Q&A with Nina Barbour

How many horses do you have?

I have over 40 horses that we have mainly bred as part of our Harthill Stud business, however I have two at the moment that are mine and I take to shows.

What are their names?

Douglas Delight (Delilah) and Calle.

How old are they/how long have you had them?

Delilah is 10 and I've had her for two years. Calle is 17, and I have had him for three years. Calle actually belongs to Tracy Priest who owned him and produced him to GP level before she leased him to me.

Do they have any bad habits? What are their best personality traits?

Delilah is a bit grumpy in the stable especially when food is involved. 
They both share their best trait which is that they live to go to shows and jump, and get very upset if the lorry goes out and they are left behind.
 

What do your horses eat in an average day? 

They are both very good doers and so have limited haylage three times a day and small feeds of low starch mix twice a day. Delilah is partial to anything sweet including blueberries and even haribo! (Although that is not encouraged!)

Where do your horses live?

They live at Bolesworth and spend time every day out in the field.

How do you make sure your horses are healthy? 

We have a great team made up of a vet, farrier, physio and dentist who visit the horses regularly and keep on top of all their needs!

Describe your horses’ social life?

Their favourite pastime is definitely being at shows and winning prizes!

What is your horse likely to spook at and how do you deal with it?

Usually something silly like a bird flying out of a hedge - I ignore it!

What’s your favourite thing about Brooke’s work?

It is nice to know that there is support out there to care for the poor animals that work so hard in harsh climates, and also to educate the people that own them to create a more sustainable happy lifestyle for the animals and people alike.