20 minute read
FEATURE INTERVIEW: GEORGIA TAME
Georgia Tame talks
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success, Team Breen, hard work and determination ...
Young gun Georgia Tame has been around horses her whole life. With a family already involved in the sport, it may seem that stepping into her mother's dressage boots was the natural thing to do. However, it's not a case of 'it' being handed down with a sprinkling of magic dust that makes a showjumper great; it's those vital ingredients that we call hard work, dedication and determination that are key to success, as Georgia goes on to explain here.
Interview by Abby Dickinson, Journalist Everything Horse Image credits: Helen Cruden
Hi Georgia, you’ve seen amazing success on the showjumping circuit at such a young age. Can you tell us a bit about how your career began? What was the moment you decided professional showjumping was the route for you?
I’ve been around horses my whole life. My mother is a dressage rider, and my father is a farrier, so I decided at a young age that this is the only thing for me. I devoted all of my time to horses and trying to learn as much as I could.
When I was 14, I spent a summer at Charlotte Platt’s (international showjumper) with my horses. After that, I knew only a few hours a day with horses wouldn’t be enough for me, so I left school and focused on horses all day, every day! From then on, it was hard and tiring, but everything has definitely been worth it. I really don’t think I’d be in the position I am today if I had done it differently.
I moved to Shane (Breen) when I was 17 and haven’t looked back since!
With lockdown restrictions in place, how has it affected your training and competition life?
Luckily, I’m based with Shane, so my training wasn’t affected. I actually got more!!!
We missed a few shows between March and June, but as soon as they started to get going again, we were full steam ahead.
You joined Team Breen at just 17 years of age. How did it feel being catapulted into the professional limelight as a teenager and being given the opportunity to become part of a world-class team?
It’s strange as I’m always surrounded by such amazing athletes. I never feel like I am in the limelight!
I didn’t expect to achieve the results I have so quickly in my career. I’m very grateful to the team I have around me, especially Shane Breen and the team at Breen Equestrian, for giving me the opportunity to ride such talented horses. I feel incredibly lucky to have had opportunities I have had at such a young age, getting the chance to ride some world-class horses that I otherwise may not have.
In our sport, there’s always so much to learn, and I feel like you’re never too young or too old for that!
As a Team Breen member, what are some of the biggest and toughest lessons you have learnt on the job?
Nothing about horses is easy. You can make a plan one day, but that doesn’t mean that the next day it will work!
As such a big team, we always have so many horses going off to different shows, often in different countries. You have to learn to go with the flow. Fortunately for me, being part of such a big team means you are normally all learning together so there is always support there.
I learned early on that if you want to achieve your dreams you have to work hard!
To prepare, we don’t jump big at home, just some exercises and a small course to keep the horses confident, relaxed, and working on rideability.
We start everyday by mucking out before we ride all day and finish up in the evening. They can be long days, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Alongside Team Breen, you have also joined forces with Team Z7 which brings you some fantastic rides, alongside results! Can you tell us a bit more about your favourite rides and who your showjumping stars of the future may be. Z7 Cash Up was the horse that changed a lot for me. I did my first Young Rider Nations Cup, YR Europeans, Senior Nations Cups, and 5* GP’s with him.
“To prepare, we don’t jump big at home, we focus on some exercises and a small course to keep the horses confident and relaxed, while Z7 Ascot has been stepping up working on rideability.” and is proving to be a great horse - jumping double clear, as well as one clear at the two senior Nations Cups of 2021, so far. Z7 Dubai Castlefield is definitely one to look out for! He is a 6-year-old by Darco and has to be one of the most talented horses I’ve seen!
Image left: Georgia Tame and Can Ya Makan. Credit Helen Cruden Image below: Georgia Tame and Can Ya Dance. Credit Helen Cruden
You regularly compete for Great Britain, most recently jet-setting across Europe for multiple FEI Nations Cups. How do you prepare for big shows like these?
To prepare, we don’t jump big at home, we focus on some exercises and a small course to keep the horses confident, relaxed, while working on rideability.
You also need to get really good at napping on planes and in the back of horseboxes, when you get the chance! What is your all-time favourite location to compete at? Is there anywhere you would like to compete in the future?
I love competing at Olympia and Hickstead, but I would love to compete at Aachen one day!
With such a jet-set lifestyle, how do you achieve a work-life balance?
My work has become my life, but I guess that’s what happens when you love what you do. We’re a close-knit team at Breen Equestrian, so quite often I’m jetting around with my friends! I’m lucky that my family lives very local to our base at Hickstead, so I get to see them when I am back, and they always try to get out to the shows that they can to support me!
What are your goals for the next 12 months?
My main aim now is to continue getting consistent results and compete in some more Nations Cups.
My aim for the future is to compete at Senior Championship.
Finally, can you give our readers three tips to take with them into their show jumping training and competitions?
• Every horse is different, you need to be able to adapt to each horse to get the best results. You need them to be confident and trust you.
• Keep your horse in as much of a routine, day-to-day, as you can. Once you find a routine that works for your horse, stick to it so they stay as relaxed and happy as possible.
• Know your course – make sure you know every stride and every turn that you want to make before you go in the ring. •
Skin Here we take a look at a selection of products that help keep the horse’s skin protected this summer. PROTECTION
For Horses
SUNBLOCK POWDER
SUNBLOCK CREAM
Lillidale Sunblock Powder 4 Animals
Lillidale Sunblock Powder is a natural mineral powder designed for horses and other animals to block UVA and UVB rays. Once applied, the sunblock lasts a minimum of 24 hours. How to use: Apply using the sponge provided to area's that need it the most. The formula acts as a non-irritant sunblock that can't be easily rubbed off. Suitable for use on areas already damaged by the sun. Size: 35g or 90g RRP £11.45
Lincoln Sun Bloc
A protective, soothing sun block cream developed to safeguard delicate, exposed areas of the horse's skin that are at a high risk of sunburn. Provides maximum protection using naturally occurring Zinc Oxide, a proven UV filter, plus two additional UV filters to reflect and absorb UVA & UVB rays. Water resistant, with added Aloe Vera to calm and aid recovery whilst the inclusion of Lanolin conditions and moisturises. Easy to apply, the cream’s pink colouring acts as a marker for reapplication. Suitable for the protection of muzzles, scars and areas of photosensitive skin. Size: 200g RRP £11.45
Buzz-Off Deluxe Fly Mask
The Buzz-Off Deluxe Fly Mask is a lightweight mask which offers super protection against insects and the sun. Reinforced darts help keep the mesh fabric away from the horse’s eyes. This mask is available without ears making it suitable for horses who dislike having their ears covered. Sizes: sizes XXXS – XL RRP for the Bucas Fly Masks ranges from £17- £38. Visit www.zebraproducts.co.uk
The Highlander Plus Waterproof Combo Neck Fly Rug offers a wide rang of benefits and is suitable for use in the spring and summer. The outer 600 denier with ShireTex advanced fabric technology gives the rug added strength to help protect from rips and tears. UV protection, with an upper that is waterproof and breathable.
CHECK LIST > Belly bar > Shoulder gussets > Large tail flap > Integrated neck with Velcro > UV protection up to 90% > Fillet string > Integrated leg strap loops
Sizes: 5’ - 6’9” Priced around £81.00 Visit Equus.co.uk
PROMOTIONAL CONTENT
Summer Skin Support ... Advice from the experts at The Golden Paste Company
It is great to see our horses enjoying the warmer weather, but we must ensure that we do everything we can to protect them from summer coat and skin issues such as sunburn and insect bite hypersensitivity. If your horse suffers from insect bite hypersensitivity, limit his exposure to insects as much as possible by using a fly rug and mask. Correct nutrition and hydration are essential for coat and skin health; make sure you speak to an equine nutritionist and your vet if you have any concerns about your feeding regime or horse's health. Nutrition is perhaps the most important part of skin and coat health, as certain nutrients are the building blocks of skin and hair. Certain minerals such as zinc, copper, fatty acids, and biotin are crucial, so if your horse has a forage only diet, adding a vitamin and mineral supplement may be necessary. If you are feeding a complete feed, make sure you use the recommended amounts.
The Golden Paste Company recently launched TurmerItch, a pelleted supplement specifically formulated to support healthy skin and coat.
The carefully selected ingredients assist in soothing the skin to reduce itching, and repel biting insects, alongside helping promote hair regrowth, while keeping the skin healthy and the coat shiny. Insect Bite Hypersensitivity usually affects most horses from March until October but starting the 'midge season' primed is important for the best possible advantage before they strike. It is, for this reason, The Golden Paste Company recommends feeding TurmerItch all year round. By "priming" the body to be less responsive to allergens generally, subsequent seasonal rises in insects should be less of a problem; the horse's skin will have a barrier of bioactives that act as a repellent (neem for example) and be less responsive to bites. By introducing this dietary system that can help optimise digestive health, the microbiome and gut integrity, the allergenic contribution to the itch threshold is reduced; subsequent challenges from biting insects may then fall below the threshold, thus reducing scratching and damage to the coat and skin.
Visit goldenpastecompany.com and follow @thegoldenpastecompany on Facebook and Instagram.
TOP POINTERS TO REDUCE RISK INCLUDE:
• Avoiding turnout at dusk and dawn • Ensure he doesn't graze near water sources such as bogs or streams • Use exposed paddocks with minimal hedging or trees - use fly rugs and masks with UV protection • Remove droppings from the paddocks daily
TURMERITCH FEEDING RATES: • Ponies (Under 300kg) 1 Tbsp, twice daily • Horses & Ponies (500kg) - 1.5 Tbsp, twice daily • Horses (Over 700kg) - 2.5 Tbsp, twice daily *1.5 Tbsp holds approx. 25g* Size: 2kg RRP £59.99 Visit www.goldenpastecompany.co.uk
Equilibrium Products Skin Soother
Skin Soother is a cooling gel for horses, which can be used on other animals too. Enriched with Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Calendula and Spearmint, the soothing gel, with anti-bacterial properties works to calm skin that is itchy, flaky, sunburnt and/ or irritated. Size: 200ml RRP £12.18
Good For Insect Bites, Chafing and Sunburn!
WildWash Wonder Balm for Hooves & Wounds
A multi-purpose soothing moisturiser which is full of natural ingredients. Perfect for use on hot spots, itchy spots, minor cuts, scrapes and grazes. It can also be used as a hoof dressing to help maintain healthy and beautiful hooves. Size: 100ml RRP £14.95
Barrier Sunburn Soother
For rapid penetration to areas effected by sunburn. Helps repair raw, sore areas and gives factor 25 protection. Natural non-toxic ingredients. Free from all prohibited substances under current FEI and HRA rules. Liquid formulation. Size: 250ml RRP £8.10
NAF Love The SKIN He's In
Soothe and comfort irritated areas of the horse's skin with this light water-based salve. The product absorbs easily, leaving no superficial residue on the skin. Contains MSM and Aloe Vera to soothe irritated, itchy areas and minor abrasions. Suitable for seasonal reactions, lumps and bumps. Size: 750g RRP £19.99
leovet bio-Skin Oil
leovet bio-Skin Oil cares for the horses skin and coat. Contains natural ingredients that regenerate and restore damaged skin areas and stimulate hair growth on bald spots. Fortified with marigold, carrot and St. John’s wort that reduce itching and rubbing tendencies. Size: 500ml RRP £20.62
PROTECTION FOR WOUNDS
Wounds need extra protection during the spring and summer months due to flies being drawn to areas of broken skin/ exposed flesh. With this in mind, here’s a selection of wound treatments that will help add an extra protective layer over the area to aid healing and keep flies away.
Effol Skin Repair
Antiseptic cream for affected parts of the skin and cracked heels. Has an anti-inflammatory effect and forms a protective film against viruses, bacteria and parasites. Size: 150ml RRP £15.06
Carr & Day & Martin Protection Plus
A pink ointment with citronella scent providing the horse with a number of benefits. The salve works to protect and waterproof wounds to act as a barrier. Size: 500ml RRP £12.49
Battles Summer Fly Cream
The ORIGINAL yellow cream from Battles. A soothing, antibacterial fly cream to aid in management when flies strike and maggots are a problem. Size: 400g RRP £13.65
Tips from the top with international showjumper,
Developing a green horse requires patience, knowledge and a good amount of skill. It’s not a job for a rider just starting out themselves. Equestrians use the term 'green' to describe the less experienced horse.
The horse is often young, however, older horses can be seen as green too; when the horse lacks formal education for example. This lack of education in any case can cause the green horse confusion and upset when trying to perform a movement, or job it doesn’t understand. This can lead to any number of problems, including tight muscles, a dislike to being ridden and unwillingness to go forward. Not only this, but the horse requires time to build strength, ability, and flexibility under saddle to help it perform the task at hand. Getting it right from the start is crucial to the future success of any horse and rider combination. Here, international showjumper
Bex Mason shares four top tips suitable for the more experienced rider, to help introduce green horses to jumping courses for the very first time. The tips help encourage the horse to learn, while having fun so that jumping can be seen as positive and rewarding. ABOUT BEX MASON Bex Mason is a Gloucestershire-based showjumper who has a strong team of up-and-coming world-class horses, which she competes across the UK and Europe. Bex spent years training and competing with leading showjumpers, including Tina and Graham Fletcher (GB), Ludo Philleaperts (BEL), (NZ) and Viki Roycroft (AUS). In recent years Bex has qualified for HOYS, World Breeding Championships, become National 5yo Champion and took a National title at The Blue Chip Winter Show Jumping Championships in 2019.
1. POLEWORK
Introduce poles early and use them often in small courses. I find that placing poles will help give a green horse confidence off the floor, especially when approaching them in trot. They will give the horse a steer on the correct take off point and the use of a pole encourages them to bring both hind feet together to push for take-off. This is perfect when they first jump a course and might not be sure which fence is coming next, so they need a little help!
2. RIDER’S LEG
Don't be afraid to use plenty of leg a stride or two before take-off. It's better to get the horse in front of the leg and give them plenty of confidence at the early stages of jumping a course.
4. GUIDE RAILS AND FILLERS
When I first introduce fillers to a green horse, I use guide rails on both sides to keep them focused. Fillers can be spooky, and there's a lot going on, so you need them to listen. I also find that guide rails are also helpful through doubles to help keep the horse focused and straight when learning to jump them.
Product right: Peacock shaped fillers (pair) from JSW www.jsw4jumps.co.uk RRP £195.00
3. INTRODUCING A DOUBLE
When introducing your first double, it is best to approach in trot with a placing pole in front of the first element (I aim for 2 and a half yards out) and keep it small with the distance in the double slightly shorter than it would be when approaching in canter. It is important to have the horse in front of the leg and working into the bridle. Aim to land in canter and take one or two strides then over the second part. When the horse feels confident and forward, you can then approach in canter, making sure to adjust the distance as necessary. •
With special thanks to Bex Mason, Tara Punter PR and JSW 4 Jumps.
Pilot Equine support horse AND rider nutritional requirements
Equestrian’s health and performance has catapulted into the limelight, with Pilot Equine at the forefront of driving a holistic movement. Providing optimal sports and nutrition support for horse and rider, Pilot
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A company founded in 2020 amongst the chaos of a global pandemic, Pilot Equine have already received excellent reviews and gained thousands of followers. Supporting every equestrian in achieving their goals, the brand has already helped many riders from all disciplines.
Behind the brand is a small team threaded together by founders and longterm friends, Ben Atkins and Eddie Bye. With a decade of friendship behind them, they combined their passions for horse and human performance into one pioneering company.
Ben holds the equestrian experience by managing a livery yard, riding school and racing syndicate, alongside breeding sports horses. He also Field Masters for his local hunt. Ben’s experience combined, gives him a broad understanding of the holistic care required for different working horses. Meanwhile, Eddie holds a wealth of experience in the fitness industry and is an expert in human supplementation. While Eddie dabbles in a little riding himself, his main focus is to encourage riders at all levels to become the best version of themselves. Pilot Equine’s approach Pilot Equine is a results-driven brand, built by like-minded equestrians. Therefore, every detail aims to support and boost performance, efficiently and effectively.
As Pilot Equine strives to ensure every rider can enjoy the journey to reach their equestrian goals, the brand puts in the hard work so that riders don’t have to. Supplying quality supplements and expert advice, Pilot put all equestrians on a level playing field with top athletes. Providing a service only those at top-level would usually access, Pilot Equine’s approach to performance enhancement is affordable, accessible, and time friendly.
Why choose Pilot Equine? Pilot Equine caters for every horse and every rider. Built so all equestrians can access top nutritional and lifestyle support for themselves and their horses, Pilot Equine prides itself on being able to help partnerships reach their performance goals.
Pilot Equine has created three natural and nutritionally rich blends to support horse health and performance. These blends are the Foundation hoof supplement, the Freedom joint supplement, and the Focus calming supplement. Each contains research-backed ingredients at their optimal doses, supporting horses through activity and recovery. Further, the blends are supported with ingredients to ensure gut health and maximal absorption. Containing pro- and pre-biotics, the supplements can work to their full effect and quality, with fast-acting results.
With horse health only being half the picture in equestrian performance, Pilot Equine has also created supplement blends to support riders. These are the Revive supplement for energy, the Protect supplement for joint protection, and the Recovery supplement to all the nutritional needs of the ‘on-thego’ rider. With the rider playing an integral part in their horse’s performance, targeting rider health and nutrition is essential when priming partnerships for optimal training and competition results
Taking a holistic approach, Pilot Equine understands that nutritional supplements often need a helping hand to achieve their full impact. A free, expert-written guide comes with every supplement purchased in the range and focuses on lifestyle and management to optimise the effect of each product. The achievable and research-backed considerations are well worth the read, from ways to support hoof health to rider fitness and strength.
Need to know more? For those still pondering the benefits of supplementation or wanting more support for equestrian lifestyle management to optimise performance, Pilot Equine has set up a free blog covering a range of subjects. With a goal to help all horses and riders, the blog is free to access and is a great way to pick up novel tips and knowledge for horse and rider health.
Pilot Equine’s blog posts have been written by experts, drawing on the most recent and reliable research in the human and equine performance field. Find the research behind ingredients included in Pilot Equine’s supplements or even more ways to add beneficial management techniques to target goals within a partnership. •
Supplying a blend of natural, nutritionally balanced supplements and expert-written guides, Pilot Equine believes that by arming equestrians with nutrition and knowledge, they can achieve their full potential.
Meanwhile, the Pilot Equine team are happy to answer any questions regarding equine or human performance.
