Blog - Page 21 of 21 - Samshield America

Jan 05 2017

Name: Reed Kessler

Favorite horse show: Aachen and Calgary

Goal of 2017: building up my string of horses, especially my very special 8 year old, Up.

Any Superstitions: No, I’m not superstitious. I always get on plenty early about 15 horses before. I don’t like to be rushed.

How do you manage nerves before a big class: I don’t get too bad of nerves. If I’m a little distracted I like to sit by myself to watch a few horses go in the class. Then I might read a bit- I always have a book with me. It just helps me center myself.

What’s one tip you could offer to young riders climbing to the top: I think the most important thing is to focus on you and your horse. It’s not about winning every class or what other people think. Work to get a little better every single day and push yourself when what you’re doing is too easy. And know that you are your horse’s voice, so to look out for them above all.

Something nobody knows about you: I love to kickbox. I another life I might have been a boxer…

If you retired from riding tomorrow what other job would you do: If I retired I would definitely still be involved with horses, I’d miss them too much. Probably training students.

What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time: My favorite thing to do in my spare time is anything active. Boxing, gym session with a friend, you name it.

Favorite pre-competition meal: I’m a fussy eater. I don’t eat dairy and I try to stay clear of gluten. So I normally pack food in the lorry for the weekends because it’s hard to eat healthy at shows! I’d normally make a spinach and Kale salad with chicken, quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, and some balsamic dressing. Something along those lines!

One person who has influenced you the most: my biggest influence would be Marcus Ehning. Besides the way he trains, his whole philosophy with the horses I think is something every young rider should see. Besides being a huge talent, he is an axing horseman.

Greatest strength: discipline and hard work.

Weakness: being too hard on myself probably.

Favorite Movie: I’ve watched Thank You for Smoking and The Devil Wears Prada too many times to count.

Most Prized Possession: definitely my rescue pup Carly!

Favorite Designer: Christian Dior without a doubt.

Favorite part about the new Miss Shield helmet: I love the Miss Shield. It’s so feminine. It’s without a doubt my favorite model of Samshield.

(Photo via Instagram @NoelleFloydMagazine)

Dec 07 2016

Name: Kaley Cuoco

Horses: Poker Face, Si Bella, Bionetty, Zaza & Santos

What’s most appealing about riding/competing to you: The constant drive to be better. One day you can win the class, and the next day you are in the dirt!! This sport requires constant knowledge, patience and the ability to accept failure!

Best advice you’ve ever received from your trainer: Soak in the winning moments because they don’t happen every day!

Favorite pre and/or post competition meal: I can’t eat before I ride! That’s probably not a good thing!!

How does your day start before competing: I make sure to give my horses a ton of pre show kisses and treats!

How do you get over nerves before a big class: I definitely get nervous.. I tend to pull my helmet way down over my face so I don’t have to make eye contact with anyone. My trainer tells me to take deeps breaths and remember to trust my eye and my horse

Who do you look to for inspiration in your riding career: Obviously my boyfriend, Karl [Cook]. He cherishes his horses and how they are feeling. I have never met another rider who loves their horses as much as I do!

What are you doing when you’re not riding and working: I’m riding when I’m not riding 🙂

Three words to describe Samshield: Safe, sexy, durable

What made you decide to start riding: My mom grew up riding – after I stopped playing tennis, I needed another hobby- my mom suggested a riding lesson and the rest is history!

How would you describe your personal style in the show ring: I like a bit of bling! I’m obsessed w riding attire- there are so many chic hunt coats and helmets out there.. It’s hard to choose!

What does riding do for you mentally when your career is in the spotlight: There is something inexplainable about this sport. The competition, the horse/rider relationship, the drive, the ups and down! I love that I’m learning something new every single day… It’s never easy but what’s what keeps me coming back for more

Nov 02 2016

Name: Sophie St.Clair

Age: 17

Barn: Sterckx Stables

Horses: Ottavia des Hayettes

Favorite horse show:

Longines Masters of Los Angeles. I worked for the Masters this year in preparation for their 2016 event in LA. I loved working with all the people who run this organization. From top to bottom they pour their passion for equestrian sport into these events. It’s so important to all of us to see this sport grow on a worldwide scale.

How does your day start before a competition?

It changes from day to day but I like to hack early before my class. It gives me a chance to get my mind set on the day and gives Ottavia a chance to move and relax.

Any good luck/superstition tradition you do before a show :

Rationally, I know that preparation is the key to success. However, I do carry a stuffed animal named Puppy in my backpack. It’s may be ridiculous, but I don’t like to shake up my mojo. I guess that’s a pretty easy way to ID me at a show. Look for the girl wearing a stuffed dog in her Samshield backpack.

How do you manage nerves before a big class :

Visualize, visualize, visualize. It takes a lot of the stress away when you feel like you’ve tackled the course in your head a couple times before. I try to see all the jumps in my head and work through anything I think I might have an issue with. Kind of like teaching my brain the course before my body shows up to ride it.

Biggest moment of your riding career thus far:

I’d like to think everyday has the opportunity to be a highlight. I’ve just started breaking into the grand prix’s and have had a couple of placings that I’m really proud of. Though I think my biggest riding moments are at the barn when I’ve made a break though in my training or my connection with my horse. Smaller triumphs are usually the ones I remember most.

Something no nobody knows about you:

I’m a major music nerd. I love everything from Zef rap to 60’s soul to cinematic soundtracks. Right now I have Angie Stone, Die Antwoord, Notorious B.I.G., Palmistry and Vybz Kartel on my playlist.

If you could swap lives with another rider for a day who would it be and why:
Marco Kutcher, hands down. I saw him warming up at the 2015 Longines Masters of LA and was totally fascinated. I think German riders in general put a heavy emphasis on precision and that’s something I really admire about his riding style. Also, I love Cornet Obolensky so he would be a dream to ride.

Number one person you go to for advice :

My trainers David and Caroline Sterckx. Although they are siblings, they are total opposites. David is pretty demanding, where as Caroline is more nurturing. David’s taught me to approach everything with an analytical, sharp mind, where Caroline has encouraged me to strive for things that are out of my immediate reach. I think their biggest gift to me has been a healthy dose of both rationality and optimism.

If you retired from riding tomorrow what other job would you do :

I’d be a sport psychologist. I think elite athletes are really special because they have the unique ability to cope with incredible stress and still produce amazing results. It’s fascinating to understand how sport idols like LeBron James, Peyton Manning or Scott Brash handle the pressure of being the best at what they do.

Hobby other than riding:

Hanging out with my dog. (Not the stuffed kind) Her name is Doodle and she’s a Mini Australian Shepherd.

Favorite food: Chocolate chip waffles. I’m not a breakfast person so these are a good happy medium.

Favorite song: Bring it on Home to Me – Sam Cooke

Favorite quote: “No guts, no glory.”

Favorite designer, in the horse industry and outside:

Inside: I love Miasuki. Not only do they have beautiful clothes, but also a really important message about female empowerment. Especially in the United States this sport is dominated by girls and women. I think it’s very important to recognize them for being athletes of tremendous strength and skill. Having a socially conscious brand like that actively working to craft the best quality clothing for women is just so brilliant.

Outside: My style is built around the classic American look of designers like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein.

Favorite thing about Samshield:

I love that Samshield has a real connection with its customers. Social media has really changed how brands can connect with consumers and I think that Samshield has really done a great job creating a warm, inclusive online environment. I think it’s so awesome that anyone can post a photo of themselves with their Samshield helmet and it can be shared with literally thousands of Samshield’s loyal following. There’s a real feeling that everyone is invited to share appreciation for the classic beauty of the brand.

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