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Scouting for the Next Superstar
When it comes to finding the next showing superstar, Lynn has built her reputation and success on un-proven and un-known horses that through her talent, knowledge and expert eye have gone on to to win national titles and astound the showing world.
We caught up with Lynn to find out how she goes about finding her next HOYS winner…
“My first ever success came from a hairy cob that I bought for next to nothing out of a local paper and transformed him into a show ring stunner. It gave me the bug and from there, I spent many years building up contacts throughout the horse world. These days I have my favoured contacts, those who know if they have something that could be worth a look, will call me. Most of my horse shopping is done over in Ireland and the winter months give me a small amount of time to get over there to look at what is on offer.
To the untrained eye, looking at a hairy, muddy three year old in a field in the middle of winter, doesn’t give much away, but for me, it’s the best way! I like to see how they respond to people and if they have good movement, then you are only going to improve on this further with good sound training. I suppose I have just developed a good gut feel, which comes with experience, then gives you a hunch when you see something that makes you stop and think.
I will try and cram in as many viewings as I can during a visit and go and see anything that my contacts feel is worth a look, even if its ‘owned by a friend of a friend down the lane and across the field’. Generally they know what I like in a horse, so it’s always worth a look if they recommend a trip off the beaten track – some of my best horses have been found this way.
I do like Irish horses, even though I have had some very good European horses. I like their temperaments, hardiness and enthusiasm. I look for good conformation, a kind eye and good bone. I choose horses with clean limbs and whereas a scar or blemish might not bother your average horse owner, when it comes to top level showing, the horses have to be as near to perfect as possible.
Whilst shoeing can help considerably, I still believe the old saying ‘no foot, no horse’ remains true and always go for horses that have good foot conformation and are a ‘pair’, as remedial shoeing of any kind at top level is not considered appropriate.
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