County Laois based showjumper and Bluegrass Horse Feeds customer, Vickie Anderson is our next “Behind the Success” rider in this series to give an insight into what it takes to be successful. We caught up with Vickie to give you a bit of background about her before she takes on the Q&A session.

 “I show jump in my spare time (I have a full time job in the family haulage business "A" Transport Ltd) and have been riding since the age of 4. I didn't get into showjumping until I was riding 13.2hh and that's where it all kicked off. I've had a lot of different horses over the years but I'm starting this year with 2 that I think a huge amount of. Last year we travelled to the UK for the first time and competed at the Hickstead Derby meeting. It was an unforgettable experience and I can't wait to get back there. I have competed up to 1.45 level and this year I hope to build on that. 

I firmly believe in minding your horse from the inside out. If they feel healthy and fresh and good in themselves, the rest will be an easier job. Between my job and my small team of horses I don't have much spare time but the time I do have, I do a bit of coaching. I am a BHS registered instructor and I love teaching, I love talking so that helps!!

I have found Bluegrass to be a great help especially to my Grand Prix horse as he is a stressy character and suffers with his stomach from time to time. The fitter he gets through the season, the more care we need to take. I find having switched him on to the Bluegrass Re-Leve, he has transformed and going forward I think we will see even more benefits from it. I feed the Garlic Chaff to everything and find it great, particularly in the summer with flies and midges about but also for their respiratory systems. I'm looking forward to the season ahead!!”

1) What’s your favourite horse you’ve ridden?

Do you need to ask??? ZACK!!

2) What horse would you like to have in your stables?

Edwina Alexander’s “Inca Boy”

3) If you weren’t a showjumper what would you like to be?

I always thought veterinary nursing was something I would have enjoyed

4) Favourite horse show?

Hickstead, the atmosphere, the fences, the arenas, the crowds. I can’t wait to go back there

5) Do you prefer the Greatest Showman or Les Mis soundtrack?

The Greatest Showman

6) What’s the one thing in your tack room you can’t be without?

My PlusVital range of supplements play a huge part in my daily regime for my horses from their feet to their tails 

7) Have you any routines or habits before you go in the ring?

I always have to get off and fix my saddle before I go in, whether it needs fixing or not!!

8) Do you have any other hobbies or sport interests?

I’m pretty good at online shopping!!!

9) Name one competition that you really want to win?

I would love to win the Indoor Derby in Cavan or if I REALLY want to dream, I’d love to be in with a chance for the Speed Derby in Hickstead

10) What’s your favourite Bluegrass Horse Feed product?

I love the Garlic Chaff, I feed it to everything

11) When did you start riding?

Pretty sure I was on a horse before I can remember but I started getting proper lessons at the age of 4

12) First pony’s name?

My first pony was called Minnie and the only thing she taught me was how to sit a buck!!!! My second pony was my real love, a 13h gelding called Willow Lord. He gave me the showjumping bug.

13) What’s your proudest achievement so far?

To have brought Zack from a 1m class to the 1.45 in Hickstead last year and knowing I’ve produced him every step of the way myself. That makes me proud

14) What’s your favourite training exercise?

Bounce grids (not with Zack, he’s intolerant of grids!!) and canter poles EVERYWHERE!!

15) One piece of advice you’d give to young riders?

Start feeding Bluegrass now!!! And take all the advice you can get from all aspects of the sport. Someday you will need to use it. What seems like useless information today will be paramount another day.