Andy Austin Showjumpers – Blog

At just sixteen years old Jess Vickery fronts Vine Farm as Andy Austin’s protégée.  Since joining the team six months ago as a rider and groom to support Andy in bringing on the youngsters and competing the yard full of jumpers she has “made incredible steps forward in her riding and is turning in to a really good professional”.

You could be forgiven for underestimating this wispy teen as she complains about breaking an acrylic nail and tries to convince you that McDonalds is a good breakfast but, “don’t be fooled by the ditsy blond thing, it’s just an act.” According to Andy she’s competitive, driven and extremely focused and that’s why she wins…

Jess Vickery Q&A

1. How long have you been riding? I’ve been riding ever since I could sit up really but competing since I was about 6.

2. When did you start showjumping? I started showjumping when I was 10 and then affiliated when I was about 12.

3. When did you start riding for Andy? I’d been going to him for training for about 5 years but I started working for him in November.

4. How many horses do you ride a day? It depends, it can be anything from 2 to 6 or

5. What’s your favourite jumping venue and why? I don’t really have a favourite but if I had to pick one I think it would have to be Crofton Manor in Southampton because its spooky enough but not too spooky that you cant take the youngsters. Also it’s got a really good surface and is quite local.

6. Which riders do you look up to? I think it would have to be the Whitakers – I think most people do!

7. If you could compete/ride any horse, who would it be? It would have to be Shutterfly, he’s got all the power and is a real athlete. If I had to choose a horse from the yard it would have to be Urval because he’s just such a try-er.

8. What are your goals in showjumping? Long term it would be to get on some of the young rider teams, but on a day to day basis it would be just to give the horses the best round I can.

9. Who is currently your favourite horse to jump? I think I’d have to be biased and choose my horse Wonderboy. He can be a bit quirky but once he trusts you he’ll do so much.

10. Which lady rider do you most admire? Nicky Boulter, she’s determined and has such a feel for the horses.

11. What are the down sides of your job as rider/groom? It would have to be the fact you have to work in all weathers !! Even when it’s snowing the horses won’t do themselves unfortunately!

12. Likes? Shopping. I must admit I like McDonalds quite often and the odd red bull.

13. Hates? Mucking out and 4am starts

14. If you were stuck on a desert island with only one person, who would choose that to be? I think it would be my best mate Jodie as I’ve known her forever and we know exactly what the other does and doesn’t like!

15. Song of the moment? Spaceship and Beyonce’s new one ‘Best Thing I Ever Had’…

16. Favourite movie? Would have to be ‘Get Him to The Greek’.

There are pros and cons with both.

When looking to purchase a horse decide what’s important to you and then base your decisions around that.

What do you want the horse to do?

Is price the most important factor?

Is ‘come back’ important for support and training if challenges arise?

It’s possible to find cheaper horses when buying privately although you cannot always be sure of what you’re buying and there is often very little ‘come back’ if problems are encountered. Novice or nervous riders should be especially cautious when buying privately.  Considerable support will be required if a horse is ‘not as described on the box!’

If you purchase through a reputable producer all horses offered ‘ for sale’ will have been selected for their saleability and suitability for their job. A certain amount of responsibility rests on the shoulders of a producer if he wishes to remain in business!

Be aware of dealers who are trading in horses but not trialling them thoroughly. There are dealers who don’t ‘try and test’ horses to determine what they are selling and they are often selling on behalf of private owners.

Reputable producers more often than not own and compete the horses they are selling and they have carefully selected them for their temperament and ability.

All of our horses are tried in various environments from hacking, to show ring and x-country. They are competed and fully vetted allowing us to recommend the most suitable horse to each potential new owner, resulting in successful, happy partnerships.

Professional Producers with extensive experience producing, training and competing horses at the highest levels are best equipped to assess riders and help them make the right choices when it comes to buying a horse.  They can also offer training and support post purchase if required.

When trying a horse, if not going through an established producer whom you trust, it’s always useful to take your trainer or an experienced person with you for an additional opinion.

It’s also advisable to ensure there are suitable facilities to try a horse and if there are none arrange to try it somewhere else nearby.

Remember go with your instinct as to whether a horse is right for you and weigh up all of the information you can gather to help you make the best decision.

Good luck!

We’re looking forward to sharing years of experience with all of you equestrian enthusiasts to make new friends, develop new ideas and build on the UK’s existing equine communities.