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.
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.
