Equestrian An eventer with a real passion for promoting local brands By Jade Leahy Gemma Gilbert is a 23-yearold local eventer from Yeovil. Gemma started riding aged six at a local riding school and began showing at Bath and West showground aged ten, riding a lovely Mountain Moorland pony in shows and championships around the country. She progressed to her own loan horse aged 15, which was the start of her love for eventing. Gemma bought her first horse Connor, or Apache Blue, a skewbald tabiona gelding tb/cob when she was 18 and as an apprentice engineer, she
was able to fund his upkeep herself. She found him via a local Facebook page, after a successful vetting and trial, their partnership was formed, Con is now 12 and their partnership has gone from strength to strength – 17 years on Gemma’s love of riding and eventing endures although they
are yet to have a full season due to Con sustaining an injury and now the restrictions of covid-19. Gemma and Con also ride for Taunton District Riding Club. Although Gemma says their favourite and strongest phase is cross country, he skewbald has a bold and brave heart and also loves show jumping, and their dressage is really improving. Between lockdowns Gemma and Con competed at the BRC Arena Eventing National Qualifiers at Bicton Arena and Novice winter dressage at KSEC achieving a first and national qualification, 5 and a team 6th in big competitive
dressage classes. Gemma and Con display team spirit both on and off the competition field, championing local brands that she truly believes in and that have helped her, and Con. Gemma and Con are known for their support of local brands as much as for their obsession with the colour purple and are brand ambassadors for several local brands including HiHo Silver, Vinyl Vision, Fruitbat Textiles, 3 Donkeys Clothing and Touch of Tweed. You can follow their journey and their product recommendations via social media and their blog at gemeventing.com
Road safety and manners important By our equestrian columnist Charlotte Williams 2020 was certainly a very different year in the horse world. Although there have been few opportunities to compete or train, I do realise how lucky I am to be able to hack out in the beautiful countryside, which is a privilege and a pleasure. Where Flek and I are stabled, the hacking is fairly good and most of the bridleways are well sign-posted with good access. However there are plenty of bridleways which are neglected and a number of gates which have seen better days. Serious gymnastic skills and a very well-behaved steed are a must in order to open and close them. Flek and I ventured out the 78
other day, following a path across a field. I was about halfway across – at the point of no return – when we were confronted by a herd of inquisitive young cattle. Now I think I can speak for most horse riders when I say this is absolutely no fun at all! I understand riders, ramblers and dog walkers cannot expect to roam these paths uninterrupted, however a sign on a gate would be a
huge help – forewarned is forearmed. Most horse riders have to cross roads to reach the bridleways these days, as development has resulted in a loss of land. Most drivers in Dorset are courteous and kind, however there are a few drivers who show no consideration and I cannot understand why they don’t slow down and give the horse plenty of room when they pass. Horses can spook easily and
their reactions cannot always be judged. I always try to avoid busy roads, particularly on a young or nervous horse, however some of the fastest drivers I have encountered have been on rural lanes. In this situation it is vital to remain calm and acknowledge any driver who shows consideration – even if your horse is doing the Highland Fling! Riders can play their part too. A nod of the head or grimace that passes as a smile can usually be managed. Riders must also take their own safety precautions – high visibility clothing and a hat are a must, along with insurance, which is readily available through several organisations. And there are plenty of BHS Ride and Road Safety courses. I know we live in a densely populated and busy world, but dare I say it? Kindness costs nothing.
