July 2014 Member of the Month: Kristine Hancock

  • When did you start riding? I started riding when I was 12 after nagging Mum and Dad for years.

  • Your first horse/pony? My first horse was called Brandy and was a quite reluctant riding horse. He'd be like a scared mouse all the way to pony club then would act like a snoring donkey whilst at pony club. He also refused to go on any float.

  • How long have you been doing dressage? I got into dressage because you had to do it as part of eventing. I always finished last or second last after the dressage, needless to say I wanted to get better!

  • How many horses do you have? I have two horses - my semiretired 26 yo Ankara who I've had for 24 years and Spighi (Kinnordy Respighi) who is a 15.2hh 12yo gedling and I've had him for a year, he has a solid dressage background. He is by Riverdance out of Kinnordy Georgia.

  • Your current dressage horse/s that you ride? Spighi is elementary level and Level 1 in HRCAV.

  • Goals for the next year? Goal for the next year is to compete Medium on Spighi after mastering flying changes and to become EA official.

  • If you could ride any horse, who would it be? I would love to ride Valegro. He looks super calm and responsive, and I don't think he's too massive for someone short like me!

  • Other pets? We have Border Collies, chooks, sheep and cows.

  • Prefer geldings, mares or stallions? I've had all but stallions and they're individuals. Mares tend to be self contained and geldings play more. Spighi is very cuddley.

  • Handiest item in your tack room? It'd have to be my saddle, I have a Pessoa dressage saddle.

  • Can’t live without? Can't live without riding at least 4 times a week.

  • Your favourite riding tip? My favourite riding tip is think positive, you have to attack a dressage test and have belief you can do it. Your horse also looks for this as he needs you to be the leader.