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 Sarah Penney. You can follow Sarah on her Facebook and Instagram pages.

Tell us about your horse!

I am very lucky to own 2 beautiful greys! 

Two of a kind eventing

Soli is a 16.1 Thoroughbred x Irish Draught 16 year old mare. I have been very fortunate to have owned her since she was 18months. She has truly taught me how to ride. Soli is a typical mare and will ALWAYS greet you with her ears back and nostrils flaring but she is the ultimate jumping machine. Her greatest achievement to date is winning a Puissance competition reaching a scary height of 4'9!!

Harry is a 17hh 9 year old gentle giant, he is also Soli's half brother! We have been a partnership for 4 years and it has certainly had its ups and downs! Due to Harry's size he has taken several years to develop in to the horse he is now! This season we took on the challenge of riding at BE90 where we managed to qualify for a Regional Final! Next year we aim to ride at BE100! I feel very proud to say that I have taught both my horses everything they know all by myself! 

Tell us a horse joke!

What did the horse say when it fell? ..... I've fallen and I can't giddyup!

What do you do when you aren’t with your horse?

I work full time as a veterinary receptionist funding this very expensive passion of mine! I also spend a lot of time with my friends and boyfriend Clint exploring the Cornish Coast.

What do you love about the horsey community?

I love that the horsey world is such a close knit little family. When times get tough everyone truly rallies together and work as a team! I have met some of my bestest friends through horses as well which I love, they all share the same passion and love for horses as I do!

What do you dislike about the horsey community?

It's starting to become too serious now! The fun and friendliness has unfortunately disappeared from most local shows and events. What's wrong with being nice and supportive to one another. We're all in the same boat, right?

Two of a kind eventing

Do your family share your passion of horses?

I am very lucky to have had such a supportive family when it comes to my horses. Sadly I have now lost my mum but she would never miss a show and would always help out! My dad still to this day will drive me to every show and will always do my stud holes - yes I am very spoilt but very grateful!

He has rarely missed a show out of my 18 years of competing. I consider myself to be very lucky to have such amazing support! 

Tell us your funniest horse related story!

Hmm... I'm not very good with funny stories but this is the most memorable lately! Harry is very well known for just picking stuff up and carrying it around - he is in theory just a big hairy kid! A couple weeks ago dad was in the horses shelter cutting up logs for the burner when Harry decided he would let himself in to see what was going on.... As you can imagine he didn't just stand there and watch! Next minute he was picking up the wood from dads pile and just walking away with it haha! He is the type of horse who always has to know what's going and and always loves to lend a helping hand whether it's wanted or not....

Who is your favourite famous horse rider?

Michael Jung - I just love watching him ride! He makes everything look so effortless and is such a kind rider. I have a lot of time for people who pat and praise their horses when they've done well! 

Read more about Michael Jung here

 Who is your favourite famous horse?

Opposition Buzz - who doesn't love him? He was such a super talented boy! 

Read more about Opposition Buzz here

 How many times have you fallen off?

Far too many times - Most recent being in September when both Harry and I took a tumble in the cross country phase of our Regional Final! 

What horsey product can’t you live without?

Stain remover and blue shampoo!! Got to love a grey! 

Two of a kind eventing

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself!

I have a massive phobia of frogs!! I turn in to a girly screaming mess! When I travelled Australia a few years ago they were everywhere!! I even got trapped in a toilet as there was one outside my cubicle door.... Yes, sadly I had to be rescued!

Well done Sarah 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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