Holly Burton competes in BE and BSJA classes with her horse Retinto Montenegro (Tinto) a 16hh, Lusitano x TB, 11yo grey gelding. He was bred by the Montenegro Stud in Portugal and his sire was Black Lawyer, a successful American race horse. "I bought him as an extremely green 5yo and have brought him up the grades to 1* BE and 1.20m BSJA." This year Holly competed Tinto in their first CIC* at Burgie and moved up to jumping 1.20m BSJA classes. They have qualified for various championships over the years, including numerous times for the BRC National Horse Trial Champs at open level. Holly is aiming to improve their dressage and next year, get Tinto up to Grade B BSJA and compete in the CCI* at Blair. "At some point I intend to get a youngster and start this all over again!"
Why horses? "Why not? They teach you responsibility and disipline from a young age and keep you very grounded. I like how different horses are from one another and how you must adapt to get the best out of them."
Biggest horsey bug bear? "Grey horses - such an impractical colour, especially when they live out (I choose to keep all my horses out 24/7 all year round)."
Worst horsey habit? "I won't let anyone else tack up my horse or put on his boots before I ride, even if running late at an event. For my own piece of mind, I must do it myself."
If not horses what? "I can't answer that as I can't remember a time without horses!
What could you not live without? "Simple, a horse! I'm also supported by Jump Stack Ltd and Buff Neckwear."
