TV addict horse jumps to victory

Irish showjumper Shane Sweetnam and the great mare Solerina are in flying form at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida at the moment. So what’s been the secret to the mare’s success? She’s been glued to the television.

“She is very funny about the jumbotron [giant video display in the ring] — that is her big thing,” says Shane, who decided to help combat her fear by placing a TV screen in her stable at shows.

Every evening, while many in the UK are putting their feet up in front of Eastenders or TOWIE, 15-year-old Solerina can be found glued to re-runs of the showjumping from Spruce Meadows — sussing out the opposition and possibly picking up some winning tips while she’s at it.

“I’d better get the Winter Equestrian Festival video — maybe that will work better,” says Shane.

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.