Champion Born to Shine on the Centre Line: Nina
Nina John and Colin from Guildford in Surrey placed 2nd in the Prelim Open class of the British Dressage Online Associated Championships 2018. Here we find out a bit more about the partnership.
When and why did you start riding?
I started to ride when I was about 12 years old. I had always loved horses and was desperate to ride, so one year whilst on holiday I went pony trekking with my sister.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself!
I started slalom waterskiing two years ago. The balance that I have developed through riding has been of great advantage in learning this new sport.
Tell us a bit more about your horse
Colin is a 14 year old Irish dark bay and has been with me since the day he was born. I bought his mother several months before he was born but at that time I was not aware that she was expecting...! I was present at his birth and knew then that I could never part with him.
Have you got any interesting stories or anecdotes about Colin?
Colin does Yoga...! When he is cross or impatient he goes into a downward dog position.
See Also
BD Online Associated Champions 2018
What do you want to achieve in 2019?
2018 is the first time Colin has done a dressage test. I wanted to 'have a go' and put ourselves to the test.
What's your biggest challenge?
To relax and not get tense whilst riding the test! Colin, who is bone idle, uses this as the perfect excuse to switch off and have a bit of a snooze as we going round.
What's your biggest achievement to date?
I haven't done any competing for many, many years and I'm so thrilled to have started again and done so well with Dressage Anywhere since June 2018. My expectations have been well and truly exceeded. In my competing days, a long time ago, my biggest achievement was to win an affiliated BD regional championship at Novice level, and go on to compete at the National championships.
What's your favourite thing about competing with Dressage Anywhere?
I love it all! I think it's a brilliant concept. Unfortunately I don't have transport, or the time available these days to be out at competitions every weekend, but with Dressage Anywhere I have the opportunity to compete from home, to put myself and Colin to the test, and to be judged and have constructive feedback from listed judges.