Ever wondered what it takes to keep a cool head when €1M is at stake? H&C spoke exclusively to Scott Brash’s groom to find out.
Cool under pressure
Hannah Colman has been groom to Scott’s top horses since 2013, as well as his girlfriend, so what she doesn’t know about Britain’s top showjumper, frankly isn’t worth knowing.
So is he really as cool as he looks under pressure?
“You wouldn’t know when he is about to jump in a big class – you’d think he was going for a cup of tea,” Hannah told H&C. “I don’t know how he does it, but he doesn’t get nervous – that’s why he is so good.”
“To win the Rolex Grand Slam in Calgary last year he had to jump clear, which no-one else in the class had managed. To go in with that kind of pressure and perform well is just amazing.”
Once again Scott is a contender for the title, having ticked one of the three Grand Prix titles off the list with another win at Spruce Meadows CP International in September, where he won an incredible $1m for his efforts. If he can pull off a win at Geneva CHI this weekend (11 December), he will one step closer to winning the Rolex Grand Slam for the second year running.
The prestigious show will see the world’s best competing, including Olympic gold medallists Nick Skelton and Big Star, last year’s Geneva Grand Prix winner Steve Guerdat and world number one, Christian Ahlmann.
Happy horses
Scott will be competing Ursula, with whom he won in Calgary. So how is he preparing for the show?
“Scott has a plan in his head about all competitions and everything he has done with Ursula over the past few weeks has been building her up for Geneva,” says Hannah. “Everything is taken into consideration, but they are still treated like horses. Scott believes if your horses are happy, they will try for you.”
Unlike the rider, Ursula has a hot head, so they have to be careful with what they feed her before a show – although she is allowed bananas, which are her favourite choice of snack. The 15-year-old mare will also enjoy time out in the field.
“She’s very sharp to ride, but on the ground she’s so laid back and loving,” says Hannah. “Her only quirk is that she gets attached to her friends. So when we first arrive at a show she neighs her head off, but once the first day is out of the way she’s fine.”
“She’s probably the best mare you could ask for and Scott has a real soft spot for her.”
Soft spot for Scott
Hannah clearly also has a soft spot for Scott, who she says is a patient rider and a great boss.
“I love watching him ride as he is so quiet on the horses and he never gets angry,” she said. “He’s also a great to work for – he is very fair and treats us all well.
“I remember my first day well, as I was throw in at the deep end. I had to clip Hello Sanctos (and he is horrible to clip!) and then take him and Whisky Mac on the lorry to compete in Estoril. I was really nervous, as I wanted to get everything right, but Scott is such a good boss.
“He says what he likes and then lets you get on with it, although is happy to answer any questions. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”
Lucky charm
Hannah won’t be at Geneva as she’s taking her HGV test, but she will be watching live on H&C at home. She hopes to bring Scott good luck by packing a lucky charm, which the horses wear on their fly hats for all Grand Prix classes. So see if you can spot it on the big day.
“I’m quite superstitious,” says Hannah. “Scott isn’t at all – as long as got his hat, boots and jacket and he’s clean then he’s fine. Besides, he doesn’t leave anything to luck. It’s all been carefully planned out.”