Your Questions Answered!

Allen & Page supported rider, Gubby Leech has kindly answered your questions, take a read of Gubby's Q&A below!

1. What rider fitness do you do in the run-up to the event season? And how does this increase for a 5*? I ride up to 10 horses every day. We have 3 kids so it doesn’t leave much time to fit in any other fitness activities! I aim to be a certain weight leading into a major three-day event. The leaner I am the better I feel I ride. To achieve this, I use a fasting program and limit how much alcohol / bad food I consume.

2. How has the weather affected eventing for you? The weather leading into the season this year has been particularly challenging. I expect disruption to my plans once the season starts with the potential of events being abandoned. My main focus will be the major events with my higher-level horses. I maintain consistent training and preparation. You just have to go with the flow on the road to getting there.

3. What are 3 essential items you take to every event? Hat, boots, horse, the rest you can get at the show!

4. Do all your horses have different training plans? Are there any quirky horses that have very different plans? All my horses work on a similar basis but the higher the level the more intense their program is with more fast work involved. If I have a quirky horse, we try to give them as much turnout as possible.

5. Which is your favourite horse to ride and why? Royal Harvest, we are great old mates, and both really enjoy each other's company.

6. Which is your favourite event and why? This is a hard one. There are quite a few amazing events! Probably Bramham. Ian Stark builds the most beautiful, bold cross-country track. It's not just a dressage competition. The event runs so well, and it just has a great feel to it. If you can go well there you know you're on the right road to the next step to 5*

7. What rider nutrition tips can you offer other riders? Eat fruit and veg, drink lots of water, and try to cut out as much processed food as possible.

8. What are your top tips for any up-and-coming grassroots rider? Just be prepared to work hard, expect the road to have many ups and downs. Prepare as much as possible and learn from your good and bad days. Enjoy the journey!

9. If you could speak to your 15-year-old self, what would you tell him? Have more self-belief and don't be afraid of failure as it's a vital part of your long journey to success.

10. Do you have any pre-competition rituals? Or any lucky charms? I use visualisation. At big events walk the course a lot! No lucky charms...