Nicola Sheard

 

  

 

Nationality: British
Date of Birth: 23/10/85
Currently Based in: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Web site: http://www.nicolasheardequestrian.co.uk
Horses competing in 2010?                                                                                          Just call Me max, Patricia VI, Passe Partout Wisbecq,                                          Mystic Pearl, Voorjaarsfee, Tia Magenta,                                                       Woodstock and Spudley.
Highlight of career to date?                                                                                          Winning the newcomers regional at the East of England show qualifying for HOYS.
What age were you when you started riding?                                        I was about 3 or 4, I was a little monster!   
What breed/name of your first pony?                                                                         A Welsh Section A called Pixie
All time favourite horse and why?                                                                             Romein, I won two Pussiances with him. He was brave and scopey but I sadly lost him in 2009.
What do you enjoy most about show jumping?                                                         Having a strong partnership with my horses and a great team.

Who is your hero/person you most admire and why?                                            There are lots of famous people to choose from but my grandad, he is honest, wise and tells me like it is.
What could you not be without at a show?                                                                Lisa, my Head Groom. She is my right hand man- everyone needs a Lisa!

Do you ever get nervous?                                                                                              Yes at big shows but I think its good to get your adrenaline going!

 

Have you got any advice for a budding show jumper?                                    Work and Train hard and be patient.

 

Which of your horses do you think is a potential superstar?                                   Just call Me Max, my 8yr old homebred Gelding. He is on the World class Equine Pathway for horses that show medal winning potential. 

                                          

If you hadn't become a rider, what career would you have chosen?Media/Journalist

 

Were your family supportive of your career choice?                                                Yes, they have always been very supportive, I am lucky they have a big interest in the sport.

 
Do you have any other pets?                                                                                         Bettsy, a Jack Russel, she is the 'lorry dog' and a Bordie Collie called Jack.
Do you have any other hobbies apart from horses?                                   Shopping, concerts, going out with friends and swimming.
What is your favourite meal?                                                                        That's an easy one...Nando's.
All time favourite film?                                                                                                 Its embarrassing.....Gone with the wind, a classic though!
Favourite TV show?                                                                                The hills- addictive.
Bad habits?                                                                                                                        Not replying to text's and I am untidy, so I have been told!

And finally...What are your aims for 2010?                                                                 For my young horses i want to be aiming them at age classes. For my more experienced, British Open Grade C, HOY's, a small international show, IT classes, and the Stairway series. I also want to climb higher up the BSJA rankings.