Introducing Chrystal | Partridge People
Introducing Chrystal, a professional trick rider. We had the chance to spend the day with her and really get to know what she does and how she started.
What is a trick rider?
"So trick riding is basically like gymnastics on horseback. Performing tricks and stunts at speed either for live events or film sets. It certainly isn’t for the faint hearted. We combine speed, adrenaline and a whole lot of trust in our horses to be able to dangle around and sometimes upside down on them. I definitely think a massive part to becoming a trick-rider is being able to over come that little voice in the back of your head that is telling you that this is all a little crazy."
Can you describe your day to day?
"So it’s definitely not all cheering crowds and film sets. Like every animal based profession, the horses needs come first. My day to day involves getting stuck in on the yard and mucking out anywhere from 4 - 30 stables a day dependant on the time of year. Once that’s done it’s time to work the horses, Sometimes that will include Trick riding, sometimes it will be a hack out to maintain fitness and sometimes it’s Liberty training. No two days are ever really the same, which I think is a really nice thing. It keeps me on my toes."
What are your hobbies?
"So I’ve been lucky enough to sort of combine my hobbies with my career path, I’ve been riding since before I could walk. Horses have always been a focus point in my life. Having 4 of them now to look after and support they pretty much take up the majority of my free time. However when I’m not with my horses, my three dogs take up the remainder of my time, visiting game fairs and taking walks in the countryside.
Obviously with trick-riding staying fit and strong is a really important factor but the yard duties certainly help with that."
Why trick riding?
"So I can remember going to watch a production called “Spirit of the Horse” when I was around 12 years old which was held in a huge circus tent, with lights and sparkly costumes and a horse with a gigantic pair of wings attached to it and I just completely fell in love with the pure magic of it all.
From then on I decided this is what I wanted to do and I was desperate to be in some way involved in this exciting industry. I started off volunteering as ground crew in my spare time and took lessons at every available opportunity. I then got the chance to ride in a few shows and from there I fell even more In love with the rush of it all. Since then I’ve been incredibly lucky to make some amazing friends and work with some extraordinarily talented horsemen and women within the industry. I still have so much to learn and still lots I want to achieve but I am loving every single second of this journey so far."
Why did you choose the Arena Tweed Blazer?
"I chose this gorgeous blazer, as it’s a real staple piece - it has the ability to really dress up any outfit. I feel like this is a great look for any occasion, from country fairs to a work meeting it’s the perfect piece to look stylish and elegant."
Watch the full video with Chrystal and watch a day to day in the life of a trick rider. Check out more of Chrystal @chrystaltrickrider.
