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.
Eventing is a serious hobby for me, I have 3 lovely horses and compete my best one Internationally at 2* level alongside running my beauty business! (I would love to ride full time!)
What are your aims for 2018 for this horse?
Inna Ninja has two more runs this season, and will finish at Horseheath in a 100 class. He will have a short break over the winter months, and next season we will aim for Novice runs mid season and hopefully a 1* to finish!
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?
Luckily for us Little Downham is one of our locals, Tina does such a fantastic job, every event they run is different. They are creative with what they do and in my experience they are testing but educational courses at the same time.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
My biggest influence in my eventing career to date would have to be Francis Whittington, I’ve been lucky enough to train with Francis since I was 14. The Whittington’s are like a second family!
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Obviously I have to give credit to my very supportive parents for everything they do. But Lauren Campbell, our groom is a star, she keeps everything running smoothly at the yard, and is amazing with the horses.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
Hmmm… Be a show jumper! Haha. No honestly I think it’s about having realistic expectations, and as long as you’re improving in some way you’re heading in the right direction. And the importance of the day to day conditioning work for the horses, it gives them the best foundations for the future.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Does 7 bloopers count? It was a long time ago now, but the first season I wore my Point Two air jacket, I managed to set it off on 7 separate occasions by dismounting at the end of my XC and forgetting to unclip!!! Needless to say it was an expensive and embarrassing lesson, especially when I’d be walking through the lorry park being asked if I was ok and where I’d fallen! Awkward.
Which is your favourite event & why?
I love competing abroad, it’s like a little holiday for me. But in England I would say that I have a soft spot for Houghton International, it’s special for lots of reasons.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
My favourite is Thai, and I’d wash it down with a couple of cocktails and some bubbles if we’re celebrating. Greedy!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Pretty much any chart song, Lauren and I like to think we could give Beyoncé a run for her money…
What are your aims for 2018 for this horse?
My aim for Joey this season was to get a regional final qualification to get us one step closer to our Badminton grassroots dream. I also have been aiming for our dressage scores to be in the sub 30’s.
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?
We have been to Dauntsey Park a few times in the past. In all honesty they haven’t been the best outings for us, with an embarrassing dressage test on our last visit, where joey decided that rearing up was a new movement!!
I do like the event a lot as it gives such a good day. The whole event is well organised and presented. The show jumping gives added tension and atmosphere due to its location and the cross country is always big and bold which suits us.
We will definitely be returning.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
Gosh that’s a hard one to answer. I have many people who have been a huge help and influence to me and Joey.
I have to be most thankful and grateful though to my instructors Shelly Moores and Sharon Quant who have both believed in us as a partnership, seen potential and worked us hard.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
That one has to be my Mum. She comes to every event with us and is our top groom. She always has the right words to say when I’m nervous, is encouraging and just having her there gives me the boost to do our best and make her proud.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
Lost of very early mornings is an absolute killer… also it’s very addictive!!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
I haven’t really got a specific blooper!! But after watching videos back of us competing I didn’t quite realise how loudly I talk to Joey, especially out on cross country! Even the fence judges have radio’d to control some of the words of encouragement and love I have for him when he helps me out and is being a superstar!! I really need to find a quieter volume button!!!
Which is your favourite event & why?
This has to be Badminton – my dream is one day to be galloping round the Mitsubishi Motors cup course with my boy.
For events we have completed I think it would have to be either Dauntsey (where we achieved our pb in dressage and had our win) or Wellington. This one is our most local event and it is so well organised and beautifully presented. And wow what a cross country course it has.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Definitely a classic roast, with all its trimmings. Washed down with a glass of rosè.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
At the moment we have been enjoying Ed Sheeran’s album!
I’m an amateur but ride for Juliet Mason whilst being a freelance event groom and training to be a equine massage therapist. I was actually meant to be riding Zivas full brother but due to a small injury Ziva was brought off a short break from competing. I jumped her on Wednesday and she felt good so decided to bring her instead.
What are your aims for 2018/2019 for this horse?
The plan for next season is to qualify for the Novice Restricted Champs at Gatcombe after making the step up to Novice earlier this season. We would also like to aim for a 1* especially as she will find the dressage a lot easier in a large arena as she is 18hands.
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?
Yes this is my first time at Dauntsey and I will definitely be returning next season. It was so well run and had an educational xc course with plenty of questions.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
I would say Zanie King, I spent a season working as Laura Colletts travelling groom and Zanie guided me within this role showing me the standards that are expected and how they are achieved.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
I would definitely say Juliet Mason, the owner. She has bred both the Burlyns horses I ride and does all the day to day care and ferrying me around to training and events. I was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time to start riding for her and even when things haven’t gone to plan she has stuck by me and trusted me with her horses.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
I wish I’d known not to take the low times to heart and put too much pressure on yourself. Eventing is a very tough sport and it is not always going to go to plan so when it doesn’t it’s important to be able to keep picking yourself up with a smile on your face. Just as important is to make the most of the times it does go well.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Back on the horse I did junior trials on I once managed to learn the wrong dressage test. However I didn’t realise this until it was my time to go in so I had to ask the judge for a sheet to read very quickly and then do my test straight away. I liked the fact that the sheet said well remembered at the bottom and I actually went on to win. I definitely learnt a lesson that day not just to learn the right test but to never give up when things aren’t going right.
Which is your favourite event & why?
It will always be Osberton, although I haven’t been for a good few years it is where I went to Pony Club Camp from the age of 4 until I finished off teaching there aged 20. Therefore it always feels like I’m going home every time I go there and its a good opportunity to catch up with old friends.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
I’m a keen cook and after a busy day nothing beats a homemade tagliatelle with a lamb and red wine sauce. This would all be washed down with a rhubarb and ginger gin and tonic.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
There isn’t much music in the lorry as it is a rare opportunity to have time for a natter although if I’m on my own there it will often be an old now album playing to have a good sing along to some old classics.
What are your aims for 2019 for this horse?
Coddstown Pet is aiming for Advanced and 3* in 2019 and 2* for Crystal which seems completely unreal considering my dream was to compete them at the Mitsubishi Motors Cup only last year, I honestly have to pinch myself to realise this is actually real.
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?
Pontispool is actually one of my local events (albeit it’s over a two hour drive to get there) but it’s a great event. The dressage arenas are lovely and flat, the Show Jumping is on a surface and the Cross Country Course never disappoints with up to height & challenging tracks. The team at Pontispool always work extremely hard to provide us with the best conditions and they’re such a friendly bunch. It’s always a must event in my calendar.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
In all honesty it’s my mum, without her constant help and support I know that this wouldn’t be possible, she puts up with a lot, but she keeps me grounded and driven. At events, I always try to make some time to watch the professional riders and watch how they walk courses/distances, engage with their horses etc. Everyday can be a school day.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Penny Brickell, she has supported me a lot this season and she kindly looks after Harriet whilst I’m riding which is a huge weight off my shoulders, so I can concentrate on the tasks in hand, she also makes a great cup of coffee for someone who doesn’t drink it.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
That I should’ve started sooner and working harder at school and becoming a vet would have been extremely handy.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Well this isn’t funny but jumping the wrong cross country fence at Wilton really wasn’t a clever idea when I was on route for my first Intermediate double clear.
Which is your favourite event & why?
That’s a tough one as there’s so many fantastic events. I think I would have to say Bicton Arena, it has fantastic facilities and Helen West & her team always work hard to produce a great event and entertainment, her Cross Country Courses are always up to height and technical.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Steak & Chips with a large glass Gin & Tonic, just the best.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
It’s not my favourite but we currently sing a lot of “Baby Shark” including the actions to keep Harriet amused.
What are your aims for 2018/2019 for this horse?
My aim with Swatch next year is to compete at Frickley CCI*J U18 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 have competed at Little Downham quite a few times as it is local, and I train there quite often. Tina Ure always manages to build interesting courses, and everything always runs smoothly.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
The Eastern Region coaches Tina Ure and Sharon Hunt.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Definitely my parents who make it all happen.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
How hard it is to actually win!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Falling out the lorry before Little Downham on Sunday when I forgot to put the steps down, then falling off Swatch in the xc warm up!
Which is your favourite event & why?
Probably Keysoe because I did my first BE100, first Novice and had my first ever BE win there.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
I love a chicken curry made by my mum.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Sadly, our radio doesn’t work in our 30-year-old lorry!!
I used to event professionally, but a rotational fall that I was lucky to survive left me with life-changing injuries. Although I now only ride as an amateur, it remains my raison d’être. At Bishop Burton “Ava” felt easier to ride and more focused and I could really feel how much he has progressed in the two years that I have been riding him.
A win is always a great feeling, whatever the level! For me, the reason for competing has always been a test of the training.
What are your aims for 2018/2019 for this horse?
To continue to train and to test the training at competitions. I want to keep this horse – and to keep him sound, so I won’t rush him in any way. Because he’s a big-jumping horse, if he has a green moment, he just goes higher and so he has to learn over smaller courses otherwise his legs will suffer and he will lose the confidence that has taken so long to build. Also, the ground has to be good or I won’t risk running him, so we’ve only had 3 outings this year – but they were a second and two firsts!
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 coming to Bishop Burton since they first started holding events here, so I know it rather well! I have watched the college and facilities grow into the impressive set-up that it has become. The event is always well-run and friendly. The footing in the show jumping arena is excellent and the undulations on the cross country make it a great educational opportunity for the horses at each stage of their careers.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
The Bartle family. I have been training there for nearly 40 years and also worked as an instructor there for a few years.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
These days, our “team” is just me and husband David, who has always ridden as an amateur and he has had success up to 2 star level. We help each other at events, which is easier if we have horses competing at the same level, which we do at the moment.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
How to keep horses sound. I’m a lot wiser now, but back then ignorance was bliss!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Too many to mention! My non-horsey parents often used to come to Blair Castle, their local event, if I was competing there. They always famously used to miss the action! One year, they stood at the top of the hill, waiting for me to come over the famous old drop fence, but I was doing the 1* that year, which didn’t include that loop….
Another year, I was in a good position in the 2*, so they decided to come back the following day to watch the showjumping. Afterwards, they complained that they hadn’t seen my round despite standing at the arena side all afternoon – it turned out they had been at the BS ring, not the main arena…
Which is your favourite event & why?
Definitely Blair Castle! I’m from Perthshire, so it feels like home although I have lived away from Scotland most of my adult life. It has a great traditional feel and is in a beautiful setting in the hills.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
A home-made curry with fresh ingredients and a bottle of Catena Alta Chardonnay – delicious!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
David’s a Radio 4 man, so it’s most likely to be the Archers theme tune…