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.
This week in the saddle we have Lesley Wheatley. You can follow Lesley on her Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
Tell us about your horse!
William is an 18.1hh (still growing) 6 year old Hanoverian that I purchased as an unbroken 4 year old from Gamblethorpe Hanoverians. I have produced him myself and mainly focused on the Young Horse dressage horse championships (qualified for 5 and 6 year old Hickstead finals and Shearwater).
This year he was 6th at novice regionals and represented Northern region at the Home International. Next month he heads to Winter regionals for Novice and elementary finals as well as music at both levels. He is the biggest, softest, sweetest, giraffe look alike you could care to meet. Nickname Spiderpony!
Tell us a horse joke!
Pass
What do you do when you aren’t with your horse?
I am a police officer (inspector in Newcastle City Centre), and I play rugby for British Police. I basically work, ride horses, teach horse riding, play rugby and drink prosecco. Sleep isn’t really an option!
What do you love about the horsey community?
The most amazing thing to happen to me was in 2015 my competition horse at the time, Captain Barbosa, died unexpectedly. The amount of support and messages I received from friends and strangers via social media went I couldn’t even consider giving up. They really helped me through a very difficult time.
What do you dislike about the horsey community?
There isn’t really anything I dislike, but I feel we could support each other more. Obviously we are competitive, but being supportive and helping everyone achieve the best results we can is also important
Do your family share your passion of horses?
100%. My Mam started me riding at 3 and my Dad has done his fair share of mucking out/ dragged through the mud/ rescuing me when I’m stuck. They now can’t help as much as William is too big for them to reach with tack or a headcollar!
Tell us your funniest horse related story!
I have a brilliant photograph of William competing at his first ever competition – Myerscough Premier league. The picture is me and him calmly leaping out of the arena over the flowers at C. Mortifying!!!!
Who is your favourite famous horse rider?
To say Charlotte DuJardin is too predictable but her results are amazing, Isabelle Werth can just create results out of a normal horse as she is so talented; but for what he has done for the sport as a whole it has to be Mr Hester
Read more about Carl Hester here
Who is your favourite famous horse?
I have a soft spot for Mistral Horjis – that is what Wills and I will look like when we grow up!
Read more about Mistral Horjis here
How many times have you fallen off?
Too many to mention – worst injuries are a dislocated jaw and torn medial ligaments (separate falls). Yet to fall off Wills for the first time yet, totally tempting fate
What horsey product can’t you live without?
Chalk – we have four white socks and like to dazzle with our twinkle toes.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself!
I have just been announced as a brand ambassador for Forces Equine to promote the organisation as a serving police officer.
Well done Lesley you have completed the 10 minutes in the tackroom challenge. If you would like to take part in the challenge, email info@equissimo.co.uk.
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