In this issue we hear from Top Showing producer and international judge Lucy Killingbeck. Based in South West Gloucestershire, Lucy has experienced great success in the show ring and as a highly respected judge; here she shares an insight into her lifestyle, current horses, and hopes for the future and tips for budding show riders. 1. Did you have any other career in mind apart from equestrianism? After studying at Kings School in Canterbury, I was involved with the Fashion trade for four years, but my heart always lay with the horses. My Parents insisted I had something to fall back on if the horse thing did not work so I spent a year at the Cordon Bleu in London learning to cook, a skill that has been very useful.
2. How did you gain equestrian experience? I was taught to ride by Pam Tombs in Kent who had all sorts of horses from PSG dressage horses to youngsters in for braking, point to pointers, horses for rehabilitation you name it I probably rode it . Pam taught me to try and get in to the horses mind and also be aware of their physical limitations when training them. I still like to learn new things and ways of training horses. I also head girl to the great showman Robert Oliver who taught me how to produce top class horses, how they should ride and the finer points of conformation and type. Adam Kemp also is a great help and was very supportive when I lost my two best horses within three weeks of each other.
3. What sparked your interest in showing? I had always had a love of show horses. Showing was always part of their education along with hunting Dressage and Eventing. However with work commitments, I found it was impossible to train these horses to the fitness they required to compete. However I could produce show horses as they need less concentrated work plus they nearly always had time off after HOYS when I could go off and make money to finance them through the season.
4. Which horses are your hot prospects for the 2009 season? So far this season my Mothers Heavyweight Hagrid has qualified for the Horse of the Year show and the Royal International and so has the Middleweight Hunter, Danzer, known at home as Baby,
5. Do you follow/play other sports? If so what are they? When I was younger I used to play tennis and Lacrosse, now if I get chance I enjoying watching rugby and the Grand Prix.
6. What is your biggest achievement in life so far? Showing and non horsey? Winning the Ladies Hunter at the Horse of the Year for two consecutive years on different horses. In 2002 on Fergie Saint George and in 2003 on Bournebrook Golden Law.
7. Do you have a favourite horse past or present? Fergie Saint George was a very special horse; he gave me my first title at Horse of the Year. Baby is also very special hes a lovely person, I have had him since he was 3 he kept me going after losing Devils Advocate and Canterbury Tails everyone likes him even my husband John rode him when I was away judging in South Africa.
8. What was the first major title you won? The Heavyweights at the Hickstead Derby meeting on Hogarth around 19 years ago.
9. Is there a title that you would like to win? The Hunter Championships at HOYS or the Winston Churchill at the Royal International.
10. Do you have a favourite show and why? Definitely the Hickstead Derby its a brilliant show, with great facilities and we have always done well there.
11. What is the daily routine at home on the yard? Feed the horses around 7am; I like to leave them to eat in peace so I then get the all important cup of coffee. My groom Anna Birch and I try to muck out, groom and ride in the morning, leaving the horses quiet for the afternoon and me free to do other things. I then do the evening stables as Anna only works mornings unless I am way.
12. What is your show preparation routine? The day before a show is much like any other, I often work the horse a little harder, wash their manes and tails. The main job is loading the lorry, with everything we will need.
13. What items do you keep in your show ring basket? My essentials are a small bucket of water and a sponge, body brush, hair brush, fly spray, polos for the horses and bottle of water in case I get thirsty.
14. What made you become a judge? I was told to by Robert Oliver.
15. What is the secret to being a successful judge? You must know what youre looking for and be able to adapt your riding to get the best out of each horse. The best advice was given to me by my godmother she said: Always be true to yourself and be your own woman, meaning dont follow fashion and dont be intimidated.
16. What are your pet hates in the show ring? Bad manners, poor losers and horses that are not ready to be shown and ridden by the judge.
17. What showing item could you not live without? A good horse
18. Do you or your team have any lucky charms or showing superstitions? No, we just do our homework. I always seem to do well in the rain.
19. Do you have any tips for budding show riders? Watch and learn, its not as easy as it looks. Dont be afraid to ask for advice from people that know. And be extremely critical of yourself and your horses.
20. What are your top turnout tips? Nothing beats good old fashion grooming and rugging. I dont use any products other than a bit of baby oil, but never on their coats and attention to detail.
21. What made you chose the Haygain hay steamer? Having always soaked hay when I was approached to try the haygain steamer I jumped at the chance, I felt the specific research and benefits of steaming hay looked beneficial. Whilst being very old-fashioned in my way of looking after the horses I am always on the look out for new and more efficient ways of doing things.
22. Describe the benefits of Haygain steamed hay? All the horses have been on steamed hay since the beginning of the year. In the past I have always soaked hay and find steaming to be much easier and quicker. All the horses love to eat warm steamed hay in the winter and I did not have the problem of the water freezing. In the summer I do not have to worry about the hay going off due to the heat. On a more personal front I have always suffered with hay fever so handling hay always made me sneeze, this dose not happen with the steamed hay.
For further information please contact Haygain on (0333) 200 5233 or visit www.haygain.com
Delicious forage with HAYGAIN hay steamers - 09 September 2009Press ReleaseEnsure your horse receives even forage this winter. Hay is undoubtedly the most ideal forage. Its only flaw can be the levels of dust spores it contains, which may put ho .. (81 Views)
