This month, we are thrilled to feature Angela Spenceley in our series. We have been following Ang and her two horses, Callaho Lennox and Callaho Commidor, for quite some time now and have always been inspired by her unwavering dedication to the sport and her deep affection for her horses.

 

1.For how many years have you been riding horses?

I've been riding since pre-school when there was a little pony that used to come once a week. I only started riding competitively about 7 years ago though!

2.What is your favorite show venue? 

That's a tough one, but definitely Kyalami or Burlington. We always have good shows there.

3. How do you manage to balance your career and show jumping full time?

It's really tough! I'm in my last year of accounting (CA) and I just make sure I take an hour or two out of every day to have a break and go see my horses. Working full time next year will be tough but 6 am starts will have to become the norm.

4. Could you share your weekly training routine with us?

I ride 6 times a week, I jump once unless there is a show, then I will jump twice in the week leading up to the show. I try to change it up as much as I can with flatwork in the big arena, and I try to work in the derby arena as much as I can.

5. What strategies do you employ to remain composed while competing?

I used to get so nervous before shows and I still do sometimes, but I really try and just take the day one step at a time and try not to think too much about the track and the competitors. If I start getting nervous again I will go for a walk or go get some food to clear my head.

6. As a show jumper, what are some of the most significant obstacles you've had to overcome, and how did you manage to do so?

I definitely think listening to your horse is one of the many challenges we face as showjumpers, horses cannot communicate their feelings and we really have to understand them as best we can.
I think we all have to learn to deal with disappointment! Sometimes we can go to shows and be the most prepared we've ever been and feel very confident, and we have a disappointing round. Show Jumping has taught me that no matter how prepared you are, sometimes it's just not your day. And how to deal with all those emotions, and definitely how to be a good sport!
I went through a very rough patch in my riding when I moved up to the 1.20s, and I had to learn how to be resilient and keep fighting for what I wanted, and in the end, it paid off. I really believe that riding teaches you lessons you can apply to your everyday life, even if we don't know it sometimes!

7.What is the most memorable moment or achievement you've experienced thus far in your show jumping career?

When I jumped my very first 1.30 show. Since I started riding I never even imagined being able to jump in the 1.30s. I would watch the derby and not even think it would be achievable to jump in the Bob Charter Arena. When we got up to the open classes I really couldn't have asked for more. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for Lennox.

8.What steps do you take to prepare yourself and your horse for a competition, both mentally and physically?

I like to go to the gym as much as I can to stay fit for riding and I'll do lots of fitness work in the derby arena throughout the whole year to keep my horses fitness up. The week before the show I'll have two jumping lessons to make sure we are in a rhythm and I have my eye in and the day before the show I won't work them too hard, but we will do supplying exercises and lengthening and shortening to get them responsive and awake.
Mentally I always have a very quiet day before the show, I'll go to bed very early and make sure everything is ready for the show!

9.What are your goals for your horses in the future?

I would really love to jump a 1.40 with Lennox this year and I have been so close to a big win so many times, so to have a big win under our belt would be amazing!
I would really like to get Commidor more consistent in the 1.20s and get him stronger this year.

10.What word of advice do you have for up coming riders?

Always stay positive and keep going even if you're going through a rough patch. Riding is a rollercoaster and you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride!
Take everything as a learning opportunity, a good round or a bad round is such a good learning experience for you and your horse, so be grateful for every single ride you get!

11. Who is the rider that has inspired you the most?

My coach Bryce McCall has always been someone I look up to, his horsemanship and his ability are always something I've been inspired by.

12. Lastly, what is your favourite product in our collection, and what makes it stand out to you?

The Kinetix breeches for sure! The competition breeches as well as the everyday breeches. They are so comfortable and functional, I absolutely love them!

 

Thank you Ang for participating in our series and allowing us to spend time with you and your horses. Keep an eye on our page for next month's RIDER OF THE MONTH.

 

Follow Angela on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/ang_equestrian51