CARYS MCCRORY- A PASSION FOR CROSS COUNTRY

Hippo Sponsored Rider Carys is from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand and is currently competing all around the country. We talked to her about her love of the adrenaline rush that goes with being a cross country rider, her diva of a horse Patrick and her dream of building her own schooling and coaching business.

Tell us about your horse.

“I currently ride Nemesis - a 16.1hh NZ thoroughbred by Don Eduardo. He is known as Patrick at home and is the adored No.1 of my team. I have had him since he finished racing and have produced him myself. We are currently competing at 3* eventing together. Patrick is quite the diva, always needing to be centre of attention and finding ways to create drama!” 

What’s your favourite discipline to compete in, and why?

“Cross country is definitely my favourite phase of competition. I love the technicality of it, along with the adrenaline of galloping and jumping big jumps. The amount of trust my horse and I have in each other is something quite special I think.” 

What achievement in your riding career are you most proud of?

“The achievement I’m most proud of is winning the national one day Eventing Young Rider championship title 2022. 

Which Hippo Health remedies do you use the most?

“There’s quite a list! For my horses I can’t go without my  Separation Anxiety,  Chilled Out Horse,  Appetite Plus,  Spook Buster  and  Show Calm remedies! All my horses get the Chilled Out Horse remedy before any outings, along with Spook Buster and the Separation Anxiety remedy if they need it. I also find Spook Buster and Chilled Out Horse are great for the young horses at home. 

I keep a stash in my first aid kit too -  Colic Aid,  Foot Sore  and  First Aid Plus  for any minor swelling.

I use the  Fatigue Plus remedy  for people for myself when I am super busy or tired, which I find helps to keep me more energised and focussed throughout the day.” 

What’s next for you?

“I am hoping to step Patrick up to 4* Eventing. I have a few young horses who are coming up through the levels. I am also going to build and grow my own business in schooling and coaching.” 

How old were you when you started riding?

“I have been riding for as long as I can remember. I learned to ride on a friends Shetland pony until I got my own first pony when I was 4.”

Aside from horse riding, what else do you like to do?

“I enjoy keeping myself fit at the gym and taking my dogs for walks up our local hill track. In my down time, I catch up with friends, or find myself a series to watch on Netflix.” 

What’s your favourite food?

“I absolutely love fresh summer fruit, especially watermelon and strawberries.” 

What is your kryptonite?

“My own perfectionism! Although it comes with benefits of always striving for better, I have to stop myself being too critical and harsh on myself.”

Follow Carys’ journey on  Facebook and  Instagram.

Read about other Hippo Sponsored Riders

• Hope Taylor Beerling – Working and Competing in the USA
• Zara McDonald – Rising Star of New Zealand Eventing
• Cindy Wiffin – Competition Dressage Rider & Judge
• Lucy Cochrane – Head Competition Rider & Competing in Australia
• Taylor des Barres Williams – Barrel Racer Extraordinaire
• Hannah Steens – Show Jumper & Hunter