Showing the way

Some of the world’s best jockeys, eventers, showjumpers and dressage riders started their equestrian careers in the show ring. Tricia Johnson finds out why it’s the perfect foundation

- Tricia Johnson

OVER the years, the show ring has been the launchpad of many stellar careers in other disciplines. Sometimes, the “new” careers might seem far removed, but many aspects of that showing experience have proved the ideal grounding for young talent.

Top jump jockey Nico de Boinville showed ponies as a child, and his successes began with winning the SEIB Search For A Star final at Horse Of The Year Show (HOYS) in 1998 on Barkway Black Magic. His racing CV now includes three Queen Mother Champion Chase wins – two on Altior and one on Sprinter Sacre – and a Cheltenham Gold Cup victory on Coneygree; he has ridden more than 350 winners.

“Being subjected to a competitive atmosphere from a young age has most definitely helped me,” says Nico, who was trained for the show ring by Richard and Marjorie Ramsay. “Showing exposes you to dealing with pressurised environments – particularly at the bigger events such as under the lights at HOYS. You have to be able to perform under pressure as if it isn’t there, and this is essential in racing; every day I am putting into practice lessons that I learned when I was showing.”

Fellow jockey Nick Scholfield made a similar switch, beginning on the lead-rein and progressing to landing the pony supreme at HOYS in 2004 on Chiddock Over The Limit, produced by Team Thomas. Nick was also show pony champion at the Royal International (RIHS) with Posh Spice, and his racing form includes two victories at the Cheltenham Festival and four Grade One races.