Angie's Profile
Angie Thompson is 29 years old and was the first woman in 25 years to have won a Puissance competition. She and her mare, Oksana W cleared 2.08m (6ft10in) at the Hartpury Show Jumping Extravaganza in December 2007 to win the competition which was sponsored by Dengie.
Angie has 20 horses at home in Gloucestershire and competes 10 of them in a full range of show jumping classes. Angie picks up the story;
"I have always fed my horses on Dengie's Alfa-A and lately the Alfa-A Oil so it's great to be supported by Dengie. Many of my horses are young stock. In fact, the vast majority I have had since a foal or from a very early age. I break my own horses in and train them all. None of my horses are "ready made". My day starts at 7.30am when I go out to the yard to feed. I believe it is really important to ensure your horses have a good routine and structure to their day, with a proper feeding and training program.
Like any top rider, I had to start somewhere. I started riding when I was 8 years old at my local riding stables. I used to love jumping and that's where my passion for show jumping began. My parents recognised my talent and I am grateful for their unstinting support, which my mother has single handedly carried through after my father died eleven years ago.
As a pony rider, I started competing at unaffiliated shows. I then progressed to affiliated jumping, and with two great little 13.2hh ponies whose talent had been untapped, I was delighted to qualify for the Horse of The Year Show (HOYS). I then moved on to 14.2hh ponies where I competed internationally in the Pony Nations Cup team and in the Home Pony International Team.
At the age of 15, I moved on to horses with Classic Queen, a beautiful German mare which I produced through the ranks to Grade A. My riding has since gone from strength to strength. I have competed at Olympia, Hickstead, HOYS and on the continent.
Since I left school after doing my A-levels I have been a full time show jumper. I have had a number of trainers over the years, including James Fisher and Tim Stockdale and I spent some time in Holland at Emile Hendrix' yard. Like any sport, you have to be completely committed. Horses are 24/7. The real skill in the job is to understand each horse and being able to recognise and tap into their individual talent.
My most successful horse has been Oksana W. We brought her as a foal from Holland. She is now 12 years old and is a Grade A horse. We have competed at the HOYS, the Queen Elizabeth Gold Cup at Hickstead and had many other successes jumping International Trials and Grand Prix classes. She is a great horse and I love her to bits!
This year, we will continue to compete on the country show circuit in the Area Trials and Grand Prix classes. I have also qualified for Hickstead and hope to compete on the continent. We may even do some more Puissance classes!"
Angie's top horses are;
Oksana W (Zana). Zana is a Grade A, 12 year old 16.2hh Dutch bred bay mare by Aldato. She has BSJA winnings of over £20,000, with many wins in Grand Prix and Area Trial classes. Zana loves the big county show rings, so I tend not to jump her indoors. She always has a few months holiday in the winter to keep her fresh for the following outdoor season.
Whisper Magic (Whisper). Whisper is a Grade B, 9 year old 16hh British bred chestnut mare out of Magic Darco by It's The Business. I brought Whisper as a 3 year old in foal to Russell. The foal is now 5 years old and I am competing him. Whisper jumps the 1.40m classes at the county shows. She is very strong but has an incredibly athletic jump.
Ulrich VI (Ria). Ria is currently Grade C and a 7 year old 16.1hh Dutch bred mare by Korriander. I have qualified her for the Blue Chip championships in April and the Royal International in July. She is a lovely horse with scope to burn. She jumps in 1.30m classes.
Abiem (Abbie). Abbie is a Grade C and is 8 years old. She is a 15.2hh grey mare by Clinton. She is owned by Lisa Pearson. Abbie is a great little horse and a real winner. She is currently jumping Foxhunter classes.
Dollytraum (Connie). Connie is a stunning 5 year old, 16.1hh Belgian bred mare by Polytraum. Connie is currently jumping in Discovery and Newcommer classes. She has also qualified for the Blue Chip finals in April. I think she has a bright future ahead of her.
Marfurlong Magic (Harry). Harry is the only boy in the team. He is a 5 year old 16.2hh home bred grey roan gelding by Russell out of my grade B mare Whisper Magic. He is a real character. Currently jumping in 1m and 1.10m classes. Harry needs time to mature but has a great technique and loads of scope.
Duren Van Orshof (Lilly). Lilly is a 5 year old, 16.2hh Belgian bred black mare by Flamenco Desemilly. Jumping 1m and 1.05m classes, Lilly has loads of scope and is extremely careful. She needs to be produced slowly.
Cotswold Classic (Polly). Polly is a very pretty 5 year old 15.2hh home bred grey mare out of my Grade A mare Classic Queen and by Russell. We were equal 1st in the British Bred 4 year old championships in August 2007. Polly is owned by Bill Barnett. She is a very careful jumper!
As well as the main team, I also jump other people's horses at shows, as well as having another 10 horses in the fields at home - mostly youngsters with some in foal.
