Paul Friday
Rider Name: Paul Friday
Discipline: Dressage
1) Which horse has been your Favourite to have ridden? It is difficult to choose just one favourite horse as they all have different qualities. From the past, one of my favourite horses belonged to the Pleasance family and was called Palermo. He was an amazing horse with whom I formed a close partnership. He won everything he entered in 2003, including the 6 year old Potential International Dressage Horse Championships, at the Europeans held at Hickstead. Another favourite has got to be Cardinar, my 100 day tested Hanoverian stallion that has been with me for 22 years and is now 26 years old. He has produced some lovely progeny, some of which I am competing. My current favourite, is future prospect, Winston Bond.
2) If you could ride any horse in the world, past and present, who would it be? The horse I would like to ride most has to be Totilas as he is such an amazing horse with great energy, softness and has been beautifully trained.
3) When was the last time you fell off and what happened? I fell off at Christmas in 2012, which was the first time in about three years. It was off a youngster and I landed very awkwardly, ending up in hospital for a few days.
4) What would you look for when buying a horse? When buying a horse I think the most important things are the key factors of temperament, trainability, confirmation, movement and suppleness.
5) Who has been the biggest influence in your career so far? The most influential person in my career is Carl Hester, who I have been training with for fifteen years, and still do.
6) What do you like to do when you're not riding? When not riding, I like to go snowboarding or find some sun but I can only cope with this for a week at a time as I feel like a duck out of water. I also enjoy socialising with a group of friends locally and also further afield.
7) What is your favourite Take-Away? My favourite takeaways are Chinese and Indian.
8) Where is your favourite show to compete at? Addington is a special venue to me as I used to work for Lady Inchcape when she owned it and I know it so well.
9) What was your highlight of 2012? The highlight for 2012 was qualifying three horses, at four different levels, at the Winter Championships, with another three at the National Championships and winning my first PSG with Winston Bond, after training for a year.
10) What are your aims for 2013? I would like to be considered to compete abroad with Winston Bond in 2013.
11) What is your favourite WeatherBeeta rug and why? Our favourite is the WeatherBeeta Freestyle 1200D Detach-A-Neck Heavy, the Freestyle Gussets at the front shoulder prevent rubbed shoulder and allow the horse to move without restriction. Although it is a turnout rug we use it in the stable as well due to it being hard wearing, stays clean and smart and is easily washed when necessary.
