Northumberland based dressage rider Chrissie Havis is also a BD coach and a List 1 judge. With her own small private yard at home where she keeps her daughter’s pony, her retired Small Tour horse, her current Grand Prix horse, two youngsters and a friend’s horse, she balances training and competing with running the yard. Chrissie is currently competing at Grand Prix with her distinctive and very talented coloured gelding Allegro.
How did it all start and where are you now on your equestrian journey?
Chrissie and Allegro celebrating another victory
I was lucky to be bought my first pony, called Queenie when I was three. I started off as an all-rounder and ended up focussing on dressage at twelve, when I had a pony that wasn’t allowed to jump any more due to injury. Although when I compete, I take it very seriously, I wouldn’t describe myself as being driven or motivated by competitions particularly. Competing brings structure and some goals to my training of course, it’s always good to do well, but what I particularly enjoy is getting to really ‘know’ a horse. The relationship with each horse I ride is the most important thing to me. I want the horse to want to seek me out and be with me. I love spending time getting to know their personalities and ‘who’ they are. In competition at the moment, I’ve just reached Grand Prix with a coloured gelding, a Barock Pinto, called Allegro. He’s loads of fun and is very keen to do his best and be a clever clogs! I’ve had him since a youngster and we both know each other inside out.
Who do you train with?
Chrissie and Allegro have a remarkable partnership
I currently train with Gareth Hughes and Pammy Hutton. Currently, Gareth approximately four to five times per year and Pammy once or twice a year. I would have more training than this, but it all involves lengthy drives, stays over etc. This is not only costly but leaves the yard at home needing cover (I do my own horses) and adds more wear and tear on horses too. Especially on top of all the travelling to shows. I try to be disciplined and really do my homework, so that each trip really ‘counts’.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There is no such thing, due to the other things I do too – but invariably long!
You love dressage to music. What is it that makes it so special to you?
I love the freedom of riding dressage to music and the chance to really ‘let your hair down’ more! I love music that is emotive and helps the performance look like true dressage to music and not music to dressage. I like a bold style.
What are your future aspirations?
Chrissie with Allegro. She says “He’s loads of fun and is very keen to do his best and be a clever clogs”
For this year, keep on starting off my youngsters, help my daughter, enjoy the Premier League season with Allegro at Grand Prix. In time, travel more with my judging, but right now I’m needing to be at home most of the time.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
Everyone who has contact with my horses is a team member and I’m lucky they all do a great job, for which they all know I’m very grateful. Thank you everyone!
From a judge’s perspective, have you any pointers for aspiring riders to earn a few extra marks?
When you are learning your test, try to learn some specific pointers for yourself as you learn each movement. Maybe one or two pointers per movement. Until these things become automatic. Then you can add some new ones! The riding of the test itself – use corners and think preparation!
Your Top Tip
Competition wise it would be that rosettes are won at home; you go to the show to collect them!
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
The main rule is that the horse’s needs are at the centre of every decision.
Down the Centre Line
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
Valegro
Who is your equestrian hero?
Klaus Balkenhol
If you could have five people for dinner, who would they be?
Patricia Routledge, John Cleese, David Attenborough, Michael McIntyre, Jeremy Clarkson
Favourite horse event?
London International Horse Show
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Chrissie you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here. You can keep up with Chrissie’s progress and visit her instagram page here
Competition wise it would be that rosettes are won at home; you go to the show to collect them!
