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Sunday 29 August 2010

Meet the Supreme Products Team- Jayne Currie

The latest recruit to the SUPREME PRODUCTS™ team is Jayne Currie who is based at the Supreme Products offices at Driffield in East Yorkshire.




1.How long have you ridden and what disciplines do you compete in?

I have been riding since the age of seven, with stops and starts along the way. I compete in dressage.

2. What is your favourite TV programme?

Mock the Week is good fun.

3. Do you have any brothers or sisters?

No! Only child syndrome I'm afraid!

4. What is your favourite food?

Italian.

5. Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Any of the quiet Greek Islands!

6. Who is your favourite horse or pony on the yard and why?

My friends 17.3hh Warmblood, Amigo Ambassa! He is so gentle for his size and is a real sweetheart!

7. What is your favourite event?

Has to be HOYS.

8. What is your favourite item from the Supreme Products Professional Collection?

Supreme Products Sparkle is a great item to have in your grooming kit or show ring presentation box, I just love it.

9. Do you have a top tip for us?

It is much more than simply a dressing for manes and tails to produce body, glamour and shine, it is also brilliant as an all over body ‘extra.' It is a fantastic coat shine spray and really adds an additional sparkle all over the body. Play around with it and use it anywhere you want to enhance – knees; toes of your boots;  as hoof shine – anywhere!

10. Do you have any family pets?

Archiebald Turnbull (Jack Russell) and Lady Lexi Loo Loo (King Charles Spaniel).

11. What do you feel is your biggest achievement in life so far?

Staying on my "enthusiastic" five-year-old!

12. What music do you currently listen to?

Anything upbeat that makes me smile!

13. What book are you reading at the minute?

Glamour by Louise Bagshaw.

14. What was the last film you watched at the cinema?

Book of Eli (My tip is to give it a miss!!)

15. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

I would change the ability to put half a stone on just by walking past a bakery!

16. If you could have an hour’s conversation with anyone who would it be and why?

Jonny Wilkinson ....just to drooooool at!

17. When you have time to yourself, how do you like to spend it?

Relaxing, normally involving a glass of something in my hand!

18. If you could be anyone else for the day who would it be?

Wonder Woman.

19. Do you have a nick name?

‘Jayne with a Y’ - given to me by Sarah!

Saturday 21 August 2010

From Lake Windermere to the USA with Stuart Hollings

Following in the family tradition, Stuart Hollings is a successful show producer and a vital part of Team Hollings. Based in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, here we catch up with Stuart to find out more about his hectic schedule and how he uses the SUPREME PRODUCTS™ range for top class show preparation.
From Lake Windermere to the USA with Stuart Hollings

Q. If you hadn’t become a show producer, what other career would you have chosen?

A. I probably would have become a lawyer, although I would have really liked to be in the film or TV industry.

Q. Why did you choose this particular discipline?

A. Really it came about by accident. I went on a Pony Club trip to Leahurst Veterinary College in Liverpool there the DC Dr Sutherland told me that because I had started riding later than most I needed to go to a very good riding school. I later went to Readwood Stables and my first lesson was on a 13.2hh show pony and the rest,they say, is history.

Q. Do you have a nickname?

A. Yes Koojy Bear – it was a character from a children’s TV programme

Q. Do you have any family pets?

A. Yes I have two French bulldogs, both are bitches - named Yvette and Desi.

Q. Do you follow or play any other sports? If so what are they?

A. Not really, sometimes when I get chance I like to catch up on the football and I like watching rubgy, tennis and athletics when it’s on.

Q. Who is your main sponsor?

A. Our main sponsor is Supreme Products which is really great. Supreme Products are wonderful from a showing perspective; they have everything we need to make our horses and ponies look a million dollars for the show ring.

Q. In what way does you sponsor help you?

A. They supply the yard with lots of really good products that help the team prepare all our horses and ponies for the show ring. They are great for adding that extra touch of coat shine so we stand out from the crowd. They also supply us with branded Supreme Products clothing which looks really smart – the team love it.

Q. What is your biggest achievement in life so far?

A. Becoming a published author and Horse & Hound columnist

Q. How many horses/ponies do you have on your yard?

A. We have 31 at the minute including some youngsters that we have bred ourselves.

Q. Do you have a favourite horse/pony?

A. I have been lucky enough to work with several great horses and ponies and therefore have many favourites for different reasons. Nigel’s WHP Downland Smuggler was a pleasure to produce as he gave 100% every time and was pretty straightforward to work with. One season his first mistake was a fence down in muddy conditions at an August Bank Holiday show, up until then he had jumped clear all season. That day he still finished second reserve champion!

Q. How do you manage to get the show horses and ponies so clean?

A. A good horse shampoo is key. Supreme Products High Shine Shampoo is brilliant for restoring the coat and producing lustre and shine in all coat colours.

Q. How did you feel when you won your first major title?

A. My first win of any note, which led to the family deciding to go in to top class level showing, was when I won the novice show pony class at Royal Lancashire show under Albert Deptford.

Q. Is there a title you would like to win?

A. I would like to win the Royal International Horse Show Supreme title with a horse. We have already won this with the pony Royal Bronze. Also I would like to win the HOYS Supreme with a pony as we have won that accolade with the riding horse Fair Breeze.

Q. Do you have a favourite event?

A. The Royal International Horse Show is one of the best events, it has a great atmosphere and there is always lots of really good competition there. I also like HOYS, it is a huge and very prestigious show.

Q. How do you get your horses and ponies to shine under spotlight?

A. Supreme Products Glistening Oil is great for highlighting eyes and muzzles. It really enhances and highlights their best points and creates a superb shine under artificial lights.

Q. Do you have a favourite holiday destination?

A. My favourite country for holidays is the USA, there are so many things to see and do over there.

Q. What music do you currently listen to?

A. I like listening to anything really, a complete mixture, but I’m not keen on Jazz.

Q. What book are you reading at the minute?

A. I’m currently reading The Lost Symbol written by the famous Dan Brown.

Q. What is your favourite TV programme?

A. It has to be Coronation Street

Q. What is your favourite film?

A. Two of my favourites are Murder on the Orient Express and the musical The Sound of Music.

Q. What was the last film you watched at the cinema?

A. I don’t go to the cinema much, but I do rent films out with LoveFilm.com. The last one I watched was the new Sherlock Holmes film with Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr.

Q. What was the last item you bought at the supermarket?

A. It was Pink Moet Champagne for a friend.

Q. If you could have an hour’s conversation with anyone who would it be and why?

A. It would have to be... the head of security, MI5.

Q. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

A. I went bald in my early twenties, so I would like more hair!

Q. When you have time to yourself, how do you like to spend it?

A. I like dining out with friends and shopping. I also like going sailing on Lake Windermere

Q. Wine, Beer or Champagne?

A. Wine

Q. Milk, White or Dark Chocolate?

A. Milk chocolate

Q. If you could pass any law, what would it be?

A. Not to show disrespect to fellow human beings

Q. If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?

A. I would like to be a member of the Royal family for the day, just to see what it is really like.

Q. What is your biggest regret?

A. Not being able to play the piano, I tried my hand at the clarinet but never stuck at it.

Q. If you were given £1million, what would you spend it on?

A. I would love to go on a world cruise with Cunard.

Q. If there was one horse you could own... past or present... who would it be?

A. We presently produce a 148cm show pony for Laura Fitzgerald, Crafton Touch of Gold, which I would like to own. She is a half sister to our successful dun show pony Deaconwood Gold Print (dual HOYS winner and dual RIHS champion). She is well bred and comes from a line of good quality movers.

Q. If you could sit down at table for a meal with five other people who would they be?

A. John Barrowman, Victoria Wood, Sir Richard Branson, Princess Anne and the Prime Minister.

Q. Who did you last recieve a text from and what did it say?

A. A competitor saying how much they enjoyed the recent North of England show.

Q. What was the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

A. My home since 1975 - Blue Slate Stables.

Q. Do you have any tips for any readers interested in taking up showing?

A. Watch the experts and pick what you think is the best tip from each of them. Look at your animal with a super critical eye and train it from there.

Q. Do you have a favourite product from the Supreme Products Professional Collection?

A. Supreme Products de Luxe Coat Gloss is outstanding for laying the coat in preparation for quarter marks and sharks teeth

Supreme Products Professional Collection – The Choice of Champions.

Supreme Products are available through stockists nationwide. For further information contact Supreme Products on 01377 229050 or visit http://www.supremeproducts.co.uk/

Thursday 19 August 2010

More HOYS Tickets for Emmerson Show Team


Supreme Products sponsored show producers, Emmersons Show Team are on a high after several successful wins at the Scottish Horse Show, Kelso.

The team, who are well known for producing lead rein and first ridden ponies as well as show horses, took the show by storm with some of their top ponies.

Tamevalley Black Jack owned by Mrs L. Reed and ridden by Thomas Teur, took the top spot in the Lead Rein Mountain & Moorland class and then went champion qualifying for a place at the Horse of the Year Show.

Westway Twilight Rose owned by Mr S.Borrowdale and ridden by Laura Aitken won the First Ridden class and took the honours of Mini Champion and the McWilliam Mini Supreme Champion qualifying in true style for HOYS.

Colbeach Elegance also owned by Mr S. Borrowdale and ridden by Laura’s sister Hollie Aitken headed the line in the 138cm Show Pony class and was Reserve Show Pony Champion, gaining another HOYS ticket for the yard.

Charlotte Blythman and her ride Westerby Firelight also qualified for HOYS in the 13hh Show Hunter Pony section, after just missing out on several occasions.

Emmersons Show Team are having an excellent season and currently have 14 ponies qualified for HOYS.
Said Sarah Emmerson: “We were delighted with our success at the Scottish Horse Show, ponies and riders were really on form and thanks to our show ring presentation products, they were turned out to perfection. They had perfectly plaited manes and the coat shine made them gleam. They all looked an absolute picture."

Ponies UK News: Simon and Sarah Head for HOYS


SUPREME PRODUCTS™ sponsored show riders Simon Charlesworth and Sarah Emmerson hit top form at Ponies UK both qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show.
Simon took the honours in the large hack class, with Holtess Wise and Wonderful a five-year-old brown gelding, owned by Vicky Rudd. They went on to take the Hack Championship and the Supreme Ridden Championship of the show.

Stokesley based Sarah Emmerson and her four-year-old Chiddock Time Out were also in good form taking second place in the Small Hack and second reserve champion to also win their way through to HOYS.
Earlier in the season the pair had a win in the Part-bred Arabs class at White Rose County securing them a place at the Royal International Horse Show where they finished sixth.

As a four-year-old Chiddock Time Out has had a quiet season but is starting to show his potential when it counts, qualifying for all the top shows.

Said Sarah: “Although we have not over shown him, he is on top form and is going really well. I am very pleased with him and over the moon we have our ticket for HOYS. Thanks to the Supreme Products range we can always make sure he looks fantastic and his coat really does shine. The show ring presentation products and grooming aids really do help give a perfect finishing touch."

Simon was also in form at Ponies UK in the young stock classes taking the JB Memorial Championship with Stanley Grange Regal Heights, a three-year-old colt owned by Jenny Gilchrist, continuing their great season so far.

Tuesday 17 August 2010

Interview with Nigel Hollings


Team Hollings have been at the top of their game for more than 40 years. Nigel Hollings and brother, Stuart are well known on the showing circuit for producing some top show horses and ponies. Based in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire with wife Penny and daughter Alexandra, here we catch up with Nigel to find out more about his busy life and how the team use the SUPREME PRODUCTS™ range for top class show preparation.


Q. What school did you go to?

A. I went to Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, which seems such a long time ago now!

Q. Do you have a nickname?

A. Yes, George, it is my middle name. Not many people call me by my nickname now though and until revealing it just now, most people probably wouldn’t know!

Q. If you hadn’t gone into showing what do you think you would be doing now?

A. I think I would like to have been a History teacher or a merchant seaman! I have always enjoyed history and learning about the past.

Q. Why did you choose showing as your particular discipline?

A. I became hooked on showing at an early age after watching a showing class at the Royal Lancashire in 1967 and it just went from there, riding as a child and eventually progressing to produce for owners and developing the business.

Q. Do you have any family pets?

A. Yes we have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels called Libby and Promise and we also have five cats that live on the yard.

Q. Do you follow or play any other sports? If so what are they?

A. I enjoy most sports but football is my favourite. I enjoy watching games whenever I can, and when the showing commitments allow time.

Q. Who is your main sponsor?

A. Our main sponsor is Supreme Products, their range of products are brilliant for preparing our horses and ponies for the show ring. Both long term preparation and those final finishing touches are so important if you want to stand at the top of the line.

Q. In what way do they help you?

A. Supreme Products supply us with shampoos, highlighters, whiteners and hoof care products from the range, helping all our horses and ponies to look outstanding in the show ring. They are brilliant for adding that extra touch of shine, sparkle and gloss so we stand out from the crowd. Supreme Products also supply us with clothing which keeps the team looking smart.

Q. What is your biggest achievement in life so far?

A. My daughter Alexandra who also rides and shows.

Q. How many horses/ponies do you have on your yard?

A. We have 31 at the minute including some youngsters that we have bred ourselves. I always enjoy seeing the youngsters progress and develop, it is very exciting and you always hope you have a star of the future.

Q. How long have you been riding?

A. I have been riding for 43 years and still enjoy it.

Q. Do you have a favourite horse or pony?

A. There are far too many to mention but if I have to name one it would be Fair Breeze who was Riding Horse of the Year 1988, 89 and 90. A great achievement and a wonderful horse.

Q. How did you feel when you won your first major title?

A. It seems a long time ago now as I was only 12-years-old and quite shocked!

Q. Is there a title you would like to win?

A. For me the best title to win is the Champion Show Pony at the Horse of the Year Show. I have won it as a rider in 1972 and as a trainer in 1982 but would always love to win it again. It is a very special championship.

Q. Do you have a favourite event?

A. The Royal Highland Show and Lincolnshire Show are both wonderful events. They are both well run and there is always a lot of good competition to beat.

Q. Do you have any tips for readers interested in taking up showing?

A. Work hard and remember you are only as good as your horses! You need to be dedicated and focused and never give up trying to improve.

Q. How much training per day do you put in?

A. I work for about three hours at the stables and spend a lot of time doing the paper work and generally running the team.

Q. What is your daily routine?

A. I get up each morning at 4am and work until the evening.

Q. Do you have a favourite holiday destination?

A. No not really a break is always welcome though! I also like to go somewhere nice and hot.

Q. What music do you currently listen to?

A. I like listening to all kinds of music, from classical to heavy rock, but am not too keen on Jazz.

Q. What is your favourite TV programme?

A. Any ‘Who Dunnits’, Horror/Ghost, historical documentaries and Star Trek – I’m a bit of a Trekkie fan!

Q. What is your favourite film?

A. Hunt for Red October which stars Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin is a great film.

Q. What was the last film you watched at the cinema?

A. Alice in Wonderland which was out earlier this year and starred Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.

Q. Last item you bought at the supermarket?

A. Lamb chops for dinner.

Q. If you could have an hour’s conversation with anyone who would it be and why?

A. The astronaut Neil Armstrong, I would ask him what it felt like to place the first human foot print on the moon.

Q. What methods of relaxation do you use before a competition?

A. I enjoy reading - newspapers, magazines anything really. It provides a bit of down time, especially when things are so hectic.

Q. How do you wind down after a competition?

A. I like to enjoy a glass of wine, that always helps!

Q. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

A. I wouldn’t like to change too much... although I wouldn’t mind being a little taller and a little slimmer!

Q. When you have time to yourself, how do you like to spend it?

A. Relaxing with friends and dining out, watching TV or reading.

Q. Wine, Beer or Champagne?

A. Has to be wine.

Q. Milk, White or Dark Chocolate?

A. Milk chocolate and white chocolate are both my favourites.

Q. Who is your best friend?

A. I have lots of good friends - not a single best friend!

Q. Who did you last recieve a text from and what did is say?

A. Not telling!

Q. If you could pass any law, what would it be?

A. Bring back capital punishment for certain offences.

Q. If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?

A. The Prime Minister.

Q. What is your biggest regret?

A. I don’t have many regrets, but I would have loved to have more children.

Q. What has been the best day of your life so far?

A. There have been so many but to top them all it has to be the day Alexandra was born.

Q. If you were given £1million, what would you spend it on?

A. There are loads of things, too many to mention but I would definitely travel the world.

Q. What type of horsebox do you have?

A. It’s a Lehel.

Q. Where do you source your horses and ponies?

A. All over, I keep a look out all the time.

Q. If there was one horse you could own, past or present, who would it be?

A. Sandown – Police Horse of the Year 1972

Q. Would you make any changes to the way equestrianism is portrayed in the UK?

A. I would like to promote more showing worldwide.

Q. If you could sit down with five other people for a meal who would they be?

A.

Winston Churchill – The greatest Britain who ever lived

Neil Armstrong – First man on the moon

Margaret Thatcher – changed this country at the right time

Henry VIII – great man in history who changed the world forever

Sir Bobby Moore – England 1966 World Cup captain.

Q. If you were invisible for the day, what would be the first thing you’d do?

A. Sit on the front bench in the Houses of Parliament and take a wander around the White House.

Q. What is the most expensive thing you have ever bought?

A. Our farm and horsebox.

Q. Tell us something we don’t know about you...

A. I was awarded a Gold Blue Peter Badge for being the first boy to win the Show Pony Championship at HOYS in 1972.




Here Nigel and Supreme Products provide top tips for those final touch up before entering the show ring.

The Morning of the Competition

For the ultimate finishing touches you can make a huge difference by using Supreme Products Make Up and Highlighters.

Supreme Products Make Ups come in a variety of different shades and colours. They are perfect for highlighting the eyes and muzzle and producing real definition.

In showing, all of these finishing touches really make a difference to your overall appearance helping you to progress up the line. Make sure that you use Highlighters and Make Ups to enhance the appearance, not change it and use them sparingly – there is nothing worse than too much product being applied which would make your horse or pony look unnaturally ‘made up’ – judges do not like this!

When preparing for a competition it is important to aim for the ultimate in turnout, presenting both you and your horse in the best possible way.

Last Minute Touch Ups

The key to a smooth running competition day is good organisation. When possible always try to arrive in plenty of time to allow your horse or pony to take in the atmosphere and keep stress to a minimum by not rushing around.

After working the horse in and getting yourself ready, it is a good idea to apply last minute touch ups.

For extra glitz and glamour add a little Supreme Products Sparkle to the tail. This is the ultimate turn out product and looks fantastic especially when competing indoors or in bright sunlight.

To accentuate and highlight the head area concentrate on two main areas - the eyes and muzzle.

Apply a little Supreme Products Make Up around the eyes, dab it on with your fingers or a little sponge.

Once the Make Up is blended in well, finish off with Supreme Products Glistening Oil around the eyes and muzzle to really help you stand out from the crowd.

Highlighting the eye area really accentuates the head and when trotting around the ring helps catch the judge’s attention.

Supreme Products Glistening Oil and the Supreme Products Highlighters have the added benefit of a UV Sun Filter when competing in the hotter weather during the summer months, so can help to prevent sunburn, particularly on lighter skinned animals.

Supreme Products Professional Collection – The Choice of Champions

Supreme Products are available through stockists nationwide. For further information contact Supreme Products on 01377 299050 or visit www.supremeproducts.co.uk

Thursday 12 August 2010

Hannah’s Heading for the National Championships


SUPREME PRODUCTS™ sponsored dressage rider, Hannah Esberger-Shepherd is heading for the prestigious British Dressage National Championships next month.

Hannah and Belluga were on great form at the Summer Regional Final at Frys winning a Medium warm up class before taking third in the Elementary Championship giving them their ticket to the Nationals.

Said Hannah: “We went down to Frys on the Monday and set up camp, settling the horses in. We started plaiting manes and grooming them so they would look great and their coats would shine when they entered the arena. On Tuesday morning I did a warm up class with Belluga, a Medium test which he won with a few mistakes.

“The Elementary Championship was in a different arena and Belluga went really well scoring 67.9% on the test. We were placed third and that meant we had finally qualified for the Championships. I was so pleased because there are so many more marks to be had from him.

“Laura who is permanently based at my yard competed with her horse, Whispers, winning her warm up test and then going on to win the Novice Restricted. Her parents opened quite a few bottles of champagne and we had a lovely time celebrating while cooking supper on the ramp with the disposable barbeques.

“It was very windy the following day for the Medium Championship and Belluga caught me by surprise. He has never let me down in the ring, but the wind blowing across the international arena was catching everything and just kept frightening him. He did some lovely work in between spooking at everything, and he finished on a score of 61%. I had to be pleased with his score, but miffed as he could have done so well. But at least we are off to the Nationals!”

Monday 9 August 2010

Sarah Takes Riding Horse Championship at Bakewell


Competing in an Open Riding Horse class for the first time, Supreme Products sponsored Sarah Walker and the four-year-old Holtess D-Day were in triumphant form at Bakewell Show.

Owned by Lucy Smith-Crallan, Sarah and Holtess D Day won the Large Riding Horse before going on to take the Championship.

Earlier in the year D Day captured the Novice Riding Horse class at Royal Windsor, and Sarah was delighted to continue the winning form set by husband Robert.

Said Sarah: “He looked fabulous and went really well, we were all over the moon. To secure a Horse of the Year Show ticket was wonderful.

“Holtess D Day is such a star and with the help of the Supreme Products Professional Collection you can really turn him out to perfection with his coat gleaming and the final touches really making him shine.”

Friday 6 August 2010

Exciting Win for Sarah at Royal International Horse Show


Sarah Walker and Starry Night captured the Heavyweight Cob championship at the Royal International Horse Show.

The Supreme Products sponsored team member was over the moon with the bay gelding who arrived from Ireland in February and is owned by Camilla Neame.

Sarah took over the ride in June following husband Robert’s illness and she has been delighted with their progress.

The five-year-old won the Novice Cob class at White Rose in May with Robert on board, then won the Heavyweight Open at Hambleton, taking his ticket.

In July, Sarah had her first competitive ride on Starry Night at North of England Summer, winning the Novice Cob section before heading to Hickstead.

Said Sarah: “This was the first major show for him and we were absolutely delighted that he took to the atmosphere and went so well.

“He looked fantastic, with the show ring presentation products we used really making him shine and stand out. Everyone in the team couldn’t have been more pleased.”

Earlier in the week Robert and Sarah’s young son Sam took second place in the Lead Rein Show Hunter pony class, led by Supreme Products team member Katy Carter.

Thursday 5 August 2010

SUPREME PRODUCTS™ Skin and Cut Care Spray


Supreme Products Skin and Cut Care Spray is an essential item for all horse and pony owners.

It is an easy to use spray which challenges cuts, grazes and minor external wounds.

Supreme Products Skin and Cut Care Spray is ideal for use when an immediate response is required to the possibility of contact germs.

It is an essential horse care item in any yard or horsebox First Aid kit.

Supreme Products Skin and Cut Care Spray – 400ml - £8.50

Sunday 1 August 2010

Introducing Glucosamine Massage Cream from SUPREME PRODUCTS™


Supreme Products Glucosamine Massage Cream offers a helping hand for stiff, tired joints and muscles.

Massaging the cream on twice daily into joints and muscles will help to ease soreness and stiffness, especially after hard work.

Supreme Products Glucosamine Massage Cream is also ideal for older horses and ponies that experience joint and muscle problems due to wear and tear.

For those needing a lot of working in before a competition or animals that are required to do a lot of roadwork the massage cream will also prove very beneficial. It's a great addition to an owner's horse care and grooming box.

Supreme Products Glucosamine Massage Cream – 500ml - £14.95