Riders are people too. People with opinions. And ideas. And occasionally, mind blowing insights. Or not. Either way, you can read some of their musings here.
This week’s Featured Rider: Tani Zeidler
If you were to pick one rider that embodied team spirit, Tani Zeidler would be on the short list. Earlier this year, the Alberta-based show jumper qualified for the 2011 World Cup Finals and then GAVE her spot to Eric Lamaze. (He finished in 2nd place.)
“It was a really tough decision,” says Zeidler, who has never competed at a World Cup Final. “Even though it would have been great experience, I just didn’t think it was the right thing to do, especially with Eric sitting behind me. I think when you’re representing your country, and you have someone who can win it, they should go. I hope somebody maybe gives me that opportunity one day in my life, too.”
That kind of big picture thinking comes naturally to Zeidler. A self-taught rider who started at 14, she is keenly aware of the example she sets—both in the ring and for her daughter Julia. (They are both ambassadors for JustWorld International.) “You hope that people learn by good example,” she says.
In 2011, Zeidler will try again to earn a spot for the World Cup Final with her grand prix mounts Ranville and Loving Dancer. Only next time she qualifies, it’s not likely she’ll part with the opportunity.
Who has had the biggest impact on your riding and why?
My family and my ex-husband Jan Tops—combined—had the most influence on me. My family were not horse people, so there was no pressure or expectation. They were just like, go do it. Have fun. That was nice. I think a lot of families when you start late don’t really understand it. [As] for Jan, when I got out of University and we met, his experience and support and knowledge really made me say, Wow, this is amazing. I really want to do this. He has the same philosophy as my family: If you want to do it, go do it. So that was a good thing.
What is the one piece of riding equipment you can’t live without?
I’m not really big into gadgets. I think every horse is different and has different needs. For sure I need a saddle. I figure, Susie Hutchison showed that it can be done without a bridle—she rode Samsung Woodstock in a bit with reins. I just don’t think you can jump a 1.6m without a saddle. So, I couldn’t live without my saddle!
If you could change one thing about the sport, what would it be?
In North America, I would like to see it be less expensive to bring along the young horses. I think it’s very hard if you’re a breeder to bring them up properly and compete, because it’s just too expensive. I think 5, 6, 7 year olds should be a different entry fee, or free stabling; something so we can get more breeding and more young horses in our country. When you go to Florida with a young horse, by the time you’re done you’ve invested so much money that you’ve driven up the price of the horse, which is maybe not correct with the horse. By the time you get a good 7 year old, you’ve invested so much money you might as well just go to Europe and buy one. I’d just like to see more young horses and breeding in North America.
If you had your pick of any horse in the world, living or dead, which would you choose?
Probably Ratina Z. She was amazing. She won gold and silver Olympic medals with Piet Raymakers and then went on with to win many more with Ludger Beerbaum. I think the integrity of that mare was amazing and she was my type—hot blooded.
How did you prepare mentally for a big class?
I have a routine. After I walk the course, I sit down with my red apple and coffee and get focused. If you get too amped, then by the time you go in the ring you’re tired mentally. Or if you’re too down, you don’t have enough fight. So whatever mechanism you need to keep you in the middle, in the zone, you need to figure that out. When I eat an apple and have my coffee it for sure triggers something—like Pavlov’s dog. It’s not really the apple and coffee; it’s the repetition.
