We had a chat to two of our riders, Flora Harris & Lisa Freckingham, to learn more about them and their relationship with the sport of eventing. Read below to learn more!
Has eventing always been your discipline, or have you explored others?
FH: I came to eventing relatively late compared to some, when I was about 16. Up until then I’d done lots of pony club activities including pony club polo! I really enjoy show jumping and dressage and continue to compete in BS competitions through the winter.
LF: Before I took up eventing professionally I competed in many hunt races and almost thought about becoming a jockey, as the speed is what I loved!! I then got on to the U18 Eventing team and have never looked back.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career?
FH: I have been very lucky to have some wonderful moments in my career so far, but I would say winning Bramham and my first Nations Cup appearance were both particularly special.
LF: My most memorable moment that sticks out the most is winning the Pony Club open Eventing Championships on a horse called Heart Of Gold that I bought as a 3 yo for £600!!!
How many horses are you currently competing and at what level?
FH: I’m currently competing between 6 and 8 horses, ranging from 4yo to advanced level.
LF: I have a yard of 7 horses, all young horses as I picked up an injury at the end of 2019 which meant a year off. I sadly lost the majority of my horses, one being a 4* Horse, so I basically started again. My young horses are currently at BE90 and BE100 level.
What are your aims or goals for this season?
FH: I’m hoping for all my horses to achieve their individual goals for the season, which range from the younger horses qualifying for their national championships to my two exciting young advanced horses stepping up and being competitive at 4* level.
LF: My aim for this season is to have a yard of confident young horses that will all step up a level as the season goes on.
Which PolyPad is your favourite/most used?
FH: We use the PolyPad Premier Jump and Dressage pad every day at home. They look so smart, no matter how much use they get and are so versatile keeping all my horses comfortable in their day to day work. I’m not one for bright colours, so we tend to stick to Navy and Black but they still look fabulous with some of my sponsors’ logos embroidered on.
LF: Very hard for me to pick out a favourite PolyPad item, but the most used that I couldn’t be without is the Classic Polypad square! I use them everyday, they give extra comfort, hard wearing and can be washed time and time again.
Which N.E.W Equine wear product could you not live without?
FH: I absolutely love the NEW airoflow close contact saddle pads which look fantastic and keep my horses cool and comfortable, so they can perform at their best. The material helps to wick moisture away from the skin and the light weight material helps to get a really close feel my horses.
LF: My favourite N.E.W product has to be the XC boots, they fit all of my horses and I feel confident when going XC that my horses have the best possible protection.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone considering a career in eventing, what would it be?
FH: Be prepared to work really hard and enjoy every moment!
LF: If Eventing is something that you are thinking of taking up as a career, my advice is to be prepared to work EXTREMELY hard and treasure the good days and rise above the bad!!