We continue this week with another long time Bluegrass Horse Feeds Customer Barbara Allen. Based in County Waterford as part of the successful Widger Stables, producing young horses. Lets find out a little more behind her success;

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

Undoubtably it has to be my little Cruising mare, Sligo Cruise Capitol, the temperament of a woman scorned but the heart of a lion! She’s my once in a life time horse

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

Something that was going to make us millions

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

 Would love to have gone into the racing industry. I ride out with Waterford trainer Robert Widger when I can & absolutely love it.

4) Favourite horseshow?

Best show, internationally it would have to be Spruce Meadows. And nationally we’re very lucky to have some great facilities indoor and outdoor.

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

 Neither!!! I don’t really see myself as much of a Hugh Jackman but Conor I’d say you do  

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

My Prestige saddle and Horseware Sportz Vibe rug from Anne at Horseworld.ie

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

Pulling the saddle forward! I have a thing about the saddle being forward, probably explains why I get bucked off so much

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

We’re very lucky to live so close to the sea so I love going body boarding in the evenings with my two side kicks Amy & Becky

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

The Breeders Classic in Barnadown would be a great class to win or even be placed in. It has a massive prize fund & show cases some of the best 5/6yr olds in the country over 4 days on a topclass grass ring. We’re very lucky to have an outdoor show of this standard in the country.

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

 My mother has always fed Bluegrass Horse Feeds, so naturally I was going to follow this on. The horses look fantastic on their feeds and we’re really seeing some great results from their new Turmash, it keeps the condition on without them getting hot. It’s a great feed for all types of horses.

11) When did you start riding?

My mother had me in lead rein classes when I was 4 and the rest is history  

12) First pony’s name?

He was a little fat roan pony about 12hands called Tutti Frutti and was definitely not a first pony but as my mother says, he toughened ye up

13) What’s your proudest achievement so far?

To date being able to remember a dressage test. But winning the 7yr old Championship in Linz in Austria with Rosie is definitely one I’ll never forget

14) What’s your favourite training exercise?

As we always have a variety of sales horses and young horses in work at the same time the training regime differs for them all but definitely grid work & canter poles are a great exercise for horse & rider

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

 Not to get deflated too easily, everyone has bad days! Good work ethic & determination and don’t be afraid to ask for help & advice

Find out more on the Bluegrass Turmash recommended by Barbara "It keeps condition without them getting hot" 

The low starch, high fibre conditioning mash containing the natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, Turmeric.