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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.
© Action Replay Photography
What is your aim for this horse in 2018?
We had only owned Dee (Miss Demeanour IV) for 3 weeks and this was only our second BE event together. We are at Aske this weekend in the BE90, but then I plan to move her up to BE100 and hopefully, aim for Novice by the end of the season.
Is this the first time at this event?
This was my third visit to Alnwick Ford and I’ve competed seven horses/ponies there since their first Horse Trial last year ranging from the BE90 to Novice. The courses are always well built, the going superb and the team helpful and friendly. I plan to go back to the International event there later in the season and hope to compete two of my ponies in the 1*.
© Action Replay Photography
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
The person who has influenced me the most so far in my eventing career is Sara Bowe, who currently helps me in all 3 phases. She is a young eventer who competes at 3 * and we just seem to click. She is encouraging yet firm, and luckily likes all of my horses and ponies!! I always finish a session with her, feeling that I have learnt something and I come away feeling really positive but know what I need to work on.
Who is the unsung hero on your team?
My Mum and Dad are my unsung heroes as they help and support me in everything to do with the horses, from my dad getting up at 5:00 to feed and skip out before he goes to work, to my mum being the ‘manager’ and organiser of everything to do with the ponies. I must also mention Helen Roddy is an ex- 4*event groom who gives me great advice and is brilliant at pampering our ponies, making them look fantastic. Finally, my dear friend and mentor Bina Ford lives in Somerset, but is always there at the end of the phone to talk me through courses and suggest changes in equipment/management etc
What is the thing you wish you’d known before starting eventing?
How difficult it is to get everything right in all three phases on the day!! But that’s also what I love about eventing so much – the challenge and the feeling of achievement when things go right!
Describe the funniest ‘blooper’ you’ve experienced eventing
There are two – the first was at Skipton, whilst in the dressage arena on William – a herd of cows broke through the fence next to the arena and came wandering towards us and the judges car! I remember my dad trying to herd them back! William was not impressed! The other was at Frickley – also with William – where he was being particularly naughty and carried out most of his test in canter. At the end, when I managed to halt – the judge got out of her car and was so kind, saying not to worry – it was obviously a day when William wanted to be on the XC course and to enjoy the rest of the competition! I was mortified on the day – but can see how funny it was when I look back!
What is your favourite event and Why?
I think it has to be Frickley – I love the bold courses, the range of fences, the massive hedges and the organisation is great too.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Chicken Korma and sparkling apple juice!! Followed by Lindt chocolates – heaven!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
We have Spotify in the lorry – so play loads of different types of music – but my favourite at the moment (and guilty pleasure) is ‘Never Enough’ from the Greatest Showman – my mum and I , have a competition to see who can sing the loudest (and most out of tune) – much to my dad’s horror!
What are your aims for 2018 for this horse?
British riding club eventing area qualifier in July, I’m hoping to qualify for the championships as they’re a long format 3 day event with an amazing atmosphere, BE Regional final in August and the Yorkshire Challenge at Frickley in September as it’s a championship format.
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 competed at Skipton 4 times. Its local to where my horse is stabled and only takes me 10 mins to get there. It’s a lovely old fashioned event with lots of hedges and a really friendly atmosphere. It’s the only event his owner comes to watch so there’s quite a lot of pressure to perform well.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
I think my friends Gwen Mitchell and Jane Mitchell (both equestrian coaches) who accompany me to events keep me calm with sensible, sound advice they both occasionally give me a shake and tell me to get a grip but they know me so well we work as a great team.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
This has to be our yard manager, Karen Rushton Wright. She helps to keep Dodger fit and oversees his general health and wellbeing, however there are others without whom I couldn’t manage. Jane Mitchell, travelling groom and of course his owner Mrs Nora Halstead.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
I think I didn’t realise how all consuming eventing is. I spend my life juggling horses, husband (who is very understanding and supportive) and a full time job. Eventing leaves very little time for socialising but I wouldn’t change it for anything, I love it.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
It would have to be accidentally kissing the sponsor in a presentation. It should have been a peck on the cheek but we both missed and it ended up with a full on kiss on the lips, I’m blushing thinking about it but every one else thought it was hilarious.
Which is your favourite event & why?
I love Warwick Hall near Carlisle in Cumbria. It’s a great event with lots of galloping between the fences set in beautiful parkland.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
I do like a roast chicken dinner with lots of roast potatoes and all the trimmings washed down with a yummy fruit cider.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
I like to sing along to loads of different things but Katy Perry’s Roar always sets the tone of the day. If I tell myself that I’m a champion maybe it will come true.
What are your aims for 2018 for this horse?
He will have another Novice run before Burgham International next month where we will run him in the CCI*. He will then have a couple of Intermediate runs to finish the season. Bob Charlton who ran Hexham Horse Trials for many years bred this horse. He is a 5th generation homebred and Bob and Sarah are very supportive owners.
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 run at Alnwick Ford several times. It is very local to us and I enjoy the challenge of the SJ courses built by Di Boddy as well as the bold galloping XC tracks created by Blyth Tait and David Evans. Both phases encourage forward riding which suits my horses as I am also a Joint Master of the Morpeth Foxhounds and spend my winters Field Mastering.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
Chris McGrann has been a big help. He is based in Yorkshire but I try to see him on a monthly basis.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
This has to be my wife Sharon. She is really organised (unlike me) and ensures it all comes together on the day. I couldn’t do it without her and I can concentrate on the horses knowing she has everything else covered.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
Just how addictive it is – I would never have given it a go if I had thought for one moment that I would still be hooked at my age!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
I arrived at an event and discovered I had forgotten my breeches. A very kind friend offered to lend me some, as SHE had finished riding for the day. I managed to squeeze into her breeches which were by now stretched to the point of being see through and left absolutely nothing to the imagination! It caused much hilarity and even got a mention from the XC commentator! I now keep several spare pairs in the wagon.
Which is your favourite event & why?
I like different events for different horses but generally I enjoy bold galloping courses which develop confidence.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
A juicy rare sirloin steak with chips and salad leaves. It will usually have to be paired with a good Sauvignon Blanc but having won this section we will crack open the fizz!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
My daughters, Harriet and Charlotte usually sing (murder!) Beyonce songs in the wagon. I can only describe their efforts as enthusiastic but truly AWFUL!!
I started out as a professional national hunt jockey and then started to produce young sports horses mainly for the young horse classes (BYEH) and have gained a few owners on the way which has meant I’ve been able to take young horses up the levels…I’d still class myself as an amateur rider!
We took four horses to keysoe, all in the ribbons! Great event and a new ride to me which has come to be sold called Ricky Roller won the BE100open. I hope to step him up to Novice next time, he’s got plenty of experience so this is a real fun little horse! Penhills Snap Dragon finished 5th in the Novice which was a practice for Barbury!
What are your aims for 2018 for this horse?
Sadly I guess my main aim is to sell him for the owner but we’ll plan to step up to Novice next time and who knows he might do a 1* before he is sold! My main horse this year Penhills Snap Dragon who will go to Barbury Novice and Hartpury 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?
Keysoe hold young horses classes so we always make the trip worth while to go! We love it there and we now even get to do dressage on a surface, a real treat!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
Owners and trainers have to be the ones to thank! It’s been quite a change to my riding going from national hunt to eventing! I’m very lucky to have such supportive owners and understanding trainers!
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
My partner Jo – keeps me focused and books plenty of lessons, clinics and all the events!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
There’s more than one dressage test to learn!!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Going too fast! Luckily not had many (to date) but I did manage to fall off onto my feet between fences 1 and 2 at Calmsden, but I did finish in the time and get placed!
Which is your favourite event & why?
Rockingham International, it is a very well run event, great viewing for owners and a galloping xc!
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Roast chicken (!) and red wine (not politically correct but needs must!)… actually normally cereal as back too late!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Since the age of thirty I listen to Radio 2….. all the passengers sleep, so not sure they’d appreciate my bad singing early in the morning!
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Part 8 2018 
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