CINDY WIFFIN – COMPETITION DRESSAGE RIDER & JUDGE

Cindy is an experienced rider and dressage judge based in New Zealand, and one of our Hippo Sponsored Riders. We asked her to tell us all about her horse, why dressage is her favourite discipline and the number one tool she thinks riders need in their toolbox to succeed.

Tell us about your horse.

“My main horse is an 18hh Hanoverian gelding called Santana MH. He’s the sweetest, cuddliest horse who doesn’t realise how big he is – in fact he’s quite a scaredy cat! He’s addicted to peppermints and will come running from anywhere if he hears a packet being opened.”

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

“Dressage is my discipline. I love the slow steady climb up the grades and seeing a horse develop from a wobbly unbalanced baby to a strong, muscled and powerful horse with incredible balance. Dressage is a mind game so your number one tool has to be patience.”

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

“I have many. I consider each time I sit and compete on a horse that I have bred and trained from the start to be an achievement that I’m proud of. But my favourite has to be winning the title of Level 3 horse of the year in 2020.”

Which Hippo Health remedies do you use/love the most?

“The Mud & Rain remedy has been a life saver through the recent cyclone both for my own horse and the rescue horses that we’ve had staying with us. I find Ticks Plus is incredible in the summer months as I run my broodmares on a farm that has deer nearby so knowing that they are protected from annoying ticks is fab.

Chilled Out Horse has become a staple all year round as I run quite hot horses, so it’s great to be able to dose the troughs every second day and know they’re getting that support 24/7.”

What’s next for you?

“Santana MH will be stepping up to Small tour, and I have an exciting team of young horses about to start their journeys so it’s going to be a busy few years for me!”

 How old were you when you started riding?

“I started riding when I was 3years old and my parents brought me a Shetland pony called midget. I don’t remember much, but he must have been a handful as I know he just about put my parents off horses for life!”

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

“I have a husband and three boys (13, 10 & 5) so they keep me quite busy. I’m a dressage judge as well so if I’m not competing then I’m usually out judging or working on my upgrading. I also enjoy going to the gym with a great bunch of friends.”

Favourite food?

“I love spaghetti bolognese for dinner, but when I take my Mum hat off, I have an obsession with bubbly wine and chocolate!”

What is your kryptonite?

“Hmmmmm, it would have to be the bubbly wine and chocolate I mentioned before. But I’d also say I have a weakness horse-related shopping.”

Follow Cindy on  Instagram.

Read about other Hippo Sponsored Riders

• Hope Taylor Beerling – Working and Competing in the USA
• Carys McCrory – A Passion For Cross Country
• Zara McDonald – Rising Star of New Zealand Eventing
• Lucy Cochrane – Head Competition Rider & Competing in Australia
• Taylor des Barres Williams – Barrel Racer Extraordinaire
• Hannah Steens- Show Jumper & Hunter
• Annie Baird – Show Hunter Champ / Up & Coming Show Jumper