A Walk down Memory Lane with Nicola Sime-Riley

One of our favourite things about many of the Grand Prix showjumpers in South Africa is how willing they are to share their stories and little ‘tidbits’ on how each individual can better themselves in the saddle. Often these riders are seen as unapproachable but at the end of the day, those top riders that ignite our passion for competition and inspire us with their talents are in the sport for the same reason as everyone else; the love of our great equines.

One rider, in particular, caught our attention of late with her undeniable passion for the sport and all that connects it back to the horses. Her natural talent in the saddle inspires hundreds of riders around the country, her love for her horses is unmistakable, and her passion for it all shines brightly through her coaching, breeding, and development initiatives. In our latest segment, Interviews, we chat to the 3-time winner of the President’s Cup, Nicola Sime-Riley.

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The JumpOff: You started your competitive career quite late, in comparison to most, how old were you and what drew you to the horses and a riding career? 

Nicola Sime-Riley: I started riding at 5 years old and just loved it. As a Junior, I jumped up to the JD (back then) level and then bought and sold a few horses from the age of 15. I started teaching a few beginners when I was 16 and helped out with some of the young horses at the yard owned by Lesley Delaney. She saw some potential in me and tried to get my parents more involved but they weren’t interested. We then moved to a small yard where I carried on doing some teaching. I met a lady, Cassandra Hunter, who, basically helped me to get going and then I was very fortunate to meet Gonda Betrix and that’s basically where my riding began. I think she thought “this girl sits nicely on a horse, let’s give her a chance” and then, my story began.

TJO: Which horse was your first “great teacher” and what did that partnership teach you?

Sime-Riley: Bodenhausen Torra Bay was my first teacher. He ‘taught’ me how to ride as I couldn’t see a stride for love nor money. The poor horse had knee boots on to protect his knees and he was spooky and very tricky to ride. 

TJO: Who was your first horse at the 1.50m levels and how did that partnership come to be?

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Sime-Riley: Sharp Colt was a naughty little Thoroughbred that we bought for Cassandra Hunter to ‘learn’ to ride but he was cheeky and she never rode him once so I was the entertainment at shows. She told me to sell him and so I decided to buy half shares until 6 months down the line, I bought him outright at just 19 years old. It took me 2 years to pay him off but he is where my journey to international A-grade started. Blade, as he was lovingly known, jumped with the heart of a lion and gave me his all. No one thought he would make it to the top levels but he put my name on the map. He had an unfortunate accident in the paddock and broke his leg in 2009.

There were rumblings about me being a ‘one horse wonder’ but I have been very fortunate, and had another 4 horses that have given me more opportunities to jump at the top levels again. I have had wonderful people behind me, helping and giving me opportunities to have these great horses as well as people that have put their trust in me to ride their horses for them. They hopefully know who they all are and I thank each and every one of them.

TJO: You self-produce all your horses, is there a reason you choose to do this versus buying a going horse?

Sime-Riley: Firstly I love teaching young horses, it’s my passion, and secondly, I don’t have the finances to buy top going horses.  

TJO: Who has been your most challenging horse to bring on and why?

Sime-Riley: There have been so many. I’m known as the ‘rider with all the naughty horses’. They seem to find me or get sent to be ridden and sold and then they end up staying. I love the naughty, cheeky, and brave ones. 

TJO: Do you have a current favourite horse from your string?

Sime-Riley: Hmm… I love them all, they’re all so different and have their own personalities. Connoisseur is my Rolls-Royce of horses, he just knows my every thought before it even happens

TJO: As a coach, your students are highly competitive and very ‘correct’, if there a specific philosophy you practise with your pupils?

Sime-Riley: They are all self-driven which is the number one characteristic of a great athlete (no matter what sport, in my opinion). I am very strict and if they want to succeed, things have to be done correctly.

TJO: You’re involved in many aspects of the riding industry from coaching to breeding to initiatives, among others, how do you manage your time and what keeps you motivated?

Sime-Riley: I have a passion and I love to teach, ride and help others. The breeding is just so I can have my next top horse, hopefully, by using proven mares and stallions. I have some exciting youngsters starting this year.

TJO: The S.P.E.D. (Sunny Park Equestrian Development) programme is a great initiative. What inspired you to begin the programme and what do you hope to achieve with the programme long-term?

Sime-Riley: I have always been driven to get the development going because there are some great riders and they need some help.

TJO: Do you have a riding idol? If so, who is it and why?

Sime-Riley: Gonda Betrix is my idol. She’s a legend and the trainer who has moulded me into the rider I am today.

TJO: Having won so many titles already, what are your goals for the upcoming few years?

Sime-Riley: To ride and love it while I’m doing it. I just love being in the arena and jumping these amazing majestical creatures that try and give their all to me ❤

TJO: Do you have intentions of competing overseas at all?

Sime-Riley: I would love to, [so], maybe one day when I’m big 😉 Karin Koep from Rivendell stud and I have big dreams for the youngsters we have together.

TJO: For up and coming young riders, what advice can you impart for a successful journey to achieving their goals?

Sime-Riley: The harder you work, the more hours you put in, the better you get… Reach for the stars, dream big and make your dreams come true.

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Nicola’s story is inspiring and relatable to many showjumpers across the globe. Above all else, her success is largely linked to her dedication to all aspects of her career. We thank Nicola for sharing her story with us and wish her great success and many ribbons with her future endeavours.

-The JumpOff-

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