This week ‘Fast Talk’ is with Sally Lister, our team showjumping trainer.

 

Sally, you are in your second year as team trainer for the Burghley, do you feel that we are in a stronger position than last year and does knowing the members better help you in your role?

 

Gosh has it really been that long, time flies when you are having so much fun. But, in all reality I feel that building a rapport with children and horses has to put one in a better position. By getting to know individuals strengths and weaknesses it is much easier to make improvements and hopefully build better teams.

 

  

What special talents and attributes do you think you bring to the Burghley as a trainer?

 

I am not really sure what talents or attributes I bring to the Burghley. I suppose that as a trainer the most important thing I can do is try and pass on some of the experience and knowledge that I have to the children in the hope that they learn and improve.  Of course it always helps to be able to shout loud and look scary if necessary!

 

 

 

 

Which do you enjoy more, large general rallies where you can meet new children each time, or the more personal team training sessions?

 

 

Personally I struggle with the large general rallies.  I find it difficult to teach a group of children that I may never have seen before.  My main aim when teaching is that each child finds one thing that helps, that is not always possible when a group may consist of a very broad range of riding abilities and goals.

 

  

You bring plenty of energy and enthusiasm to your lessons, did you always want to be an instructor?

 

I have always enjoyed teaching and feel that it is a way of giving something back to the equestrian sport.  Teaching has never been the only part of my interest in horses but I think that in most instances the two go hand in hand.

 

 

At what age did you start riding?

 

Much to my parents disgust,
I started riding properly at the age of two and a half.  I am sure if they were asked now they would rather I had taken up chess as a hobby!

 

 

Where you a member of the Pony Club, if so which branch?

 

Yes I was in the pony club up until the age of about 16.  I was a member of The Vale of Aylesbury Hunt.

 

  

Tell us about your first pony!

 

My first pony was a New Forest X Tb bay mare.  She was called Folly.  I am sure all children have fond memories of their first pony and I do although I have many bad ones as well.  By the time I sold her she was a JA pony, although it took a great amount of blood, sweat and tears to get her there.  Last I heard of her she was still in the pony club somewhere in Lancashire.

 

Have you had a favourite horse or pony?

 

All the horses I have owned over the years have been special for one reason or another.  I don’t think that I could pick one in particular.  I remember them all for individual reasons.

 

What are the high points of your equestrian career so far?

 

I think that one of the most influential times was a trip to Australia.
It was the first time I ever sat on a ‘proper’ dressage horse.  Ever since then I have loved dancing with horses. 
From a jumping point of view very nearly getting to the foxhunter finals is a major memory.

 

  

I understand you also breed horses; this must be a very rewarding aspect of your life?

 

The breeding side of horses is something that my husband and I do together.  It started as a bit of fun really and has now become a major part of life.  The whole summer revolves around it; even our wedding was planned around mares foaling and stallions working.  It is very rewarding, very tiring but, in the grand scheme of things, something we both love doing.

 

How do you prefer to spend your spare time?

 

Spare time is a bit of a luxury really but I do try and get the odd day out every now and then.  The only condition of spare time is no horses for a day!

 

What would be your favourite holiday destination?

 

I think the best holiday I ever went on was a trip to Bali via Hong Kong and Singapore. That would be a trip I would do again. 


 I would also love to go on Safari.

 

  

What was your best Christmas present this year … or ever?

 

As far as presents go I always ask for very practical things.  About three years ago David bought me four foaling alarms.  That will always be the present that helps me sleep through the summer!

 

Intimate supper party at home or girl’s night out?

 

I don’t often get the chance for a girl’s night out.  I always have to be at work the following day so I would definitely go for the supper party!

 

 

  

Ideal dinner guests, past or present.

 

The best dinner guests are the people who don’t mind mucking in if we end up foaling and the ones that don’t mind being jumped on by the 3 terriers!

 

Red or white wine?

 

White wine generally, I love red wine but it gives me a headache!

 

 

Meat or vegetarian?

 

Meat every time.

 

 

Chocolate or crisps?

 

I don’t eat a huge amount of either although I always have both in the house for those indulgence moments.

 

Corrie or Eastenders?

 

Both, I love my soaps, a glass of wine and a soap at the end of the day keeps me sane.

 

  

Film or theatre?

 

Both again although I have been known to fall asleep five minutes into a film and wake up at the end!

 

Internet or department store shopping?

 

I do both, most of the Christmas presents I buy are over the internet but if I get time a day out shopping is great.

 

Favourite film?

 

I can watch more or less any film although not a huge fan of westerns or very gory films.  I don’t think I have really got a favourite.

 

Favourite cd at the moment?

 

I like listening to easy music, it has to be quite jolly and it is mostly on the radio rather than on CD.
  I have a radio on every yard.  It helps with the mucking out.

 

  

Finally – your star sign?

 

Gemini