Vicky Hesford

The show producer on being ultra-organised ahead of a competition, her honest ethos and keeping her horses forward and happy all season long

- Alex Robinson

VICKY is a top show horse producer based in South Wales with her partner, international showjumper Andrew Davies, and their son Archie. She was dual champion at HOYS in 2015 with hack Whalton Forgery and cob Randalstown Musketeer.

ON competition day I like everything to run smoothly. Our work is done at home but I like to know I’ve put 110% effort in and that everything is covered for every eventuality. My long-suffering partner, Andrew, says I’m so over-organised that if something goes wrong I’m annoyed I haven’t planned for the problem.

Before I enter the show ring I try to keep calm. We can all be guilty of overriding in the moment, but this is when mistakes happen. As a rider it’s my responsibility to give the horse a good trip round, too. If you feel you’ve let the lid boil over too much, try to relax and ride through it.

I also try to remember my horse’s specific strengths and weaknesses. At the end of the day it’s showing and you’re in there to sell a package. From the minute you walk through the gate you’re on show and you don’t have a lot of time to perform; your horse must be singing in front of those judges.