Chatting with Sarah Rogers @sarah_rogers_dressage

Each week I interview the person behind some of the most interesting and popular equestrian accounts on Instagram.  This week I’m chatting with the amazing British international dressage rider  Sarah Rogers . Read on to learn more about the  young lady behind the @sarah_rogers_dressage instagram account where she shares her daily life as a rider for Team Bechtolsheimer based in Wiltshire, and Grand Prix Dressage competition action with some of their amazing horses.

Tell us a little about you and your horses.

I am based in the Cotswolds. I ride for the Bechtolsheimer family training and competing their fabulous horses. I moved to Germany when I was aged 20, to train and compete for Klaus Balkenhol for five years. Then I moved to Paris for three years where I rode and competed for Marietta Almasy. I have now been based with the Bechtolsheimer family for the last 3 and a half years.

       

How did your horses come into your life?

I grew up on my family’s farm as a child, which made it easier for us to keep horses. My mother has always had a keen interest in horses and ridden from a young age. I have her to thank for introducing me! But my family couldn’t afford to buy me a pony until I was 7. So, my mum would take me often to our local riding school where I started having lessons at a very young age, where I would go on to spend all my school holidays.

 

How long have you been riding?

I think the first time I sat on a pony I was aged 3.

 

When and where do you ride?

I ride at the family Bechtolsheimer’s yard in Cirencester, where I train for five and a half days a week. Sometimes more if I am competing on the weekend.

How did you start riding?

Ever since I was young, I have always been fascinated by horses. I first rode a pony when I was about three years old. My mum first Introduced me to riding at the age of three, from an early age it was clear we both shared a love for horses.  

 

What you and your horses currently working on?

Currently I have a real range of horses in work. Ranging from young horses up to Grand Prix. Which is very exciting! I would say the biggest thing we work on every day is getting our horses more through and basic gymnastic work. I think this is very important in training.

What do you love about riding?

I love that feeling when you are teaching your horse something new and they start to understand it.

What you would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?

I would like to be training and competing for as long as I can. I would also love to represent GB as many times as possible!

 

Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?

Yes. I used to get quite nervous but not so much anymore. My dad said something to me once before a competition which helped me massively and I always remind myself of that now before a show…. You can only do your best. As long as you have tried your best, that’s all you can do! It sounds simple but it really helps! Also, I think to myself that I need to help my horse out the best that I can in the arena, and I can’t have my nerves getting in the way of that!  

     

Your Top Tip

My top tip would be to appreciate your horse and remember they are not machines.

The Final Furlong

             

Who is your equestrian hero?

Tricky! There are many riders that I really admire…. Klaus Balkenhol Isabel Werth Laura Tomlinson Carl Cuypres

 

If you could have 5 people to dinner who would they be?

Roger Federer Amy Schumar Michael Macintyre Steve Harvey Jimmy Fallon  

   

Favourite colour horse?

Tough one! I don’t think I can choose!  

 

Favourite horse event

Hagen

Favourite food

Italian

   

Favourite way to relax.

Spending time with loved ones  

Favourite film

So many to choose from but I would have to go with Love actually.

Want More?

If you enjoyed this interview with Sarah, you might like to read more chatting with interviews here