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

Supreme Products Winner, Moira, Enjoys Lesson with Hannah Esberger-Shepherd

Moira Richardson was the lucky winner of the Supreme Products™ competition to win a lesson and turnout tips with top dressage rider and trainer Hannah Esberger-Shepherd in Just Dressage.

Retford-based, Moira took along her nine-year-old, Vrayadien who she has owned for 11 months.

After allowing Vrayadien to settle in to her new home and routine they have recently started their competition partnership in good form, winning their first unaffiliated Elementary test at Sheepgate.

Known in the stable as Addy, Moira’s aim with the talented warmblood is to gain a place on the Northern Team at next year’s Inter-Regional competitions.

The mare, who has a natural flare for dressage, is by ‘Grivaldi’ and they look set for a great future together with Hannah complimenting them on their natural style and the level of skill they have already achieved together.

Hannah began the lesson by assessing Moira and Addy, noticing that the mare was blocking the left hand side and therefore not in the correct contact.

Hannah explained that Addy must not rely on the left rein and if the rein is given to her she must not fall out through her shoulder. This problem was worked on by doing plenty of leg yielding exercises throughout the lesson.

With many years experience training and riding, Hannah also noticed that Addy was a bit slow behind, and strong on the forehand.

Explained Hannah: “Addy needs to be lighter and softer in the hand. By working on transitions she will become softer and develop a more balanced shape overall.”

The pair then progressed to canter work which highlighted similar areas to improve on.

Working on 15 metre circles soon helped with the softness and plenty of left leg was needed on the girth to encourage Addy to flex and then relax.

Moira learnt to work the mare through her body to improve her suppleness when in canter.

By working on the left rein and correcting her stiffness Moira was given plenty to work on. Hannah gave valuable advice to correct Addy leaning on Moira by simply stopping her when she did this.

Later Hannah explained that Moira needed to get Addy to work her muscles up through her back to enable her to be more engaged. Moira’s homework was to work on the hind quarters and try to improve the canter work.

After the lesson Hannah explained the importance of turnout and presentation when in the dressage arena.

Hannah is sponsored by Supreme Products and uses the Professional Collection in preparation for and when at a competition.

Said Hannah: “The range from Supreme Products is fantastic. It really helps you to catch the judges’ attention and makes it so much easier for you to look immaculate when in the arena, by using products that have been specially developed for plaiting manes, shampooing horses and adding the finishing touches.

“Supreme Products highlighters such as Glistening Oil, Sparkle and Spray & Shine really add those finishing touches.”

The Supreme Products Guide to Producing a Champion

Most of the preparation for a show horse should be done at home. Giving your horse a quick bath and brush the day before a show will not have him looking in tip top condition. A show horse requires care and attention to keep him looking at his best throughout the season.

Feeding

Finding the correct feed for your horse is essential for making sure your horse looks and performs well. Regular small feeds are essential to a horses wellbeing. If your horse’s coat looks dull, add a splash of soya oil to his feed and he will soon have a shine back on his coat.

Rugging

Rugging your horse will help keep his summer coat looking good and discourage him from growing a winter one. Make sure he is warm - but not too hot otherwise he will be uncomfortable - at all times to help maintain a great coat.

In the summer it can become quite warm so you do not want to over-rug your horse. A Supreme Products Lycra Body Wrap is perfect for keeping your horse cool and comfortable whilst keeping the coat in tip top condition by preventing rug rubs. Add a lightweight rug over the top if necessary on colder periods.

Grooming

Daily grooming is essential to keep him looking good. By thoroughly grooming your horse you will help stimulate oil production and blood circulation, and will remove any dead skin cells and coat to give your horse a healthy glow. After grooming spray with Supreme Products De Luxe Coat Gloss to leave a natural looking shine to your horse’s coat

Trim any stray hairs on your horses head for example the ears, whiskers, jaw line and bridle path with mini clippers. Also make sure all heels are trimmed to create an elegant look.

Pay attention to the length of the mane and tail. If you will be regularly plaiting the mane, make sure it is pulled to a length that is manageable and will enable you to create neat plaits. In the show ring a nicely pulled tail looks elegant, however if you are not comfortable with pulling your horses tail the Supreme Products Thinning Comb is perfect for thinning manes and tails quickly and humanely.

Riding

At the start of the year make sure you get your show animals as fit as possible to be able to cope with the long days at shows. Spend a lot of time hacking out and building up the ponies and horses with more intense schooling. Good schooling work is important for the right build up of muscles to make them look more defined.

Throughout the season it is a case of ticking your horse over in between shows. It's a good idea to spend more time hacking the ponies and horses out and turning them out in the field in an attempt to keep their fitness and interest in showing.

Turnout

Turn out as much as possible. Ideally, aim for them to each get a few hours every day. Time in the field is very beneficial for horses and ponies, they get to relax and unwind which should stop them from becoming stale half way through the season.

During the season the ponies should be fit enough so concentrate on keeping them happy and sweet. After a show, give them a couple of days in the field, coming in at night for a feed and to be checked over.

For further information please contact Supreme Products on 01377 217150 or visit www.supremeproducts.co.uk

The Supreme Products Guide to Bathing and Trimming: Part Two

At first glance, it would appear that all horse shampoos are the same. However, there are important differences between each type. Choosing the right one, depending on the colour of your horse among many other things, can make bathing a whole lot easier and the end result much more spectacular!

The Horse That Attracts Dirt

We all know how frustrating it can be to spend hours scrubbing at a horrible yellow stable stain or mud patch. Fortunately, things don't have to be as labour intensive anymore, thanks to Supreme Products Stain Remover Shampoo.

Designed specifically for targeting affected areas, this shampoo needs to be worked into the skin and is perfect for use on older or more established stains on the body, legs and even yellow stains in the tail.

If you feel your horse is really dirty turn to Supreme Products Stain Remover Spray, developed to dissolve and lift vegetable based stains quickly from the coat, legs and hocks.

Ideal for use as a precursor to bathing or even on the morning of a show, Supreme Products Stain Remover Spray is an essential emergency piece of kit.

Black and Brown Coats

It is important when looking at shampoos that you choose one that will bring out the true bloom, as well as adding lustre and shine.

Bay and Brown coats can often look dull, which is partially due to the scurf and dirt that is most visible in this colour of coat.

Supreme Products High Shine Shampoo has been designed specifically for challenging the build-up of coat preparations which have built up throughout the show season. This is a valuable shampoo in the early season and is brilliant after clipping. High Shine Shampoo is highly effective in removing grease, dirt and scurf and leaving the coat silky and shiny.

Whilst great for Bay and Browns this shampoo also adds shine and lustre to all coat colours, making it extremely versatile.

Chestnut and Bright Bay Coats

With a specialist colour enhancing formulation, Supreme Products Chestnut Shampoo is highly concentrated with added conditioners to increase depth of colour, promote chestnut tones and eliminate fading.

Supreme Products Chestnut Shampoo produces a beautiful and highly lustrous finish to your horse’s coat, making him look and feel like a true champion. This shampoo can be particularly beneficial in restoring colour to faded coats during the summer months.

Palomino and Dun Coats

Supreme Products Palomino Shampoo contains natural brighteners and honey conditioner specifically formulated for use on palomino, golden dun and light coloured show coats. It helps enhance their natural colour and produces a brilliant show ring finish.

Palomino and Dun horses are a minority colour group therefore they do stand out in the ring. This product will make your horse look extra special in the ring and can bring an extra shine to a coat that very rarely glistens and gleams.

Brighter Whites

For those of you who have grey, white or coloured horses, you will be inundated with whitening products and shampoos, so how do you know which one to choose?

Tried and tested by many showing professionals Supreme Products Blue Shampoo adds a bright and white finish to show ring turnout. This shampoo, containing optical brighteners for light coats, is sure to make white and grey horses stand out from the crowd. It is also really effective and useful on coloured coats – for brightening and whitening the light coat and for adding depth of colour and shine to the darker coat.

For extra definition and whitening, Supreme Products Leg and Body Whitener can also be used to whiten the body, mane and tail, and is perfect for covering stable stains and unsightly marks. The powder can be mixed with water to create a paste and then applied to the legs to create the whitest and brightest socks in the show ring, socks that really dazzle!

Damaged or Dry Coats

New to the Supreme Products Professional Collection is Supreme Products Show Shampoo and Conditioner which is suitable for use on all coat colours and textures to restore lustre and shine. This almond and coconut shampoo contains conditioners to help restore damaged or dry coats, manes and tails. This shampoo will help to produce a brilliant show ring finish to all coat colours.

The Secret Weapon!

When you feel you really want to get ahead in the turnout stakes and want to pull out all the stops, why not go for something a little extra?

Bearing in mind a little goes a long way Supreme Products Blue Rinse has been described as ‘magic’ in a pot and can be added to the final rinse to accentuate and add definition to grey’s and all coat colour’s.