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Horseytalk.net Special Interview
Jo Bates

www.blackcountrysaddles.com

Meet Jo Bates, who you can rely on for is an honest answer and an honest view on your horse and your own ability – and that's what so many people like about her.

Jo Bates

That she also tries her heart out to understand a horse and get to the bottom of any problems they have also makes her stand out as a superb horsewoman who remains passionate about her chosen craft.

With a secret tipple of gin and grapefruit to fall back on those really tough days, Jo Bates laughs when I ask her what makes her smile the most.

The reply: "Getting the best tune out of a horse I can and turning horses round that have issues and problems that others have failed to understand."

As determined and keen to succeed in the ever competitive world of showing, Jo and her daughter Holly combine each others' skills at their Banbury yard.

As the 2015 season gets underway the stables are once again full with a team of nine horses - seven for showing and two for dressage - which is set to keep this happy-go-lucky duo busy over the forthcoming months.

Their knowledge when it comes to feeding, turnout and production is matched by their understanding of the importance of correct tack and the need for show saddles to be supremely comfortable for both themselves and judges.

Holly with Dorando and Cambridge
Holly with Dorando and Cambridge

Sponsored by Black Country Saddles, Jo says she wouldn't ride in anything else and keeps one thought in her head when trying a saddle…

"Without doubt the secret of a good saddle for showing is that when you sit on it for the first time it should be fabulously comfortable and after that you should never think about it again.

"A saddle should mould around the horse and provide a very close contact that allows you to sit into the horse and really feel it's movement and what is going on underneath you."

With her all-time favourite show being Royal Windsor, Jo can't praise this prestigious venue highly enough when talking about its many assets and plus points.

"Whether riding in the main arena or judging, there is just something very special about Royal Windsor, the atmosphere is incredible. I would encourage everyone to compete there to experience the magic" she laughs.

Recalling her many wins over the years, it is her Supreme Championship win at the Royal International Horse Show on the Small Riding Horse – Broadstone Dee – that remains a highpoint of her career.

"She was just so very special," says Jo, "I loved every bone in her body and she was without doubt my horse of a lifetime.

Jo Bates
Jo boot washing and in the tackroom

"Awesome would be the word to describe her. We had a very special bond that I will remember forever."

Thinking about the future, she is keen for daughter Holly - making a name for herself in the world of dressage - to take on more responsibility on the yard while Jo sees herself focusing her efforts increasingly on teaching.

"I just love teaching and get so much back when I see horses and riders improve and progress to the next level," says Jo

"It means so much to me and is really satisfying. Competing, riding and searching for the next superstar remains as exciting as ever and I still have that competitive streak in me and want to win."

Jo's Team for 2015

With a host of new rides for 2015 Jo is looking forward to getting the team out to the shows.

The team includes:

A hack around the fields with Galifrey and TillyLowmoor Arctic Venture – a Heavyweight Show Hunter owned by Ann Drabble. This six-year-old bay gelding joined Jo in February and started the season well qualifying for the Royal International Horse Show on his first time out. A first ever heavyweight for Jo to produce and show he has already become a favourite on the yard.

Sinnbad – owned by Serena Leckie - is in his first year showing and the brown gelding will compete in Retrained Racehorse classes and will be ridden by both Jo and Serena throughout the season.

Dowhills Snow Patrol – a Coloured Non-Native owned by Jessica Williams - another to be shown by owner and producer, Jo previously produced a Small Hack for Jessica who has always been so supportive of the team.

Volatis Oriana – another Coloured Non-Native, known as Nana is owned by Lucy Bridgewater who took second with Jo at the BSPS Winter Championships.

Galifrey – owned by Lady Benton Jones - is a Coloured Sport Horse that will be ridden by her grandson Alex and Jo herself.

Daldorn Lara's Theme – a Large Riding Horse is also owned by Jo's long term owner and very good friend, Lady Benton Jones

Buriana Cashel – owned by Eileen Jenkins - has returned to the yard for Holly to show as an Intermediate for the season.

Dorando – owned by Ali Fernyhough - is a five-year-old aimed at young dressage horses classes after an excellent 2014 season when just four.

Cambridge – is competing at Advanced Medium level with Holly who is back in the saddle after recovering from a broken leg.

Quick Fire

1 – Favourite Food – pasta or fish.

2 – Favourite author – any silly romantic novel or a good thriller

3 – Favourite film – I recently went to see The Hobbit which was great.

4 – Horse of a lifetime – Broadstone Dee

5 – Career highlight – winning the Supreme Ridden Championship at the Royal International Horse Show.

For more information or help with buying a new saddle contact Black Country Saddles on:

Telephone: 01543 578 243
Web: www.blackcountrysaddles.com

Interview sourced from www.blackcountrysaddles.com