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
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
