EquiFeast insight - Bursary Winner, Rebecca Neale

Get to know - Rebecca Neale

After a event super season, we decided to get to know our Bursary winner a little better!

(Image: Dave Murray)

What got you into riding and when did you start?

I first started riding lessons with an instructor called Becky Brain, I seem to remember a pony called SmartyPants and his hijinks during lessons! I think it all really started from my Mum though, she worked with horses before she and Dad were married. She is a great source of knowledge and sometimes it’s worth trying the old-fashioned way (Sorry Mum!) and taking it back to basics. She taught me everything from mucking out, grooming, tack cleaning, plaiting and the list goes on so really I owe a lot to her.

Which rider do you admire?

I really like Louise Harwood, there is something about the way the big horses really respect, listen and perform for her when she is so tiny in comparison. She always appreciates the horse’s effort and is equally as lovely to any fans that speak to her. I am lucky enough to be having lessons on both horses with her before next season thanks to Jack Myzowski and Barbara Hurst.

How long have you had Layla and why did you choose her?

I have owned Layla for 9 years. I originally bought her as an unbroken 3yo with the idea that I could break her in and bring her on for 6months and then sell her to fund a bigger horse. As I started to work her I fell in love with her nice but slightly quirky nature and her drive to work. I have been offered money for her over the years but she’s definitely staying. She is a typical Welsh and will catch you out sometimes but always just cheekiness. Her favourite game is to use her neck against you and disappear when you are turning round to do a gate whilst leading her in or out, she just keeps going straight and leaves you without a rope before you realise! Everyone who has led her has been tested in this way and it keeps you on the ball. She doesn’t really enjoy holidays as prefers to be doing! 

What is your greatest equine achievement?

I would have to say producing Layla from an unbroken 3yo into a brilliant all-rounder with a brilliant attitude to always try. In the time I have owned Layla we have competed in British Dressage, showing working hunter and flat, show-jumping and now British Eventing alongside hunting. We have gone from never thinking of eventing to completing 5xBE80’s in 2015 before progressing to BE90 this season.

• Another achievement has been breeding Plaidyparc Diamond Smuggler aka Squirt. When Layla injured her DDFT I decided to look at breeding a bigger next generation member of the team. I chose a German Warmblood, Sempers Spirit, and have now got a coloured Welsh Part-Bred 4yo. He has already proved himself in the show ring, as a 3yo at Northleach Welsh Breed Show he was awarded Champion Welsh Part-Bred Horse and Reserve Champion Overall Welsh Part-Bred.
• And finally, not either of my horses but the legend that is Mush. Jumping the ridiculous hedges at Widleys whilst out with the Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt. Sadly Mush has now passed away but I appreciate what he taught me and his owner for letting me take him out so much.(Image: Credit TTL Videos)

Which is your favourite EquiFeast product so far and why?

I have been really impressed with Winning Edge Core, since Layla has been on a no added magnesium diet she has been more relaxed. This has aided our training as she is more focused even though she has been fitter than ever before. I also used the Fight Back Combi towards the end of the season, I felt Layla was just feeling ait flat although she was fit and healthy. I rang Eloise and she suggested trying it, within a week I noticed a difference and once Layla had finished the pack she was fine and still raring to go. The best bit about Fight Back is unlike some other ‘pep up’ tonics/supplements is it didn’t blow her brains and send her over the top. It obviously worked with what her body needed to realign. 

Where do you hope to be with the horses by the end of next season?

Next season I would like to pick up some regional final tickets on Layla with the aim of qualifying for the 2018 Mitsibushi Motors Cup. I will be focusing on dressage training in the new year and as soon as the weather allows getting on with canter work to improve her length of stride.

Squirt will be started into the world of eventing, this will start with dressage and show-jumping competitions in the new year. I would like him to be confidently jumping at BE90 by the end of the season.

What do you like to do when not at the yard or competing?

I enjoy cooking and baking, especially experimenting with new ideas and recipes. I also enjoy spending time with my niece, Chloe, and she likes coming to the yard to help. She prefers riding Squirt to Layla and is quick to remind me that he will be hers when she is big enough. I also try to get out and volunteer at events as feel it is important to give back to the sport. My parents, Kay and Steve Neale, are out nearly every weekend and some weekdays throughout the season fence judging at all levels from BE80 to 3*. When the event season has finished it is time to go hunting, I follow both mounted and unmounted. Chloe also likes to come out for the out day in the car and foot following especially if there are sausage rolls at the meet!

Keep up with Rebecca via her own website 'Not just a one trick pony'!