The Scoop with Clint Beresford

This article is from the January 2019 Horse Deals magazine

Age: 26

Lives: Murrumbateman, NSW – 30 mins from Canberra.

Occupation: Farrier/rider.

Family history with horses?
Horses have always been in the family with my grandparents and father competing in dressage and showjumping.

What age did you start riding?
7 years old.

Tell us about your first pony.
A little black pony named Maisie that I did pony club on. She was 12hh.

Why showjumping?
I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of showjumping, if you don’t put in the work, you won’t get the results. I’ve always had a good group of friends that also jump and although I love the competition, I also enjoy the social part of the sport as well.

What are some of the highlights of your riding career?
• Winning the Australian World Cup SJ League 2016
• Domestic Rider of the Year 2016 Equestrian Australia Awards
• Winning the Silver Fern at Horse of the Year NZ in 2018
• Winning the GP at Sydney Royal 2018
• Winning the Summer Classic WC 2016
• Winning the Bega Showjumping Cup 2017

You’ve had a very successful 2018 with Emmaville Jitterbug and SL Donato in the World Cup Series, currently sitting at the pointy end of the leaderboard. What are your jumping plans moving into 2019?
Continuing with the remaining WC (World Cup) series with my two horses. We have plans to book another trip to NZ to compete at Takapoto Estate SJ Classic and HOY at Hawkes Bay in Feb/March 2019. Upon returning home will then head to Sydney Royal and Aquis Champions Tour. Then a couple of months break before the start of the 2019 WC league.

Who has had the biggest influence on your riding career?
Grant Hughes who owns and runs Emmaville Performance Horses in Canberra. I worked with him for two years after my HSC, riding a wide variety of horses and gained a lot of experience that has helped me move on to producing my own horses.

How many horses do you have in work?
Between four and six horses at any one time with my two WC horses, a couple of young horses and client’s horses.

Which horse is your favourite ride and why?
Emmaville Jitterbug (Jason). He is a quirky horse with lots of personality and a big heart. When I go into the ring I know he will always try his best for me and has been a competitive horse for many years from Young Horse classes through to WC level.

Do you still fit in much farrier work, or is it predominantly riding and coaching?
Yes, still shoeing, however since purchasing an equestrian property at Murrumbateman I am starting to focus on riding and producing horses because now I have the facilities to do so. I have also started coaching a number of riders in the local area which I enjoy.

Share a typical day in your life.
Start the day at 6.30am. Ride all horses in the morning which takes me up to lunch time and then shoeing four to five horses in the afternoon.

Mares or geldings?
Either – depends on the horse’s attitude. I have had good success on mares and geldings.

Horses provide plenty of highs and lows, how do you manage the lows?
I have been competing for long enough now to know that everyone goes through the highs and lows of the sport. If things are not going well, don’t be too quick to blame the horse or yourself, think of ways why it is happening and ways of fixing the problem.

You’ve been competing at a high level for years now, has the way you approach big classes and events changed?
Yes. When I first started competing at the higher level, I would be quite nervous and did not trust myself to do well. As time went by, I gained confidence by continually competing in bigger classes and realized that both myself and the horses were capable. I always make sure I am well prepared before going to an event so that I am confident that I give my horse/s the best opportunity to do well.

What would your career choice be if you weren’t working with horses?
I have always enjoyed working outdoors so I would imagine an outdoor trade. Since leaving school I was always certain I wanted to work with horses, so I never considered any other options.

If you could tell 18 year old Clint Beresford one thing, what would it be?
Be patient and trust that everything will work out and success does not come over night.

What is the first thing you have to pack to take away to a competition?
My Antares saddles and gear.

What do you like to do outside of horses?
I don’t get a lot of time outside of horses but when I do, I like to catch up with family and friends. Water skiing and relaxing on the lounge.

What are your long term goals?
To continue competing at a high level and producing horses in to the future. I am hoping to represent Australia at Nations Cup or Olympic level one day.

2 things we don’t know about you?
1. When I first started riding, my mum had to bribe me with lollies because I was terrified of horses.
2. I have a School Bus Driver Authority.

Sponsors: Barastoc, Beta Vet, Antares and Horseland – Canberra.

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