Small but Mighty - Sophie Janssen’s Love for Clydesdales

This article is from the October 2019 Horse Deals magazine.

Sophie, how did you develop an interest in Clydesdales and what is it about the breed that appeals to you? My mum shows Clydesdales so I went to lots of shows when I was little. I love Clydesdales because they have lovely personalities and they are really big.

How old are you and how long have you been riding and driving horses? I am nine years old and I have been riding and driving horses since I was about four.

What skills do you need to drive Clydesdales successfully? You need to listen to instructions. You need patience when you’re learning a new obstacle with your horse. You also need to have good communication with your horse and to let them know when they are doing a good job.

They say practice makes perfect. How often and for how long do you practice driving to get to the level you’re at? Before shows, I practice twice a week for about an hour. I practice long reining and leading, and I ride as well.

This year at Sydney you won the Junior Long Rein for the third time. What is required in this class? In my class I need to drive Matilda around different sorts of obstacles without missing any or making any mistakes. We don’t know what the obstacles or course will be until we are waiting in the ring. Some times we have to weave around cones, walk over a mat, or a bridge or a pole. Sometimes we have to stop and back up too.

Who taught you to drive Clydesdales? My mum and my good friend Tony Parry taught me how to long rein. Tony is my parent’s friend and he is one of my best friends. Tony is Matilda’s owner and he lets me borrow her. He has taught me so much about long reining. Tony and Pam (his wife) started showing Clydesdales the same time as my mum and dad. He started long reining and obstacles when Matilda was about 18 months old. He taught himself with some help from friends at St Heliers Heavy Horse Field Days.

Can you tell us about your partner Matilda? Matilda is 6 years old, almost 7 years old and is a very nice, friendly horse. She listens to everything I ask her. She is my best friend and my favourite horse! Matilda has done lots of shows with Tony and Pam. She mainly did led classes and longrein when she was young. Matilda is broken to harness and can do slide obstacles, log snig and carriages.

What role do you play in getting ready on the day of the show? I load and unload Matilda on the float. At the show, I take off her rug and brush her all over. I comb her mane and tail so she is ready for her mane roll to be put in. I help to put her harness on.

What’s your favourite part of competing in the Junior Long Rein? My favourite part of Junior Long Reining is doing the gate obstacle. I like hanging out with my friends at the shows too.

The video of you in the Junior Long Rein at Sydney Royal this year had over 93,000 views. How do you feel about your internet fame? I was really surprised and a little bit shocked, but mainly pleased. Mum couldn’t believe how many people watched the video!

How is riding a Clydie different from riding your Riding Pony? Matilda is easier to get going than my pony, but her trot is slower and bouncier.

How big are the Clydies you ride and how do you get on board? Matilda is 16.2hh so she isn’t very big for a Clydesdale. My mum has to give me a leg up so I can get on!

What would you like to do when you are older? When I am older I would like to do harness at Sydney Royal. I also want to try dressage.

Video credit: Treisha Hemaridis.

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