Mikey Tuff runs a professional schooling and jumping yard with his partner Harriet from their base in Devon. Mikey is jumping up to CSI2* level including competing at the London Global Champions Tour.
Who is your Top Horse
Cupidam is my Top Horse, he is known as Dan at home and is a 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood. He has competed up to CSI2* level.
When did you first start to ride?
I started riding very young but lost interest so I stopped at about 9 and then started again at 13.
Was this something you always wanted do?
No, when I was younger there were many things and sports I thought I wanted to do. I really enjoyed my athletics; sprinting was something that I spent a lot of time doing. I also really liked football; it was nice and different for me to be able to play in a team.
What are your 5 favourite products from Redpost
- Ariat Ascent H20 Paddock Boots – These boots are my favourites. They have lasted the test of time, especially with riding a lot of different horses each day, they are comfortable all day long and are really waterproof, which is great for English weather.
- Mac in a Sac Waterproof Jacket – These jackets are lightweight and breathable while still being waterproof. They are great for shows and teaching, when it is hot or cold!
- NAF Senior Superflex – All of my horses feel really good on this supplement, I can really tell the difference when I use it.
- Flex-On Stirrups – I really like how big the tread is. When you are riding in a long time in them, you don’t get aches and pains and I really like how grippy they are.
- Kentucky Bamboo Tendon Boots – I really like the design of these boots, they are lightweight and I have peace of mind knowing that my horse’s tendon’s are protected when jumping.
What is your most memorable horse-riding moment?
When I was around 8 years old, my Dad let me off the lead rein and the pony I was riding bolted off and I was hanging off one side with one foot in the stirrup, with half the family shouting “Jump off” and the other half shouting “Hold on” whilst I galloped laps of the sand school.
Where is your favourite place to compete?
I love Bicton Main arena, all of my horses jump really well on grass, and it is definitely one of the best in the country for it’s quality of grass surface. the work Bicton put into holding the shows on this arena is second to none. The atmosphere is also great!
Can you run us through how you prepare for the big shows?
“I would give the horses a jump early in the week, at-least a few days before the show and then on the lead up just making sure they are feeling happy and relaxed, each horse is different but I just really like to make sure they are at their most relaxed before the show.
What types of off-horse activities have you found to have helped your riding the most over the years?
I love to run, which helps with my fitness, but I also find it very relaxing. A lot of sports like squash also help me with my reaction time and keep me active.
What advice have you been given that has stuck with you the most?
Understand what the horse needs and not what you want from it, although the horse may like doing its job you always have to remember it is doing it for you, so you always have to understand what the horse needs not what you need
Who has been the most special horse in your riding career so far and why?
A horse names bobby socks (Bob) he was the first horse I managed to jump the bigger classes on and gave me the confidence to believe I could and should be doing it.
Who is your greatest riding inspiration
I would say Marcus Ehning , I believe he is the most complete rider and has and understanding for all horses he rides and what they are able to do.
What are your goals for the next 5 years?
In the next five years I would like to keep grow the yard of competition and producing horses, I would also love to start breeding horses to produce as this is a part of horses I especially enjoy and like.
