Interview with Ilona
Dear Ilona, how do you become a tournament companion?
With a lot of love for horses, show grooming is certainly not a “normal” job, the horses always come first. You should have a certain attention to detail, a lot of experience with horses, not be afraid of physical work and simply love equestrian sport.
Many riders offer the opportunity to do internships in their stables, so you get the opportunity to look behind the scenes, I can only recommend that to anyone who is considering a career as a tournament steward.
This gives you a realistic insight into the tasks of a tournament manager and there is never enough work in the stables, which is why all teams are actually happy about a helping hand.
Handling the Horse
What little tricks help you when handling the horse?
I love spending time with my horse, extensive cleaning and care is a daily part for us and absolutely essential for me to build a bond with your horse. Whenever I am with the horse, I try to devote 100% of my attention to my horse and to accept him as he is. Horses also have their peculiarities, not every horse likes to be cuddled and stroked, for example, I think you should accept that. I have many rituals when dealing with my horse, which structure everyday life for him and me and also give us security in tournaments or other unusual situations.
But the fun should never be neglected, so even small tricks like “Smile” (flehmen on command) can be a nice balance for horse and human, I have a lot of fun working on this with my horse and I think it improves communication together again very much
What can a beginner rider do wrong when meeting a horse for the first time?
I think the most important thing is to meet the horse as calmly as possible.
Horses are absolutely sensitive animals, you should first familiarize yourself with the horse in peace and behave as calmly and relaxedly as possible towards the animal, hectic walking around or gesticulating should always be avoided if possible.
I think it is also important to give yourself time to feel comfortable in the presence of the horse, maybe it helps to deal with the body language of horses beforehand in order to be able to understand it better.
What is so special about riding?
For me it’s really “fascination with equestrian sports”, it’s the only sport that you don’t do alone, but you can’t talk to your sports partner.
For me it is the love for these special animals that are so strong and yet so gentle. I think every rider has let go of the reins in a full gallop on the meadow and spread his hands, it’s this feeling of blind trust for his horse that you can’t explain but always puts a big smile on your face.
…many thanks Ilona for this exciting interview
