MEET Judy Peploe

Watching the development and progression of your dressage horse is an incredibly rewarding experience. Long-time owner, Judy Peploe had the thrilling experience of watching her horses win four titles at this year’s NAF Five Star Winter Championships, We caught up with Judy, who lives on a farm in Wiltshire with husband Charlie, two dogs and her horses, to nd out just what it means to her to be involved in the sport.

QTell us a little about your equestrian background. I spent weekends and school holidays at our local riding school, working for extra rides and loved looking after my favourite pony, Pretty.

Having worked in the City for 18 years I missed being part of a team, so when we decided to convert some redundant dairy buildings for stables, we began a new adventure.

QHave you ever ridden competitively yourself? I did a couple of Novice tests years ago, but I know my limitations!

QWhen did you first venture into ownership?

I bred an eventer and Spencer Sturmey competed him – it was a lot of fun but I watched most of the crosscountry through my fingers.

Then I went to Germany with Suzanne Lavandera and bought my first dressage-bred horse, Whisper, who was trained by Steve Wallace to Prix St Georges. She died suddenly and it broke our hearts. She had, however, given us a foal - Rivermeyer Blue. He’s 18 now and is a wonderful schoolmaster teaching our grooms all the tricks.

Through the heartbreak of losing Whisper I met Judith Davis at Hawtins Stud. I went to visit Whisper’s dam, and whilst there I fell in love with and bought a youngster, fouryear-old Hawtins Rossana, and made a friend.

QWhat have been your highlights as an owner?

There have been so many highlights. My first introduction to big shows was with Super Blue, who opened so many doors, with memorable trips to Saumur, Deauville and Le Mans. He’s now happily retired here.

This year’s Winter Championships was amazing for the whole team. It was like a dream. Davy (Harvey) was well prepared and when he asked the horses to up their game, they willingly responded. The dressage family were lovely, sharing the experience with them made the show unforgettable. I thought it would be a hard one to follow, but having stepped Diamond Blue up to PSG, Davy won both of his classes at Somerford Premier League. I keep pinching myself.

The real highlight is what goes on at home – watching Davy train the horses daily and seeing them develop. The endless care and attention of our home team, and the relationships with the wider team, farrier, vet and physio. We’re so lucky to have Carl Hester train us and share his wisdom, he’s a highlight too. At the shows, I love catching up with familiar faces and seeing the riders and horses progress through the levels.

QWhenand how did you first meet Davy?

I met Davy on the circuit about ten years ago.

QWhat do you take into consideration when matching a rider to a horse?

Although winning is fabulous, my priority is that our horses are happy athletes. I keep them for life and they go at their own pace. Davy is dedicated and talented and both are essential. He listens to the horses and accommodates their quirks, that way the horses flourish. He’s a good team player and a pleasure to have around. Oh, and Carl’s advice! I take that into consideration too.

QYour funniest competition-day anecdote. When Davy forgot his short jacket. He only had tails, so he stuffed them down his breeches – he looked like a duck! He made me destroy the pictures.