( TACKROOM CHAT ) CHN TACKROOM CHAT


This issue CHN’s Freya Trewin chats with Dressage rider, Olivia Towers


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ased in Herefordshire, 25-year-old professional Dressage rider Olivia is an equestrian/lifestyle vlogger and social media influencer. She is passionate about inspiring people to find their self-belief and positivity through showing the ups and downs of real life and how she works through it.


Who is your inspiration?


So many different people have inspired me. The riders who currently inspire me are Carl Hester, who is just such an incredible horseman and also Lottie Fry who is a British young rider based in Holland now. Lottie has the most beautiful position and test riding skills. As for general life, my parents inspire me loads; my dad for the business/entrepreneurial side and my mum for hard work and dedication. It’s a beautiful mixture. I am also a Christian so God plays a massive part in my life too.


Do you have any other hobbies, besides horse riding?


Olivia currently has six horses of her own in work. Two are advanced competition horses, one of whom is almost ready to do his first inter 2 which will be a first for Olivia too, and then two 4-year-olds and two 3-year-olds.


Wilfred is an 11-year-old Gelding by Goodtimes. Olivia has had him since he was a just backed 5- year-old, and has subsequently trained him up the levels. They are looking to do their first Grand Prix next year. Olivia says “He enjoys a varied work life. He works in the school Monday,Tuesday,Thursday and Friday then hacks out on a Wednesday with pole work on the lunge on Saturdays. He also enjoys jumping. He gets turned out every morning from 7am - 9am, giving him a little time to 'deflate!' from the grass and then works. In the afternoon he stretches his legs on the walker for half an hour.”


Eagle is a 9-year-old Gelding by Apache. He has been with Olivia since he was a 2 year old and again she has trained him up the levels. He is now competing at PSG/Inter 1 and is a very quick learner. He also enjoys the same work/stable routine as Wilfred.


Moley - Olivia’s first homebred is a 4 year old gelding by Blue hors Zac. He is a fiery character but very talented, and loves his work. Olivia says “I am really excited to start competing him. He has been out and about a bit this year doing pole work clinics instead of shows as I feel this is a nice way to introduce young horses to the big wide world.” Moley goes out in the field every morning with his best friend Joey, Olivia’s 4-year-old.


I love going to the gym. I have played around with weightlifting but now more train to improve my riding. I am also a massive fan of videography but luckily, I've now wrapped this into my career path.


Why do you think it’s important for a rider to stay fit?


We can't expect our horses to be athletes if we don't treat ourselves like one too! This isn't me saying you need to go crazy in the gym, you can actually improve your fitness loads from riding alone. But, I do think it helps, for example, I have a naturally curvy spine which means I don't use my seat as effectively and tip forwards; now that I have improved my abs my spine is straighter and I can use my seat. I wouldn't have been able to focus on this small detail whilst riding as there are so many other things to be focusing on. Doing stuff off the horse has helped me target and fix this problem.


What made you want to create your own clothing brand?


I wanted to spread positivity to as many people as possible and this seemed like another great way to do it! I have a few slo- gans that have helped me so much over the last couple of years and I wanted others to be able to get in on that. It was a steep learning curve but is a fun venture.


What is the funniest comment a judge has left on your test sheet?


I can't remember the comment, but I do remember a judge leaning out the box after I had ridden the FEI pony test and saying 'Did you realise you just did a half pass in counter canter.' I cried.. a lot!


Where is your favourite venue to compete? My favourite venue is probably Hartpury. It has a great atmosphere even on the small shows and also a heated indoor which is


62 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 For the latest news visitwww.centralhorsenews.co.uk


perfect for the winter shows!


What is your favourite biscuit to dunk in your tea or coffee?


I LOVE TEA! But I normally try to eat quite healthily, so biscuits I avoid. When I can, I absolutely love Chocolate fingers and you can bite both ends off and then suck the tea through it like a straw (this is a must to try!)


Have you got any New Year’s resolutions? I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. I don't know why we have to wait for one day a year to set out goals. There is no better time than the present.


Do you ever get nervous competing? How do you deal with the nerves? I sometimes do before I get on the horse but then I am fine when I get going. I am actually better at the bigger shows, the more pressure I am under, the more I seem to relax. I would say I've had to work hard on not panicking and overriding rather than get nervous when I am actually riding. I am getting much better at knowing myself now though so can deal with it.


What are your goals for 2019? GRAND PRIX BABY!


Baseball cap or bobble hat?


Depends on the weather. Bobble in winter, Cap in summer!


Favourite horse film?


Warhorse, because I have a 4 year old called Joey and they look so alike. I find it over- whelming how incredible and brave horses are after watching this film.


Equestrian product you can’t do without? I have a Pikeur coat from my sponsor and I have worn it every day as it's so warm. For my horses, it has to be Premier Performance CZ as their Gastro product saved Eagles life (I am not exaggerating!)


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