Welcome to our feature, 10 minutes in the tackroom. This is a regular feature where we ask riders, businesses and charities 12 questions and they have a maximum of 10 minutes to answer them.
Over the next few weeks, we will be featuring members of #teamequissimo.
#teamequissimo are a group of grassroots riders who we are helping to achieve their equestrian dreams while they carefully balance work and other commitments.
This week in the saddle we have Sophie Wratting, you can follow Sophie on her Facebook or Instagram page. You can also take a look at Sophie's #teamequissimo blog.
Tell us about your horse
Remmi is a 14.2 Traditional Gypsy Cob gelding.
I’d say he is the epitome of an all rounder and we’ve pretty much had a go at everything! Apparently, horseback archery is his forte and he’s got the perfect canter for it.
Competition wise we are most frequently seen strutting our stuff within the white boards but we love to pop round a show jumping course for a bit of fun.
Tell us a horse joke
What does it mean if you find a horseshoe? Some poor horse is walking around in his socks.
You may or may not be able to tell that jokes are most certainly aren't my forte. More often than not I forget the punchline!
What do you do when you aren't with your horse?
Working! I work as Cabin Crew so half my week is spent at home (with the horses) and in the other half I’m off travelling the world to some exotic (or not so exotic!) destinations.
What do you love about the horsey community?
The support and encouragement you receive at competitions, often from complete strangers. It’s amazing what a smile or a simple “good luck” can do for your nerves and confidence.
What do you dislike about the horsey community?
How quickly people are to criticise, put you down and get involved. Of course constructive criticism is always welcome but I find many people are often far too quick to offer you their two pence!
My biggest bug bear is people getting involved in a situation that has absolutely nothing to do with them, doesn't mean anything to them and doesn't affect them in the slightest.
Do your family share your passion of horses?
My mother and sister both grew up having their own ponies. My dad was completely non-horsey until he had to step in as part time dad to my horse when I first began flying. Luckily he was a good apprentice and it didn't take too long to train him up and he quickly learnt that blankets were in fact called rugs!
Tell us your funniest horse related story?
Oooo this is a tricky one!
One fairly funny story that springs to mind is one that relates to my non-horsey dad. It was his first day in his new role as ‘part time dad to Opal’ and I was giving him the tour. First stop was the small, individual store room shortly followed by a walk down to the stables. On the way down he points to some of the stables and asks “was it more expensive for a bigger stable?” Turns out he thought the tiny, narrow store room was Opal’s stable! I would have loved to have seen him try to convince her to go in there!
Who is your favourite famous horse rider?
Ben Maher
I’ve always admired how quiet and still he is when he rides, he looks completely in tune with all the horses that he rides even the tricky ones!
Read more about Ben Maher here.
Who is your favourite famous horse?
Caroline Powell’s Lenamore! His bold attitude around the biggest of XC tracks and his zest for life is something that always caught my eye and he was one that I wouldn’t have minded a go on myself.
Read more about Lenamore here.
How many times have you fallen off?
Too many! The majority have been off Remmi too (the quiet, anyone can sit on him cob!)
What horsey product can't you live without?
Cowboy Magic Detangler & Shine! It leaves his mane and tail feeling so silky and soft I’m often half tempted to put some in my own
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
Despite have two left feet and zero dancing experience I once danced in a performance with the Royal Ballet School.
Well done Sophie, You have completed the #10minutesinthetackroom challenge. Don't forget to visit us for the next 6 weeks to read all the #teamequissimo team members entry.
If you would like to take part in the challenge please email info@equissimo.co.uk.
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