Shane Davidson
Roz Neave Horse Magazine
Name: Shane Davidson
Age: 42
Lives: Kings Siding Qld
Occupation: Horse trainer, stud owner, coach
- What Age did you start riding? I started riding frequently at around 8.
- Who Introduced you to riding? My parents and grand parents introduced me to riding.
- Tell us about your first horse. My first horse was a pony mare called Becky. She was very forgiving and tough.
- How many horses do you currently have in work? We currently have up to twenty horses in work on a normal day, this includes our own young horses, competition horses, horses on training and sale horses. Luckily my wife Mattea is there to help share the workload.
- Which horse is your current star? My current star would be my Grand Prix horse Fairbanks Lulu, who has a special place at our stable as we bred, raised, broke-in, and trained up until now.
- Do you have any future stars? I have a 6 year old gelding by Indoctro who I see as my future star. He started competing just over twelve months ago and is already placing in Future Star competitions.
- What was your biggest competitive achievement? My biggest competitive achievement would have to be being a member of the winning Australian team at the Oceania Championships in 2013 and also competing at the World Young horses Championships in Belgium in 2005.
- Who was the biggest influence to your riding? The biggest influence on my riding would be fellow competitors, trainers and coaches who I have worked with over the years.
- What do you look for in horse? When looking for a horse I like good moving, athletic types with a big canter, horses with a good character, and trainable nature. These horses are worth their weight in gold.
- Which piece of gear can’t you leave home without? I can’t leave home without my Tonics chaps and boots.
- How do you prepare mentally for a big competition? My mental preparation for a big competition starts months or years before, I feel most at ease when my horses are well educated, physically fit, and happy within themselves.
- How do you prepare your horse for a big competition? When preparing horses for a big class I like my horses to be running well on a daily basis. This takes much of the guess work out of plans and schedules.
- Describe what is important for your warm up? Having someone on the ground in the warmup is essential who knows your system and horse – as well as a good gate marshall to keep you on time.
- What do you focus on when walking the course? My focus when walking the course really depends on the horse and level I am riding, or if I am walking the course with a student. With young horses I am looking at the course and also the surrounding environment to see what or where we are jumping into. With more experienced horses, knowing the lines and distances and how the individual horse will react to the course and surrounds.
- What are your short and long term goals? My short and long term goals are to be able to consistently produce competitive horses at a national and international level.
- Who is your Australian based role model? Australian based riders who I admire are Vicky Roycroft who is always super competitive and willing to offer advice and Chris Chugg who seems to be able to consistently produce Grand Prix horses who are competitive in Australia and overseas.
- Who is your international role model? I admire Marcus Ehning who rides with great feel and makes the courses look effortless.
- Which is your favourite horse of all time? My favourite horse of all time is Milton. I remember seeing him at a show in Germany when I was a teenager. There were thousands of people watching, they were completely silent for a minute and half, and at the end erupted in applause after he had jumped clean.
- Tell us a few things we don’t know about you? I lived and worked in Germany for 6 years as a stable and competition rider. German is my second language.
- Who are your sponsors? Mattea and myself have terrific sponsors:
Schockemoehle Sports – Riding apparel and tackCopRice – Horse feedProteq – BeddingEdwards Saddleworld – Tack storeWater view Park – Frozen semen from international sires
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