Bolesworth International is playing host to the Ride-away Express Eventing Challenge on Friday 19 June. We have been catching up with the riders who will be taking part.
Keep checking the blog or follow us on Twitter @Rideawayonline for more updates on this year’s Express Eventers!
Next up, Fiona Hobby:
- How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was the horse?
I started riding very young, having a horse mad mother! I think my first pony was called Marty – a little grey ‘hand me down’ from my elder sister! - Which other equestrian discipline do you most like to watch?
Showjumping - How do you choose the music for your Express Eventing performances?
I try to choose upbeat music which suits the horse and has a humorous element to it if possible or is somehow related to the event (HOYS we used the music they use on TV for HOYS) - Do you think horses enjoy music? How can you tell?
I’m sure they do, some even seem to try to keep in time. - Which of your horses is your current favourite and why?
I only have a few horses in at the moment, the one I am riding this year, Fun Time Frankie, belongs to my nephew but used to be one of my eventers and he is everyone’s favourite, he’s a kind gentle giant. We also have the most adorable 12.2hh coloured jumping pony who is called Eddie, he came to us a terrified, jumpy thing and now is the sweetest, friendliest pony we have ever had. - Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
Always. At shows they get polos at home they get some grass/carrot after every schooling/jumping session. - What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
Winning the Express Eventing at the Game Fair last year, of course! - What was your favourite subject at school and why?
English, I love language and writing - If you weren’t a professional rider what would you like to do?
I would love to be a racing driver. - What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
I’m not really sure, the list is long! - Where would you go and what would you do for your perfect weekend?
I would go away somewhere hot and sunny with my children. - Name a young rider and/or horse to watch for in the future. What makes them special?
This is a tricky one…. I guess I had better say Oscar Hobby (my son) if I don’t want to get into trouble! He is dedicated and really wants to get to the top (although he likes to delegate when it comes to tacking up, grooming etc!). I also have the pleasure of teaching some very promising young riders who will hopefully make a name for themselves in the future. - Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
Oh I think it would have to have been the great Milton, poetry in motion. - Do you have any pets at home? If so, what? What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
We have Come’ere and Comeon our two Jack Russells who are always getting up to mischief. My favourite meal would probably be a fillet steak and yes I can cook it but it’s much nicer when it’s cooked for you! - Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions? If so what?
I’m very superstitious! And I ride with a pendant with my children’s thumbprints on it in my pocket for good luck. - What’s your favourite city in the world and why?
Vienna. I have never been there and don’t really know what it’s like but it is one place I have always wanted to go….maybe one day!
