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/