We caught up with Kate Sanderson who is based in the North East to find out a little more about her! We hope you enjoy…..
- Do you have anything lucky that you will not be without on a competition day?
I don’t necessarily have anything lucky as such, I would say I’m more of a sentimental person when it comes to items. I am a big believer in my cross country colours, as soon as I ordered them, I won three BE’s in a row! Since then I like to stick with my well travelled gear such as my leather headcollar which I bought to go to my first Badminton Grassroots, although it has now seen better days! - What is your favourite and least favourite food?
I couldn’t be without pasta and I mean any pasta dish! My least favourite has to be mushrooms, olives or blue cheese. We are wondering if Kate would eat pasta with mushrooms or olives?! - What is your favourite song?
I’ve always had huge attachments to Ludovicio Einaudi’s compositions such as Experience and Nuvole Bianche. I associate them with certain aspects of my life and I listen to them when I want to reflect on things. To this day they still give me goose bumps. - If you were starring in a film, who would you pick to play you and why?
I would have to pick Emilia Clarke! Her role in Game of Thrones was brilliant. She’s to the point and knows what she wants but is fair and understanding. Plus she can ride pretty well too! - What is your least favourite horsey job?
Now I’m sure 99% of people always say filling nets, but I honestly don’t mind it! If I’m honest I hate doing waters. I just find it boring because I’m not actually doing anything as bizarre as that seems, I just like to keep busy! - Do you have a winter timesaving tip you can share with us
I always have a bit of a plan in action on the order I’m going to do things in before my day starts, especially when I’m juggling 8 horses on the yard. It doesn’t necessarily always happen or pan out the way I intend it to. It definitely saves me time instead of getting to the yard and pondering what to do, whilst trying to juggle a job and keep the horses ticking over. At least if I have a rough plan of what to do each day and the order to do things, I have something to go off. - Who do you use as your trainer?
I have trained with Vicky Wilson for about 10 years now after she spotted me at my first win at Belsay Horse Trials. At the time I was competing Cruise who launched into the dressage arena from spooking at the flower pots at A. Vicky caught me in the presentation to tell me that the spook made my entire test, leaving me a little confused to say the least. She then explained that I need to use his extremely spooky side to my advantage, as it gave him loads of presence in the arena. I soon knew she was the trainer for me, she understands my horses limits and their types and we have always worked with that. She has always given me the confidence to do well on them, despite them being your non typical dressage/event type! - What is the one piece of horsey kit you cannot be without?
My giant wheelbarrow!! It makes mucking out so much easier and saves so much time when I’m able to get several stables mucked out into one barrow. It also saves several trips to the muck heap! - What is your favourite colour?
I’m a fairly neutral person so I like a good green or navy! - Which sportsperson (from any sphere) do you admire most and why?
Carl Hester has obviously done a huge amount for dressage as a sport and getting it more noticed. However away from horses and being based in the North East I’ve seen how much Eddie Howe (Newcastle United manager) has done for the team and pulled them up from the brink 18 months ago and completely turned them around which is a sign of huge dedication. - If you could pick any horse (not one of your own) to do one competition on, which one and why?
Apart from the obvious big stars like Valegro, I’ve really got my eyes on the stallion Fire Kracka. I spotted him as a just turned 5yo when looking to put my mare in foal and we chose him. There was something about him that just caught my eye and drew me in. Since then he has just gone from strength to strength with an amazing start to his BD career. Plus he isn’t too big too for someone who is used to ponies like myself! - Where is your dream holiday?
Ever since watching Balto as a child I’ve been fascinated about wanting to see the Northern Lights. Though I’m not sure how I would handle the cold! - If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
I have to say I would make a pretty good working Labrador! I like to think I am pretty loyal, I love my food, like to be kept busy but equally like my sleep! It’s a dogs life eh?! - What is your favourite product stocked by Forelock and Load?
I’m a huge supporter of Bombers Bits and have been for many years. They have such a wide range of styles which have really suited so many of my horses.
