Gemma Tattersall
Rider Name: Gemma Tattersall
Discipline: Eventing
Career highlights: 2 Young Rider Team Gold medals; U25 National Champion 2010; 10th at Pau CCI**** 2012; being promoted to the Elite squad 2012. Being part of the winning Nations cup team 2013 and coming 2nd in the CIC*** at Houghton as part of the series.
1) Which horse has been your Favourite to have ridden? I have been lucky enough to ride some lovely horses but probably the greatest feeling ever has been riding cross country on Arctic Soul
2) If you could ride any horse in the world, past and present, who would it be? A current horse I would love to ride would be Michael Jung’s horse La Biosthetique Sam FBW as he is just superb in all 3 phases. A horse from a while ago would be Charisma who was competed by Mark Todd – he was a tiny little horse with a massive heart and a desire to do his job which is what really makes an event horse!
3) When was the last time you fell off and what happened? Unfortunately I took a tumble at Boekelo CCI*** in October. I was riding Chico Bella and we were having a fabulous round until she stumbled in the water and we both fell in a heap. It was massively disappointing and also disgustingly wet and sandy!!
4) What would you look for when buying a horse? There are lots of things that are important but I am learning that having a good brain and being trainable is one of the most important attributes a horse can have
5) Who has been the biggest influence in your career so far? I would have to say my mum as without her I would not have got to where I am today
6) What do you like to do when you're not riding? One of my favourite things is eating out. You can’t beat a good meal in good company. Apart from that – buying shoes!!
7) What is your favourite Take-Away? Depends a lot on my mood but probably Chinese
8) Where is your favourite show to compete at? Nothing beats Badminton but I also love Bramham. My favourite local show would be South of England, they have loads of classes and it is handy for my owners
9) What was your highlight of 2013? Being selected for the Nations Cup series and competing for my country at Aachen CICO***
10) What are your aims for 2014? Top 20 at Badminton, Top 10 at CCI***, selection for WEG
11) What is your favourite WeatherBeeta rug and why? Lots of great ones to choose from but probably the Channel Quilt Combo heavy as it is such a versatile rug. It keeps the horses lovely and snug in the winter and can be used as a layer or by itself. They also seem to be very durable which is important when counting the pennies!
