Supported Rider Q and A
This Quarter we get up close and personal with our supported dressage rider Hannah Esberger-Shepherd who is based in South Yorkshire. Don’t forget you can keep up to date with all of our supported riders on the Dengie website just click here.
Q1
How do you cope being a mum and professional rider?
It is quite hard balancing wanting to spend quality time with Molly and making sure the yard runs well as there’s the horses’ training, competing and teaching to think about as well. I wouldn’t be able to do it all without my mums help both at home and when we are away at competition. It helps that the yard is adjacent to our house and Molly comes down to the yard so I get to see her anytime there is a break.
Q2
What do you enjoy most about this time of year?
Definitely the weather getting better and just like spring, looking forward to the promise of things to come.
Q3
Do you make any changes to your horse’s feeding and exercise regime at this time of year?
I don’t make any specific changes to the horses’ rations at this time of year as they are continually monitored all year round so we make any changes as and when they are needed.
Q4
What’s your favourite Dengie product and why?
That’s a tough one as generally we like the whole idea of feeding fibre as it is keeping as close to nature as possible, but I would have to say Dengie Alfa-A Oil is my favourite feed.
Q5
Do you find that your horses are any more excitable at this time of year?
We’re really lucky as our horses don’t become more excitable. With the warmer weather and exercise that we do the horses are actually calmer and more relaxed in their work at this time of year.
Q6
What’s your next big competition and how are you preparing for it- do you get nervous?
Our next big competition is the National Winter Championships this month. I have 3 horses there and five rides so I am really looking forward to it. They’re all very good horses and we prepare with test riding so we are confident with the tests. Nervous, no, never am luckily!
Q7
What top tips would you give to any aspiring dressage riders?
Find a good trainer and mentor and work with them setting achievable goals. This helps you to gain confidence as well as giving you maximum enjoyment in the sport.
Q8
What’s your ultimate ‘horsey’ goal?
THE OLYMPICS!
Q9
Credit Crunch Compromise?
No compromise with the horses’ needs! I will compromise on my own needs such as do I really need that new jacket? You always have to be as careful with your costs as you can, so there cannot be too much change.
Q10
As well as horses you have your own signature range of clothing, how did that come about?
Sally Los of the company Los Clothing was my client. When Sally decided to launch a clothing range she approached me for my input. I thought it was a very exciting project and there was a real niche in the market for her range. Her idea of supporting riders won her a British Equine Trade Association award for innovation!
For further information about Hannah and her signature range click here to visit Hannah’s website.
