VICKY is a top show horse producer based in South Wales with her partner, international showjumper Andrew Davies, and their son Archie. She was dual champion at HOYS in 2015 with hack Whalton Forgery and cob Randalstown Musketeer.
ON competition day I like everything to run smoothly. Our work is done at home but I like to know I’ve put 110% effort in and that everything is covered for every eventuality. My long-suffering partner, Andrew, says I’m so over-organised that if something goes wrong I’m annoyed I haven’t planned for the problem.
Before I enter the show ring I try to keep calm. We can all be guilty of overriding in the moment, but this is when mistakes happen. As a rider it’s my responsibility to give the horse a good trip round, too. If you feel you’ve let the lid boil over too much, try to relax and ride through it.
I also try to remember my horse’s specific strengths and weaknesses. At the end of the day it’s showing and you’re in there to sell a package. From the minute you walk through the gate you’re on show and you don’t have a lot of time to perform; your horse must be singing in front of those judges.
Denne historien er fra October 29, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra October 29, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prÞveperiode pÄ Magzter GOLD for Ä fÄ tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg pÄ
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
âHappy hunting, everyone'
âThe season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaidâs role, Harrie Smoldersâ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but whatâs the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran OâBrien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
