DECEMBER ROM: Davina Mottershead

DECEMBER ROM: Davina Mottershead

DECEMBER EFO ROM

Davina Mottershead 

We are so excited to announce our December ROM for 2019. Davina has been dominating the eventing scene and someone we are very proud to have join our ROM squad! 
Check out our interview with her to learn more about this amazing rider! 
  1. How did you enter the Equestrian Industry? 

My parents were both present in the horse industry as thoroughbred and Arabian race track trainers.

  1. What is your first memory you have with horses? 

My First memory was following my mom around the barnyard “helping” her train the horses when I was 3 years old.

  1. Did you always know that you would be working with horses as a profession? 

As a young child this was my dream and vision but many people told me I couldn’t so for a while I thought it wasn’t possible until I just started having people knock down my door wanting me to train them and their horses.

  1. What does an average day look like for you? 

The average day is; I wake up and have some coffee and breakfast. Some days I do some paperwork then I go to the barn, others I go straight to chores. Each day is different as far as what the horses will do. trot sets, dressage, jump school or cross county. When the riding is done I do some extra farm work and teach some lessons in the afternoon and evening. After or before dinner do a 45 min hit work out. (or 20 min in the off season ha ha)

  1. What are the most common challenges you face? 

This year I had an injury, I would say that is a challenge to manage getting things done in a very physical job and protecting your finances. I am blessed to have supportive competitors and an outstanding team around me to make these times very successful.

  1. Do you have any suggestions for young riders aspiring to become professional riders?

Kill laziness at a young age and don't think less of yourself or your riding if you want to keep riding separate from your job.

  1. What are some of the most common challenges you face with your riding? 

I used to lack coaching until I moved to the east, but now I work hard at keeping my psychology strong by doing the daily routine and system well.

  1. If you could spend a day doing a different sport, what would it be and why? 

I have always loved X-games and would have loved to go far in snowboarding, that or gymnastics!

  1. If you weren’t in the Equestrian Industry, what do you think you would be doing instead and why?

I am already a Sport massage therapist and I love that skill but horses are most fulfilling for me and it is great.

  1. What accomplishment are you most proud of within the Equestrian Industry? (Does not have to be show related) 

This year was a pretty over coming year for me, I went a level up cold turkey after an injury which was pretty stellar. but I have lots, I always feel privileged and proud to even be setting goals every year.

  1. The most memorable horse which you have owned or ridden is _____ and why? 

My first pony I got when I was 6 years old, he was un-broke and horrible! but I use the skills I learned on him, everyday. Patience and balance!

  1. What is the one thing you can never go to a horse-show without? (i.e. lucky socks) 

My XC watch! I use it as a watch for the show and feel weird without it.

  1. Do you have any horse-show rituals? (other than getting Tim’s at 4am)

I like to visualize my rides even if its quick. If it’s the first horse show of the year I like getting crepes at the crepe truck.

  1. What is your favourite post-horseshow thing to do? (i.e. relax with a glass of wine, unpack the trailer etc.) 

Shower! I’m usually riding in a one-day and get very dirty.

  1. Does your horse have a favourite treat? If so, what is it? 

Honestly, they just love their grain with their Equine omega Complete oil it. They would eat a body if it was covered in the oil.

  1. What do you like to do when you manage to get some time off and away from the barn?

I'm a huge Christmas fan and I love going to markets and breweries

  1. Describe your dream vacation (does not have to be horse related)

HAWAII, enough said. 

  1. What are you most grateful for at your barn? 

The people around me are incredible. Melissa Boutin is a hero and an amazing equestrian.

  1. Describe the funniest wardrobe malfunction that you have had when riding? 

I moved a few times last year and somehow my show clothes didn’t make it to Florida. I didn’t realize this until the night before the first show. I tried on some of my working students’ clothes but none of the pants fit so I had to wear the literal first pair of white pants I ever had (because I’m a weird hoarder and they were somehow stashed in my trailer!!!!) they were no exaggeration, 12” too short and also way too wide. it looked like I was wearing sweatpants and I kept pulling them up all day. It was very uncomfortable and also not functional (almost fell off multiple times)

  1. What is your go-to late night snack? 

Chocolate! or just a plain bun

Would you rather... 

Be forced to show in paddock boots and polos or Hunter rain boots?

I have done this before! ha ha


Show in a sleeveless shirt or a bright neon green show coat?

Fall in the warm-up ring or go into the ring with a very mud covered horse?

also may have done this in the rain before


Split your breeches in the ring or have your reins break mid-ride?

Have your horse refuse to stop or not even make it down the shoot? neither are good but as long as they are good jumpers


Swim in the ocean with your horse or travel the mountains via horseback?

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to sit down with us. We wish you the best of luck with your showing and training! 

Love, 

Equestrian Fashion Outfitters 

Tags:
Older Post Back to Riders of the Month Newer Post

Leave a comment