve been hooked ever since and everyone really is in one big family.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Luckily I haven’t really had many blooper experiences however, there was one time at Belsay that I went down the centre line and just stopped because I couldn’t remember which way to turn!
Which is your favourite event & why?
I have to admit I do have a soft spot for Barbury. It’s such a good viewing course and I have many good memories there. Of course I can’t forget that the parties can also be fun too!
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Metaphorically my ‘Chicken Dinner’ would be winning the final trial in 2016 at Cholmondeley following up with being in the top 5 at Blair CCI**. Physically I like to go celebrate with friends or just have a long bath and some nice food.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
En route to all the events we always listen to some Ed Sheeran although my parents also have their request of David Gray.
What are your aims for 2018 for this horse?
This year with Ted (Quite Something) I’m aiming for the CCI2*YR at Houghton and then at the end of the season the 7 year old Championship at Osberton.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
Oasby is a fairly local event for me, so I’m quite a regular. The ground is good there, especially at this time of year.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
Caroline Moore has had a huge influence on my eventing. She taught my pony club so that’s how I first met her when I was 11. Caroline got me hooked on eventing and I still train with her now!
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Mum comes to all the events with me, she drives the lorry, helps get the horses ready, does practice fences and is always there when I need her! I couldn’t do it without her!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
That eventers are probably the friendliest breed of horse people! Everyone wants you to do well and most will do what they can to help you! If I’d known this I would have started sooner!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Having the dressage judge get out the car to tell me which is left and which is right!
Which is your favourite event & why?
Belton is my favourite event as it has a great atmosphere and the courses are always well built and educational, it has a real sense of occasion.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
It has to be pizza! I’m a bit of an addict!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
So many to choose from! But probably a Little Mix song!
What are your aims for 2018 for this horse?
She will step up to Intermediate in the next few weeks. The main aim is Le Lion Young Horse Championships.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
I first competed at Tweseldown as a Junior in the JRN championships many moons ago! We gave it a miss for at least 10yrs, I found it hard to navigate my way through the bracken around the XC!! I was persuaded to venture back and couldn’t believe the improvements the team have made. Tweseldown is now definitely on my event calendar list!!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
Ginny Leng as a child, and now of course we all want to be like Michael Jung.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Of course my team at home. I couldn’t do it without them!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
Once you start it takes over your life and of course how expensive it is!!!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Falling off at the first fence XC, when in the lead.
Which is your favourite event & why?
Burghley, I love the setting and everyone is so helpful.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Of course a good steak and stilton sauce, and a glass of white wine.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Any old WHAM song.
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I took the ride last minute from the horses owner Tim Rea, he had a bad back and couldn’t ride. I only knew for sure on the Saturday morning when Tim messaged at 7.30am.
I told my team that this win was theirs! After the horrid winter we have had the staff need a real boost as without them none of this would be possible. So it’s not my win it’s ours!
What are your aims for 2018 for this horse?
As the horse is not mine I doubt I will ride him again competitively this season, the aim is for Tim to do some more BE80s and then maybe some BE90s. I hope this has now inspired him to do more.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
Poplar feels like my second home! I have been competing there since I was about 10yrs old! It is my local event, it always has good going. I can almost walk the course via shoe string as I know the venue that well!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
Many people have influenced me over the years and I have had the privilege of working for some of the great ones. I was working pupil for William Fox-Pitt, and previous to that the showing guru Davina Whiteman and the late Lionel Ensten. I was head girl to the brilliant lady Trainer Libby Heath where I had my first point to point rides. I also worked for the German event rider Philip Bandilla to name but a few, each and every one has shaped me as the horsewoman I am now. My recent success has to go to my trainer Anna Wilks BHSI and BE accredited coach, her tireless desire to continue to make me improve can’t go without a mention. She also helps with the training of Tim’s horse as he is a full livery with us.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Well that has to be my husband, often people wonder if he is a figment of my imagination as I am always out and about, but we have been married for 21 years in June and without him nothing would be possible. He is definitely the hero behind it all, through the highs and the lows! The rock I can’t do without!!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
I wish I had known how hard it was to earn money in the industry and how expensive eventing is. I don’t think people realise quite how many sacrifices event riders make to afford to event.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
I can’t think of any real bloopers but I had an owner who let me event a horse they had who was unnamed when they brought him. They decided to call him The Game so for several seasons I was on the game! It caused the odd chuckle with the commentators.
Which is your favourite event & why?
That’s a difficult one, probably Aldon as I love it’s old fashioned laid back end of season feel especially the CCI and the 100 3DE, second would have to be Houghton Hall, I love the mix of eventing and show jumping, unaffiliated and affiliated all along side each other, and it is an amazing house, and the drinks party is the closest I will get to Badminton pre event drinks!
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
My friend the lorry driver for Poplar and I had supper out on Tuesday night at a local restaurant, my regular tipple is a nice cold glass of pinot grigio. For really special wins then a good chablis and for every day celebrations especially in the summer I never turn down a glass of prosecco!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
I can’t sing and you don’t want to hear me when I do! the lorry is too noisy to hear the radio or cd player so karaoke is restricted to private parties only!