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Five Minutes With... Sophie Warren

Published on Thursday, August 11, 2011 in Five Minutes With Horsezone


 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

23 year old Sophie Warren grew up surrounded by horses and with the support of her parents has developed into a successful trainer and competitor in eventing, dressage and showjumping. Currently competing FEI dressage and Three and Four star Eventing, Sophie is an Eventing Squad member and has already represented Australia, being part of the Young Rider Trans Tasman Team in 2009.  

Sophie is still based in Western Australia at her parents property, Hertford Park. From here she trains horses and riders in dressage, eventing and showjumping, and competes her team successfully in all three disciplines.

Sophie, how did you first become involved with horses?
My mother rode throughout her junior years in England and again on migrating to Australia as a young adult. Through her love of horses I was introduced to riding at a very young age and it took off from there!

Have you participated in any other horse sports?
I would love to have a go at polo one day!

Eventing has been your main passion - what do you love most about it?
The level of horsemanship required and the camaraderie between fellow competitors – I think that is pretty special in eventing.
 
What goes through your mind as you are just about to start a cross country course?
Here goes.........!!!

What attributes make a great eventing horse?
A little bit of Attitude!
 
Favourite horse?
Let’s Impress – my little, plain, rather downhill ex-racehorse who has taken me to a CCI*** win and our first crack at 4* last year – it might not have gone quite to plan but we’ll definitely be giving it another go! He has so much heart and will keep trying as long as I keep asking!

Horse you'd love to own?
Marius! What a combination Henrich Romike and Marius were to win dual Olympic Gold in 2008! A partnership of a lifetime and a horse that was just so giving, and what a clever horse he was across country.
 
Is there a person in the equestrian industry who is an inspiration to you?
Lucinda Green – I have a lot of respect for her theories and methods and her open minded approach to training... and I am lucky enough to have her as a great friend and mentor.

Your biggest achievement to date?
Representing Australia on the Young Rider team in 2009 and Winning a CCI*** last year with Let’s Impress – that was pretty special.

What do you enjoy most about training horses and riders?
Learning something new every day! Every horse is different and every ride or lesson you give you learn something different about the horse, about yourself, about the world in general!

One top training tip?
Keep a leg on either side and your mind in the middle.

Advice for up and coming eventers?
Be determined! Cliche I know, but if you’re detirmined enough you will be unbeatable.

Item in your tack box you can't do without?
My neck-strap! Vital piece of equipment for any rider on any horse! I have even been known to ride in the dressage warm-up with one on!

Goals for the future?
Represent Australia internationally.

How do you relax?
Relax? When?!

What would you be doing if you weren't doing what you do now?
I honestly can’t imagine another life!

If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island what three things would you take?
A good book, and hammock and a beach towel – maybe then I’d get time to do some of that relaxing we were talking about!

Shout out to your supporters?
Huge thanks to my biggest supporters, owners and sponsors – my parents, Sue and Mark Warren! As well as great owners Heidi Emery and Susan Page and sponsors Southern Stars Saddlery www.southernstarssaddlery.com , Capricorn Equine Products www.equineproducts.com.au, and BioJohn Animal Health www.bio-john.com.au. I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my Team.
 
Thanks so much for your time Sophie and we know we're going to see big things from you in the future!

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