Born to Shine on the Centre Line | Charlotte and Wez
Next in our Born to Shine on the Centre Line series are Charlotte and Wez!
Charlotte Irwin based in North Nottinghamshire was brought up on her parents showjumping yard in Leicestershire and started riding at three years old. Her Shetland pony at that time was also three years old! Charlotte was involved in breaking and schooling many horses and ponies as well as running her own riding school over the years. She never really had the confidence for showjumping but always loved flatwork. After her first dressage lesson on FBHS Peter Roberts's Prix St George horse at the age of 15 she was hooked.
Charlotte has loved competing with Dressage Anywhere for a few years now and enjoyed many successes. She finds that it fits in with her busy life and is affordable, especially if you have to hire transport to go to live competitions.
"The judges are professional and encouraging and there are loads of classes to choose from. I loved having a go at the Dressage to Music and hope to do more. I also think as Wez is in his 20th year this year it is a great way of keeping competing the oldies with less physical stress to both him and me."
Charlotte's lovely horse, Wez is a Hanoverian. My husband found an advert on preloved for a dressage horse that ticked all the boxes and we could afford! It was just after Christmas and the weather was terrible we were keen to see him based in Lancashire but had our viewing postponed once. He had not suited a couple of other viewers, but we were still keen to see him. He was being sold through a yard as his owner had sadly lost her husband through cancer. My husband bought him for me, the best Christmas present ever. I was very over horsed but fell in love with my Valegro.
Wez is loved by all, has a very young attitude to life including spooking at things and inventing worries! His tongue gymnastics at meal times cracks everyone up.
Charlotte competes at Introductory level and Para Grade 4. She prepares for a dressage test by practicing many times and filming to assess any weak points.
"My brother is TV presenter Jonnie Irwin who was born to shine on the TV you might say lol. I prefer dancing on my horse instead, in front of a camera. :)"
Charlotte's best horsey item recommendation are the Le Mieux acoustic ear defenders which really helps Wez to concentrate. When it comes to goals, Charlotte’s aiming big and is going to work on her confidence with an aim to win a championship.
And for anyone new to dressage, Charlotte says don't be afraid to have a go, it's fun, exciting, especially waiting for your feedback for the learning between you and your horse about your test.