The HJC Inaugural Show

The HJC Inaugural Show had many participants and many different classes, and I've been able to interview each of the riders who had placed first in a class.

Aqua Caelum | Horse - FEF Oathkeeper
1. Do you feel nervous before you go in the ring?

I get a bit nervous because the competition looks very tough, but I just keep in mind that no matter what color ribbon, I'll be happy because my horse and I did it together.


2. What does it feel like when you are waiting for the results to be in?

I always get anxious waiting for the results. I was checking everyday to see if they were posted. And when they came, I was shocked I placed that well!

Lotte Prickett | Horse - WD Royal Flush
1. Do you do anything special with your horse before a show?

Before a show, I usually give my horse a pretty good workout. He gets so excited on show day, he needs to be tired out a little before he can go into the ring. The warmup also helps me get a feel for his behavior that day. As much as I love him, he can be a brat. And theres really no place for his tricks during a show!

2. Where do you put all your ribbons?

All of my ribbons go in the tack room of the competition barn. At Willowdale, we're a team, so all of our ribbons are put together in a collection. It sort of helps unite us, because even though we won the ribbons ourselves, in the end they're won by the whole team, not just the rider.

Lidija Rotherford | Horse - AC RFE Truth Is Beauty
1. Who is your favorite horse to show, and why?

Our most successful show horse is definitely AC/RFE Truth Is Beauty, or just Belle, for short. Working with her is always very smooth. She is a fast and a willing learner and has excelled at all things we put in front of her. Many riders have described her as the sound of a violin. Graceful, soft gaits with easy directioning is every rider's dream.

2. Do you do anything special for your horse after you've won a show?

After we've won a show we give our horses a great big bath and they get a deserved day off! Our most valuable breeding and show horses are on specially designed diets so we cannot always give them apples or carrots, which is kind of sad, but it's for their own fitness.

Gem Bellow | Horse - MSE/SA Whereabouts Unknown
1. How do you get focused before a show?

Before a show I try to relax, so my horse and are aren't tense and over thinking/stressing the upcoming event. It helps prevent choppy movement and a hollow back.

2. What was the craziest thing that has ever happened while you were at a show?

The craziest thing was probably a competitors horse ended up getting anxious and broke away from their grip. The horse darted down the arena, through the open gate, down the rows of trucks and trailers, and actually returned to their trailer and waited for the owner to come back. The horse was retrieved and both rider and horse were fine.

Nathan Huffton | Horse - Eclipsed Sun
1. How did you get into riding?

I was born into a horse-loving family. My father trained graded sport horses for other stables, so I have been riding since I was old enough to walk. It just seemed natural to start a stable of my own when I grew up.

2. Does your horse behave differently at shows?

Eclipsed Sun has surprised all of us at Silver Maple with his win. He doesn't usually show much for pre-show jitters. Eclipsed Sun is usually pretty unflappable. Myself on the other hand can get one hell of an upset stomach.

Danielle Harper | PF Monet
1. How long have you been riding?

Well, I grew up around horses but I didn't start riding seriously until around five years ago, and I didn't get to show much until I got the working student position at Paragon Farm. It's been a great opportunity.

2. Would you rather have a really nice ribbon, or a really nice score? Why?

A blue is great, sure, but we go to big shows for a reason--and there's no point if it's not a challenge, is it? I'd rather get second with the best ride of my life than win every time and just be mediocre.

Melissa Masters | Horse - MT Royal Sterling
1. What does it feel like to win in your class?

The Inaugural Show pulled some amazing talents from the entire community and they all did great. Silver is relatively new to the Hunter Ring and we have been working really hard over the last year or so to get him ready and he did amazingly well, especially for his first hunter show. It was great to see all that hard work pay off in a spectacular fashion.

2. If you had to pick one thing you enjoyed about this showing experience, what would it be?

I really liked how the whole show was handled, but I think the easy to understand rules and the way the classes were done is probably my favorite thing. The large number of classes gave everyone a shot and picking what they are best at and focusing on that, instead of having to do on huge class.