Edward Young

The leading showman on the hobby that keeps him sane, his dislike for gadgets and life as a young producer in the golden age of equestrian sport

- Alex Robinson

MY mother always told me that hands were made before gadgets, so in training I keep things simple. Gadgets and the like are just short cuts and don’t work in the long run. There is no substitute for hard work and patience. The other day I needed a pair of draw-reins and it took me an hour to find them, as I hadn’t used them in so long.

I’ve been lucky enough to have spent time with some incredible horse people over the years. One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was from the late Davina Whiteman, who told me off for not delegating enough.

I would try to do everything myself but this means you miss things. I now have the best staff and I’m rapidly becoming the least valuable member of the team; thankfully, I do the hiring and firing so my job is safe, for now.