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INTERNATIONAL SHOWJUMPER MARK HALLION

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Home News Two young showjumpers aspire to be first mixed-heritage British Olympic riders
Home News Two young showjumpers aspire to be first mixed-heritage British Olympic riders

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Two young showjumpers aspire to be first mixed-heritage British Olympic riders
Eleanor Jones
Eleanor Jones
16 June, 2022 12:27


Credit: Sportsfot
British Equestrian Federation Diversity in equestrian sport

TWO young showjumpers have ambitions to be the first riders of colour to represent Britain at an Olympics – as British Equestrian (BEF) has pledged to improve diversity and inclusion in the industry.

The BEF and its 18 member bodies have signed the “unity pledge”, which commits to making equestrian “representative of the diverse communities around us”, to grow a welcoming community for all united by the love of horses, and to promote the physical and mental benefits of equestrianism.

Myrtle Hallion, 14, making waves in equestrian and modelling
Myrtle Hallion, 14, making waves in equestrian and modelling

Myrtle Hallion is based at Blackwater Equestrian in West Wellow.

She is the step-daughter of international rider Mark Hallion.

Her mother Claire Hallion said: “Myrtle started riding at the age of five inspired by her stepfather she has gone onto being the youngest riders on the Global Champions Tour the equivalent to (Formula 1).

“Myrtle has not only achieved such great things at such a young age she has also been signed to a top modelling agency in London showing she does not only have the ability in sport but looks good doing it.

NEWS BEHIND THE SCENES WITH MARK HALLION BLOGS AND COLUMNS MOST READ ARTICLES
NEWS BEHIND THE SCENES WITH MARK HALLION BLOGS AND COLUMNS MOST READ ARTICLES

NEWS
BEHIND THE SCENES
BLOGS AND COLUMNS
MOST READ ARTICLES

Meeting a fence on the perfect stride is the holy grail of jumping. Professionals seem to do it as if by magic but, I can tell you, the secret is in the set-up. Working on improving the quality of your horse’s canter before adding jumps is a sure-fire step towards clear rounds in the future – after all, around 90% of a showjumping round is actually spent on the ground, with only about 10% spent up in the air. To help you and your horse develop a clear round-worthy canter, I’ve got a few handy pole exercises you can practise at home that’ll improve your course-riding skills no end.
Read further on how to develop the best showjumping canter with Mark Hallion in Horse&Rider Spring, on sale 24 February 2022

Team

horse
Holly Applin
Role:  
Head Groom/Yard Manager,

I started 7 years ago after completing my apprenticeship at Blackwater and have never left. Being a good groom is about hard work, being able to organize your day, and using your head. You need an eye for detail and have some skin on your nose. That means, you have to be a little bit tough and be able to handle some stress and pressure. There will for sure be times when people are rude to you. I have been lucky enough to work under Mark and Claire from the start and I have learned to be very organised and take everything with ease. The aspect of the job which I enjoy most is travelling to international shows. The weeks leading up to an international competition mainly involve preparation work such as packing, ensuring the horses are fit, happy and up to date with all their needs including flu and EHV vaccinations. We take the horse’s temperatures for 5 days prior to arriving at the showground to be sure they are healthy and we also check their shoes are all well-fitting and have stud holes. Over the years I have added to my packing list with items that you learn make a difference to the horse’s experience. For example, one of the horses likes to be alone in his own space and so I take a stable banner to provide him with privacy which helps to keep him much more settled. Little adjustments for each individual can make such a difference to their performance and their health and well-being.

horse
Myrtle Hallion
Role:  
Under 25 Rider

Myrtle Hallion International showjumper and daughter of Mark Hallion I started riding at the age of 3 and never looked back. 2022 was sadly my last year on ponies with some incredible moments!. Highlights included having 5/6 wins at POYS, 1st in British showjumping Winter Premier, winning the 148cm national title on Quantico. my pony of a lifetime! In 2021 i started competing horses full time. ​ 2021 I became the youngest rider to compete on the GCT for GB.

General Contacts

Stable Address
Blackwater Equestrian
Main E-mail
blackwaterclaire@gmail.com