I WAS very lucky to be taught to ride by Chris Bartle. Chris was definitely my hero. He is a brilliant, analytical horseman and I really looked up to him. Horses aren’t as complicated as you think they are and so I try to keep things simple. People can get too carried away with the need to have the latest gadget or newest bit, but I’ve never been one for all that.
I always try to use the best. No matter what it is I will always try to make sure it’s the best quality I can afford, whether that’s the farrier, vet, tack or feed. It saves money in the long run. My tailcoat was made in 1929 and my current show boots were given to me as a 21st birthday present; I’m not going to say how long ago that was but I’m just grateful I haven’t put on too much weight since they were gifted.
I don’t go to that many shows during a single season. We pick and choose and like to go out when we think a horse is ready to win. My current top cob has only been to 11 shows in two seasons, and he won at 10 of them.
CAFFEINE REQUIREMENTS
This story is from the July 16, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
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This story is from the July 16, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
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