They say that if you need something done in a hurry, then ask a busy person. And when it comes to getting things done in the dressage world, most people will tell you that Britain’s long standing international rider Richard Davison, is the man you need to speak to.
Leaving aside all the work he gets involved with on the international scene -- such as the Global Forum in Holland, FEI matters or his almost full-time management role within the British World Class Programme -- let's take a look at his schedule during next week’s London International Horse Show at Olympia, as an example.
In his role as technical advisor, in between checking everything including the arena layout, vet check, supervising the draw and ensuring riders are happy with the stables and training times, he is also booked to commentate for the BBC. And, oh yes, he also plans to compete in the show's strongest class, the FEI ‘s Reem Acra World Cup Qualifier too.
When asked if it is difficult to concentrate on his riding when he also has so many other jobs to do he explains “actually I’m completely useless at multi-tasking, so I don’t even try to. I may have a lot of things on the go, but I only focus on one thing at a time, I know my limitations ! The organising team at the show are first class and they really know the routine now. Ok, it was a bit hectic when we first started, as Olympia was principally a jumping show, and getting them to understand the needs of us dressage riders was, perhaps understandably, let's call it challenging. But dressage is now firmly established at the show and it's turned into the ‘can't-miss’ event with British dressage enthusiasts”
One person Davison says he couldn’t manage without at Olympia though, is his long-time travelling groom, Jenny Ellis. Former FEI Groom of the Year, Jenny doesn’t only know everything about her horse but, after so many Olympics and Championship events, she also understands how her rider ticks, which is critical given his schedule.
“Richard has never been one of those riders who hangs around in between classes at shows doing nothing, there are always demands on his time. Fortunately, he is a good delegator and leaves me to get on with my side of things entirely. But he is an obsessive planner too and we discuss every aspect of the horses management and their preparation. We both know exactly what our jobs are at each show, and what we are aiming for throughout the season."
Jenny continues “Our all singing and dancing Ketterer horse box (complete with pop outs here and there) is divine and makes my life heaven, but I know as soon as Richard lands on-site it will be taken over as his office, so I have to hide my dvds and fluffy pink slippers !” But Jenny need not worry this year at Olympia, she will have the luxury truck to herself as Richard will not have a spare minute to spend in there.
In addition to everything else, Richard has offered to meet and greet the winners of a competition put together by Hiscox Insurance “this is the second year Hiscox has run this competition and they offer great prizes – vip tickets for the show, hotel accommodation and spending money. Last year the winners loved coming backstage to the stables and meeting all the riders in the warm up area. How could anyone not love Olympia with its festive spirit and great sport ?”
Related Links
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