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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.
© Ultimate Images
© Stewart-Hilliar
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
Step up to novice.
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 come to Richmond every year it’s a great event , they make such an effort and the tracks are always very educational.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
Caroline Powell and Ian Stark.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
My mum and my head girl Nicola , they keep everything running smoothly and I would be lost without them.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
It’s very difficult to make money!!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Forgetting the saddles, the first time I was trusted to pack the lorry, and my poor dad had to drive all the way to the event with them.
Which is your favourite event & why?
Blair, very good parties and beautiful scenery.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Always make a stop at McDonalds if we have had a good day! Unfortunately I can only have a coke as I’m the only one who can drive the lorry.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Radio 1
Growing up with a horsey mum, horses have always been a part of my life (whether I liked it or not). That being said I always enjoyed my hunting, so when I bought George (Conclusive) he was to be my next hunter however after watching friends having fun eventing we decided to give it ago.
Today’s win was amazing as it was my first win at British Eventing, I felt we did a great test and I was really pleased with him, there’s still a couple of things to work on but we are getting there. We were last to go showjumping so had a long wait walking round the warm up but the moment we entered the ring George showed his class and popped a lovely clear. Finally the xc we romped round, George really comes into his own here and gives you a lovely feel. The only wobble we did have was to fence 9, a simple roll top apart from it had a wooden horse head and tail, clearly George thought it was going to eat him but still popped it fine.
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
The season is coming to an end fairly quickly but I’m hoping to get another 3 runs in this season and hopefully step up a level.
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?
Richmond is my local event and always a wonderful horse trials. The team at Richmond are extremely friendly and helpful – I would recommend anyone who hasn’t been to visit Richmond Horse Trials.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
The biggest influence has to be James Adams for not only training me but also pointing me in the right direction with anything eventing related. He definitely has taught me how to event.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
There would definitely be 2 unsung heroes Rosalind who is great at giving me a hand training at home and generally just being the voice of reason and Sally who is top groom at the events.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
How time consuming the preparation is.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Cruising around the XC at Skipton Horse Trials without a care in the world, I knew I was inside the time and on the home run, until I realized I had somehow ended up on the wrong side of the white tape this then lead to a few extremely scared looking spectators and a quick U turn to get us back on course.
Which is your favourite event & why?
Well now its Richmond of course.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Chilli nachos washed down with a Jack Daniels and coke.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
We love the ‘Now that’s what I call power ballads’ album in the lorry and can normally be found singing/screaming along to that.
© Ultimate Images
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
My aims for the 2017 season are to qualify for Badminton Grassroots and then make the step up to BE100 level.
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?
It was our first time at Goring and yes we will definitely be back, both me & Buddy really enjoyed it. Everyone was really friendly (particularly the cross country starter who reminded me that I wouldn’t make it around the course if I forgot to breathe). The cross country was lovely and inviting, and really allowed you to kick on between fences.
© Ultimate Images
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
I can’t name just one! Jill Barker & Emily Baldwin at Mayfield School were incredibly supportive while I was there and helped me to kick start my eventing.
I had a loan horse for a while at Matt Selby’s yard in Headcorn, his no nonsense lessons were some of the best lessons I have ever had, I still try to get over to his yard occasionally for a lesson when I can.
I am currently based at Brook and Kathy Staple’s yard in Lingfield, they have helped me so much with Buddy, who absolutely loves it there. Lessons with them are extremely helpful as they both have a great eye for detail. Their lessons are always geared towards what we most need help with and I have seen a huge improvement in Buddy since we have been based there. Brook and Kathy have also taken me to a couple of events (including Goring) and I always find I am more focused when they are around.
Last but not least, Brook and Kathy’s 3 year old daughter, Olivia, who sprinkles Buddy’s hooves with “magic fairy dust”, I’m sure that’s what helped us win at Goring!
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Definitely my non-horsey Mum! She has always supported and encouraged me and has had to learn to drive a horsebox, lunge, clip, plait and clean stud holes. I do all my own grooming now but she still has to drive the horsebox!
© Spidge Photography
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
How early I would have to set my alarm clock, I always seem to get early times. Luckily I’m an early riser so it could be worse.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Definitely missing out fence number 8 on the cross country at Pulborough in one of my first Pony Club events. I ended up going through the water 3 times instead of twice; I’m still not sure how I managed it and the fence judges looked as confused as I was! It is a mistake I will definitely never make again!
Which is your favourite event & why?
It’s my first full season at British Eventing due to horse injury last year so I haven’t been able to attend as many events as I would have hoped. To date Rackham is my favourite because the dressage and showjumping arenas are lovely and flat which is always helpful. Buddy and I came home with a top placing there, gaining us our first regional qualification.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
I celebrated my win with an Indian takeaway washed down with water.
© Spidge Photography
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Chasing highs by Alma is undeniably my favourite at the moment!
© Stewart-Hilliar
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
He’s only 6 yrs old so taking my time with him, it would be easy to rush him as he’s so brave! Aiming to finish at Osberton CCI1* and then give him a well deserved holiday!
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?
First time in a few years, it’s a long way for us but it’s such a brilliant event, confidence giving, educational and a very friendly team running it! Will definitely be back!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
My parents for sitting me on a horse as a baby and giving me the horsey bug! My dad competed at Blenheim, so as children we came to all his events. But in particular my mum, Gill, who passed away a couple of years ago, we were such a team together and she was such a huge support. She would have been very excited about this win!
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Alice Maundrell my amazing head girl! She manages the yard fantastically and is an incredible support to me. I couldn’t do it without her and this season’s success is all down to her.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
The tough days are tough! But the good days make it all worth it, and you just have to pick yourself up and keep going when things don’t go to plan!
Carryon Bobby Boy © Stewart-Hilliar
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing?
Missing the start flags in the showjumping at Millstreet 3* a couple of years ago! I was so nervous as I was on a tricky chestnut mare and it was one of my first 3*s…. for some reason I chose a bizarre route to the first fence missing the start timers ! I will never live it down! That was a long drive home! It wasn’t funny at the time though!
Which is your favourite event & why?
Barbury Castle being our local and amazing event!
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Green Thai chicken curry with a glass of white wine!
What are your aims for 2018 for this horse?
Well, as I said, he is not one of my horses as such. I reckon Jodie will do a 1* with him next spring and aim for the 6yo Championships at Osberton and then who knows, if he qualifies why not Le Lion D’Angers 6yo World 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?
It’s only my second year here in England, as obviously I’m French. I competed at Wellington last year, and I have to say, I really like this event. Last year, I won a BE100 class on Andrea Brereton’s Waterline, my first win in the UK so to win another class this year definitely makes it a lucky event for me and a must on the eventing calendar!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
I can’t chose between the two really so I’m gonna have to give two names. A couple of years ago when I was in France and much younger, I had a trainer called Abel Sauvat. He really taught me how to deal with young horses, and that the most important this isn’t to win but to produce them correctly and to understand your horse. He gave me a philosophy and changed my whole perception of horses, one that I now use on a daily basis. I learnt a huge amount from him.
And of course Jodie Amos, because she trusted me when I first came onto her yard. I was only 18 when I became her rider and I have learnt a lot from her experience. I had only just started riding at Novice level and two years later I have just completed my first advanced with my own horse, Vasco D’Isle. So it must be a good combination!
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
There again, we’ve got two heroes. Firstly I have to say Becca Ross, she’s our headgirl and competition groom and is very important to say the least! It’s great to have her opinion on the horses, she has a serious attention to detail and turns them out beautifully.
Also, working with us is Manon Job, who is my best friend from France since we were kids. She’s the one who patiently listens to what I have to say … especially when I’m stressed at the bigger competitions. I can’t live without her I suppose, that’s what she would say!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
Enjoy the good bits as horses keep your feet firmly on the ground!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
One day, I literally forgot all my competition clothes, so I had to borrow everything from Jodie. It actually suited rather well!
Which is your favourite event & why?
Apart from Burghley, Badminton, or Blenheim that I haven’t competed at, so I can’t say… I would say “Le Haras du Pin” in France. A lovely place with a great atmosphere!
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
A Chinese takeaway, my favourite, with Prosecco!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
For that, we would have to ask our supergroom Becca… She’s the queen who wakes you up at 4am with her crazy songs. In fact, it sounds more like a nightclub than a lorry in there!!
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Eventers take on the rugby players…and lose 
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