This week I’m thrilled to be chatting with British Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Tom Goode. Tom is Head Rider for Emile Faurie and is based at Emile’s fabulous training centre, at Heath Farm in Oxfordshire. With an impressive list of successes and some brilliant horses to ride and young horses to bring on, Tom is already established as a top British talent and is widely recognised for his superb riding abilities. Read on to find out more about this incredibly talented young man, his life to date, and plans for the future.
Tell us a little about you and your horses
Tom riding Sakira who is wned by Nini Poh currently competing small tour but aiming at Grand Prix for next year
I ride for Emile Faurie and have been based at his stable for the last 10 yrs. I been lucky enough to have some lovely horses to train to Grand Prix.
Emile and Sam Geddes’s 13-year-old stallion Dior is currently my top Grand Prix horse that I’ve trained from a 5-year-old.
Following closely is Nini Poh’s 8-year-old Sakira who will start GP next year.
Other than that, I’m very lucky, with Emiles help I have acquired a string of fantastic young horses. Richard Jackson’s 6-year-old Fürstenrausch, lady Caroline Rake’s 5-year-old mare Margot, Debbie Cunningham and Emiles 4-year-old mare Iceland Girl and Emiles 4-year-old Mare Lorendy to name but a few.
How did horses come into your life?
Tom riding 5-year-old Margot who is owned by Lady Caroline Rake
My parents both rode and encouraged me to start at a young age and I became obsessed very quickly.
When and where do you ride?
I am based and ride at Emile Faurie’s stable.
How did you start riding?
I grew up with horses and I’m very lucky to have had my parents support to ride. I had my first ride aged three.
What you and your horses currently working on?
My horses range from the age of 4 to 13 years and we tend to treat every horse as an individual.
The younger horses obviously work less and are encouraged to have a varied upbringing and establishing the basics, whereas the older horses are schooled a bit more but also enjoy work on the canter track to keep them fresh and varies their work as well.
What do you love about riding?
Tom competing with Dior owned by Tom Geddes and Emile Faurie. Dior is Tom’s Grand Prix Horse
Being able to have my passion as a job is a great privilege. I love forming a special relationship with every horse I ride and seeing how they develop over the years.
What you would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
My goal is to represent my country at an international championships and to be respected as a good rider and trainer.
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Every good competition rider in my opinion has a certain amount of nerves.
How do you deal with them?
The secret is to harness those nerves and to use them as a drive to ride well
Your Top Tip
Love and respect your horses and always remain focussed on self-improvement as a rider. Have a trainer that you trust and believe in.
The Final Furlong
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
I already am lucky enough to have a string of horses all of whom in my opinion are my dream horses.
Who is your equestrian hero?
My mentor and trainer Emile. I have learnt so much from him from my riding to every aspect of the equestrian business. I have so much respect for all of his achievements and success on so many different horses.
If you could have five people to dinner, who would they be?
My Dad (who passed away), David Gandy, Adele, Anna Wintour, and Theodora Livanos
Favourite colour horse?
Liver Chestnut
Favourite horse event
Olympia
Favourite food
Steak and Chips
Favourite way to relax
Chilling on the Sofa with a Gin and Tonic
Favourite film
Edward Scissorhands
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Tom you might like to view more chatting with interviews here You can keep up with Tom’s progress and check out his instagram page here
